A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paris or Lima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or Lima?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Paris?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €265, while the average daily cost in Lima is €81. 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 Paris and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 153
    Lima 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 306
    Lima 88
Compare Hotels in Paris and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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.

Hotels in Paris


Hotels in Lima


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Lima 5.16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private round trip transfer from/to Paris airports: $24
  • Private transfer from/to CDG, ORLY airports <=> DISNEYLAND: $24
  • Private Transfer Service in Paris – Select Your Route: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Train Station to Hotel in Paris: $42
  • Private Transfer Arrival and Departure Orly Airport ORY: $44
  • CDG Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Shuttle Arrival Transfer from Paris Airport to Hotel/ Apartment: $47
  • Paris Airport Transfers, City Transfers and Disposal Services: $48
  • Transfer From/To Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG): $48
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Private Departure Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer from Disneyland Paris to Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports: $52
  • Transfer From Paris City Center to Orly Airport (ORY): $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    4.88
  • Taxi Ride
    4.88
  • Short Taxi Ride
    3.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
  • Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $263
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $220
  • Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $201
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $201
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $201
  • Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
  • Full Day Small Group Tour in Caral with Transfer: $158
  • 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package, hotels & transfers: $140
  • Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
  • Private Transfer from Lima to Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Paris 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paris 72
    Lima 27
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $60
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $66
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $78
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • Paris Unlimited Brunch Cruise and Cooking Workshop: $94
  • Private French Home Cooking Class in Paris with Local Chef Ioana: $99
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $102
  • French Gourmet Cuisine: Dinner and Wine Pairing: $106
  • Paris 3-Course Gourmet Dinner and Sightseeing Seine River Cruise : $110

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    3.91
  • Ice cream
    3.17
  • Coffee
    2.69
  • Donut
    0.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $40
  • Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $42
  • Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $44
  • Lima Street Food Tour | Markets & Local Life: $45
  • Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $58
  • #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $59
  • Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
  • Best Cooking Classes and Local Market Visit in Miraflores: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris 76
    Lima 7.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Paris Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.58
  • Central Paris Highlights Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.38
  • Eiffel Tower Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
  • Paris WWII: Occupation & Liberation Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Paris Jewish Quarter Marais Smartphone GPSAPP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Champs Elysées Paris Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $8.35
  • Latin Quarter, Paris Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Paris Big Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Montmartre Paris Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Paris Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Paris Self-Guided Walking Tour through Art and History: $8.36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    15
  • Movie Tickets
    2.07

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $30
  • Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
  • Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
  • The best of Lima walking tour: $216
  • Tour to Pillones Waterfalls and Imata Stone Forest: $40
  • #1 Full Day Tour From Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: $59
  • 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
  • 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Lima 5.07
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Paris International Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Fun Games: $18
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $36
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $47
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $59
  • Paris New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $84
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $94
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $106
  • Paris Amateur Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting : $114
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $114
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.57
  • Beer
    3.66
  • Cocktail
    2.93

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
  • Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Lima, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paris or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris or Lima?

Paris 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 Paris or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

Paris is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than Lima. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Lima. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Paris is cooler than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives more rain than Lima. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Lima. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In January, Paris is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Lima. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Paris is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Lima. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Paris

Paris Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)