Is it your dream to live in Peru?
With its low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that you have a desire to live in Peru.
In fact, the idea to live in Peru as an expat is nothing new. Currently, about 100,000 foreigners live in Peru.
But, what exactly is the cost of living in Peru? And, why is living in Peru so great for foreigners?
Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about living in Peru.
Cost of Living in Peru
If you’re thinking about moving to Peru, the biggest thing you’re probably wondering about is the cost of living.
If you’re coming from the US or any other developed nation, there’s no doubt that living in Peru will be much cheaper for you.
To make things simple, we’re going to talk about the cost of living in Peru vs the United States. According to Numbeo, consumer prices Peru are 46.09 percent lower than they are in the United States.
Rent prices in Peru are 67.99 percent lower than they are in the United States. Restaurant prices are 64.34 percent lower in Peru. Grocery prices are 50.03 percent lower in Peru. And, consumer prices including rent is 53.61 percent lower in Peru than it is in the US.
Let’s look at some examples to further highlight the cost of living in Peru compared to the US:
- An inexpensive meal for two will cost you about $15 in the US, it’ll only cost you about $3 in Peru
- In the US, a one-hour taxi ride will cost you about $28.00, whereas it’ll cost you about $6.00 in Peru
- Utilities for a 915 square foot apartment will cost you about $151 in the US, and just $61 in Peru
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a major city center in the US will cost approximately $1300, whereas it’ll cost you about $395 in Peru
- Living outside the city center, you’ll pay approximately $1003 in the US for a one-bedroom, whereas in Peru you’ll only pay $255 (you can visit this site to find somewhere to rent or buy)
As you can see, it’s much cheaper to live in Peru than it is in the US. However, keep in mind that wages are also much lower in Peru.
In fact, the average monthly wage in Peru is around 1830 sols, or $550 USD. So, if you plan to work there (as an English teacher or other) you’ll need to factor in the local wages when figuring out your monthly budget.
Benefits of Living in Peru
So, we’ve definitely determined that you can save huge amounts of money by living in Peru instead of the US.
However, does the money you save make the move worth it?
Let’s take a look at the top benefits of living in Peru so you can decide for yourself:
Simple Visa Process
One of the biggest reasons that ex-pats are drawn to Peru is because of the simple visa process.
If you’re moving there to retire, you simply need to prove that you have a monthly income of $1000 (this can include social security) and a clean criminal record.
After living in the country for three years, you can apply for naturalization.
If you’re moving there to work or to study, the work and student visas are also very straightforward.
Best of all, if you’d like to test out living in Peru before making it your permanent home, you can travel there as a tourist for 6 months (183 days, to be exact) without a visa. This gives you plenty of time to get the lay of the land and figure out what city you want to live in.
The Weather
Another great thing about moving to Peru is the weather.
In Peru, there are three distinct regions with their own unique weather patterns.
The coastal region is mostly desert with a dry and hot climate. Inland, you’ll find the Andes and the highlands, and the weather is marked by a dry season and a wet season.
On the eastern border of Peru, you’ll find the jungle, which is marked by humid temperatures and rainfall year-round.
Basically, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs in Peru. And, the great thing is that the weather in Peru never seems to get too hot or too cold.
Rich Culture and History
Peru has a fascinating culture and history, and you simply won’t be able to fully appreciate it during a two-week vacation.
As you may already know, Peru is home to many ancient Incan sites (with Macchu Picchu being the most famous).
Plus, with the early influence of Spaniards and Incans and the later influence of West Africans and Asian immigrants, Peru has a rich cultural tapestry.
This cultural tapestry is definitely reflected in the country’s food, as here you can find everything from traditional Peruvian dishes to restaurants that serve Peruvian–Asian fusion.
The People
Of course, nice weather and great food don’t mean anything if the people are cold and hostile.
Luckily, Peruvians are extremely generous and friendly. In fact, they’re sometimes said to be the nicest people in the world.
And, in addition to the locals being incredibly friendly, there’s also a large ex-pat community that exists in Peru, particularly in larger cities like Lima and Cusco.
In Lima, the districts of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro attract a wide ex-pat community, as does the coastal city of Mancora.
Are You Ready to Move to Peru?
Now that you know about the cost of living in Peru and all the great reasons to move there, it’s time to pack your bags and head out!
Remember, you can always test the waters by living there for 6 months before you take the plunge to live there permanently.
Also, if you liked this post, be sure to check back in with our blog for more info on what it’s like to live in other countries.
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