Limais 41% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (61/10) vs Santiago "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $10/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Lima
🇨🇱 Santiago
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $33/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $45/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.99, dorms avg $10
★★★★★
Coffee $3.52, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.38, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $3.49, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
30 attractions
★★★★★
29 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Lima | 🇨🇱 Santiago | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $19 cheaper | $33 | $13/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $37 cheaper | $53 | $16/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $70 cheaper | $86 | $16/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Lima | 🇨🇱 Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.46 58% less | $10.70 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $14.88 38% less | $23.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.38 32% less | $3.49 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.99 15% less | $3.52 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.71 16% less | $0.85 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪▼
Lima
Peru
61
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night). Plenty to see (30 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBeraja Family Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels19
🇨🇱▼
Santiago
Chile
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMaktub Europa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Lima
🇨🇱 Santiago
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Lima & Santiago
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Lima
26°C
High
/
21°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 29mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇱 Santiago
27°C
High
/
15°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 4mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇪 Lima
1. Fortaleza de CampoyFree
2. Arco de SalamancaFree
3. Circuito Mágico del AguaFree
4. El DinosaurioFree
5. Huaca La PalmaFree
🇨🇱 Santiago
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lima or Santiago cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lima vs Santiago?+
Do I need a visa for Lima or Santiago?+
When is the best time to visit Lima or Santiago?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Lima and Santiago?+
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