Doha vs. Lima: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Doha, with a population of approximately 1.2 million in Qatar, presents a significantly more affluent economic landscape compared to Lima, Peru, which is home to over 10 million residents. The average net salary in Doha stands at $2,996.69 per month, substantially higher than Lima's average of $642.42. This economic disparity is reflected in the property market, where Doha's GDP per capita is $135,000, contrasted with Lima's $15,300. The cost of living index in Doha is 45.22, considerably lower than Lima's 35.22, indicating that while Lima is more affordable overall, the higher income in Doha supports a more expensive lifestyle. For those considering property investment, Doha's price-to-income ratio is 10.36, lower than Lima's 22.66, suggesting that property is a more accessible investment in Doha relative to its income levels.

When it comes to housing, Lima offers significantly more affordable options. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Lima costs approximately $589.33 per month, compared to Doha's $1,742.33 for a similar property. Outside the city center, Lima's 1-bedroom apartments are priced at $183.50 per month, much lower than Doha's $404.67. For those looking to purchase property, the price per square meter in Lima's city center is $2,273.09, with properties outside costing $1,493.75. In contrast, Doha's city center property price is $4,993.09 per square meter, with properties outside priced at $2,993.09. Transportation costs also reflect the economic difference, with a monthly public transport pass in Lima costing $19.65, compared to Doha's $40.00. The price of a compact car is also higher in Doha, at $24,993.00, compared to Lima's $21,990.00.

The quality of life in Doha is considerably superior to that in Lima. Doha scores 169.13 on the overall quality of life index, while Lima scores 91.86. This difference is particularly evident in healthcare, where Doha scores 85.3 and Lima scores 58.8. Safety is another area where Doha outperforms Lima, with scores of 78.9 and 29.9 respectively. The climate index also favors Doha, with a score of 97.7 compared to Lima's 40.2. While Lima has some neighborhoods with high quality of life scores, such as Tarma with 237.92, these scores appear to be misaligned with typical quality of life metrics, suggesting potential data anomalies or different measurement criteria.

Doha offers more expensive but potentially higher-quality educational options. Monthly childcare for private preschool in Doha costs $599.33, compared to Lima's $331.54. International primary school tuition is also significantly higher in Doha at $16,666.67 per year, compared to Lima's $11,124.33. These differences reflect the overall economic disparity between the two cities, with Doha providing more expensive but likely superior educational facilities.

Doha presents a significantly more expensive but higher-quality living environment compared to Lima. While Lima offers substantially more affordable housing and transportation, the quality of life, healthcare, and safety metrics are considerably better in Doha. The decision between these two cities would depend heavily on individual priorities regarding cost versus quality of life.