Which place is cheaper, Lima or Wellington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Wellington or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Wellington 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: Wellington or Lima?
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Wellington Prices
New Zealand PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWellington $124Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $124, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Wellington and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWellington $60Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWellington $120Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Wellington $12Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
- Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
- Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
- Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
- WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM) : $34
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer To Lima Airport: $20
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Round Trip Transfer from and to the Airport in Miraflores/Barranco/Sani : $33
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- Private Transfers from/to Lima Airport (Price per Vehicle): $29
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $201
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Wellington 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 dayWellington $51Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Wellington $16Lima $9.15
Tours and Activities in Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.95
- Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
- Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $32
- Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
- Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
- Zealandia by Day Tour: $37
- Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
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)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Tour From Lima (Private Group): $190
- Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $30
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
- Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
- Sunset in Huacachina and Tacama: Private Tour from Lima: $220
- #1 Full Day Tour From Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: $59
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 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
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWellington $12Lima $5.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
- Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391
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$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Lima, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Wellington or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Lima?
Wellington 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 Wellington or Lima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Lima. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In January, Wellington is generally around the same temperature as Limain July. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wellington this time of the year. In the summer, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 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 January and JulyWellington 18°C (64°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Wellington is cooler than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Limain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 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 April and OctoberWellington 15°C (58°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Wellington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the winter, Wellington is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wellington in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
In the winter, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 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 July and JanuaryWellington 10°C (49°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Lima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Lima. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Wellington is generally much colder than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 13°C (55°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Limain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 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 October and AprilWellington 13°C (55°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Wellington
| Wellington | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.