Lima vs Amsterdam: Cost of Living Comparison
The cost of living difference between Lima, Peru, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, is stark. While Lima offers one of the most affordable urban lifestyles in South America, Amsterdam is one of Europe's most expensive hubs. Choosing between them involves balancing Lima's low service and food costs against Amsterdam's high-quality infrastructure and significantly higher price tags for housing and daily essentials.
Is Lima more expensive than Amsterdam?
No, Lima is significantly more affordable than Amsterdam. On average, consumer prices in Amsterdam (excluding rent) are approximately 85% higher than in Lima. When including rent, the gap widens further, as Amsterdam's housing market is notoriously competitive and expensive. However, it is important to note that the local purchasing power in Amsterdam is nearly 180% higher than in Lima, meaning that while costs are higher in the Netherlands, local salaries typically scale to meet those expenses more effectively than in Peru.
Housing and Rent in Lima vs Amsterdam
Housing represents the most significant price divide. A one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam's city center averages between $2,100 and $2,700 USD per month. In contrast, a similar apartment in an upscale district of Lima like Miraflores or San Isidro ranges from $650 to $950 USD. For those looking to buy, the price per square meter in Amsterdam is roughly 400% higher than in Lima, reflecting the extreme scarcity of real estate in the Dutch capital.
Groceries and Dining: Lima vs Amsterdam
Lima is a world-renowned culinary destination where high-quality food is remarkably accessible. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Lima costs about $40 USD, whereas the same experience in Amsterdam would exceed $95 USD. Grocery shopping follows this trend; fresh produce and local staples in Lima are roughly 50% cheaper than in Amsterdam. However, imported goods and specialty items in Lima can sometimes approach European prices due to import taxes.
Getting Around: Public Transit and Fuel
Amsterdam's transportation is dominated by its world-class cycling infrastructure and an efficient, albeit expensive, public transit network (a monthly pass is approximately $90 USD). In Lima, the public transit system is more fragmented and congested, but much cheaper, with a monthly pass costing around $35 USD. While petrol is significantly more expensive in Amsterdam due to high taxes, the cost of ride-hailing services like Uber is much lower in Lima, where a cross-city trip often costs under $8 USD.
Lifestyle, Gyms, and Utilities
Utilities (electricity, water, heating, and waste) for a standard 85m² apartment in Amsterdam average around $260 USD per month, compared to just $75 USD in Lima. Monthly gym memberships are relatively similar, often ranging between $40 and $60 USD in both cities for premium facilities. Entertainment, such as cinema tickets or a cocktail at a bar, is typically 40% to 60% more expensive in Amsterdam than in Lima.
How to get from Lima to Amsterdam
There are currently no direct flights between Lima (LIM) and Amsterdam (AMS). Travelers usually opt for one-stop connections through major European hubs such as Madrid (MAD) with Iberia or Air Europa, or Paris (CDG) with Air France. Alternatively, connections through Bogota (BOG) or Panama City (PTY) are common. The total travel time typically ranges from 15 to 19 hours depending on the layover duration.
The Verdict: Lima or Amsterdam?
The choice depends on your financial priorities and lifestyle goals. Lima is ideal for digital nomads and expatriates with foreign income who want to enjoy a luxury lifestyle, world-class dining, and a low cost of living. Amsterdam is better suited for professionals seeking high career growth, exceptional public safety, and a bike-friendly, organized European environment, provided they have the high income necessary to navigate the expensive housing market.
Borderly AI