Which place is cheaper, Lima or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tokyo or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Lima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Lima?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Lima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Lima $5.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $43
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $43
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $46
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $87
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Tokyo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayTokyo $37Lima $17
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.23
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
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Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Japanese Home Cooking Class near Tokyo Disneyland: $66
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $67
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $69Lima $8.57
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.27
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.34
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.92
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.71
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.23
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.54
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.54
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.54
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.54
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- The best of Lima walking tour: $198
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33Lima $5.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $80
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $137
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $233
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Lima, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Lima is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Lima?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Lima, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Lima?
Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tokyo or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the summer, Tokyo is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the summer, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Lima. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Lima. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Lima. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Lima. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Tokyo is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lima. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Tokyo is much colder than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Lima during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Lima. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.