Comparison
Lima vs Bogotá: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Bogotá costs 17% more than Lima: $1,255 against $1,073 a month, a difference of $182.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Lima | Bogotá | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $530 | $620 | +$90 |
| Groceries | $200 | $230 | +$30 |
| Transport | $45 | $50 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $60 | $65 | +$5 |
| Internet | $28 | $30 | +$2 |
| Coworking | $110 | $130 | +$20 |
| Entertainment | $100 | $130 | +$30 |
| Total per month | $1,073 | $1,255 | +$182 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $530 in Lima and $620 in Bogotá, which is $90 of the $182 gap. Lima has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Lima | Bogotá | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $467 | $580 | +$113 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $732 | $870 | +$138 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $1,073 | $1,255 | +$182 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,517 | $1,765 | +$248 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,538 | $1,780 | +$242 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $2,107 | $2,460 | +$353 |
Currency and exchange rates
Peru uses the Peruvian sol; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
Colombia uses the Colombian peso; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
A lower cost is not the same as a better fit. These figures do not measure housing quality, climate, safety or work opportunities.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Lima or Bogotá?
In our data, Lima has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $1,073 against $1,255 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Lima and Bogotá?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $380 to $750 in Lima, and $460 to $880 in Bogotá, depending on lifestyle.