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

This report compares the cost of living and quality of life between Paris, France, and Lima, Peru, based on available data. While Lima offers significantly lower costs for housing, transportation, food, and general expenses, Paris generally scores higher on quality metrics such as safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure. The decision between these two cities depends heavily on individual priorities regarding budget constraints versus desired quality of life. Paris, with a population of approximately 10.3 million, boasts a GDP per capita of $50,000 and a GDP growth rate of 0.94%. Lima, also with a population of around 10.3 million, has a lower GDP per capita of $15,300 and a slightly lower GDP growth rate of 0.55%. Both cities experience modest population growth, but Lima’s lower economic output reflects its position as Peru’s primary economic hub compared to Paris’s role in the global economy.

Housing

Climate Index

88.4 / 97.7

Cost of Living Index

78.8 / 35.2

Paris   Lima

Paris: The average cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center is €1,500/month, while a similar apartment outside the center costs €900/month. The property price-to-income ratio is 14.66. Lima: A 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately PEN 1,154/month, while one outside costs PEN 635/month. The property price-to-income ratio is 14.66, similar to Paris but at a much lower absolute cost.

Transportation

Health Care Index

77 / 58.8

Pollution Index

63.1 / 84.4

Paris   Lima

Paris: A monthly public transport pass costs €75, a taxi ride starts at €3.5, and gasoline is €1.8/L. A mid-size car costs approximately €30,000. Lima: A monthly public transport pass costs PEN 22.60, a taxi ride starts at PEN 3.60, and gasoline is PEN 1.32/L. A mid-size car costs approximately PEN 25,714.

Food and Daily Expenses

Purchasing Power Index

135 / 52.3

Quality of Life Index

149.5 / 91.9

Paris   Lima

Paris: An inexpensive meal costs €10, a mid-range restaurant meal for two costs €40, and basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage) cost €200/month. Lima: An inexpensive meal costs PEN 4.50, a mid-range restaurant meal for two costs PEN 29.70, and basic utilities cost PEN 63/month.

Safety and Health

Safety Index

42 / 29.9

Traffic Commute Time Index

41.2 / 51.2

Paris   Lima

Paris: The safety index is 85/100, and the healthcare index is 90/100, reflecting a high standard of public safety and medical services. Lima: The safety index is 29.85/100, and the healthcare index is 58.8/100, indicating significant challenges in safety and healthcare access.

Environment and Infrastructure

Paris: The climate index is 80/100, and the pollution index is 45/100, with well-developed public infrastructure and low commute times. Lima: The climate index is 97.69/100, but the pollution index is 84.44/100. Commute times are significantly higher, reflecting traffic congestion. Paris offers a higher quality of life with better safety, healthcare, and environmental conditions, but at a substantially higher cost. Lima provides a much lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing affordability over quality. The choice between these two cities depends on individual priorities and budget constraints.