Skip to main content

City research

Retire in Lima

A closer look at Lima, including Historic Centre and Miraflores.

Lima retirement destination
10,000,000Population estimate
2,000-3,500 PEN/monthAverage rent

At a glance

The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.

Population estimate10,000,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety50Safety index
Healthcare7/10Quality rating
Average rent2,000-3,500 PEN/monthMonthly cost

Why Lima

The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.

  • Historic Centre
  • Miraflores
  • Barranco
  • Larco Museum

Housing snapshot

One bedroom
2,000-3,200 PEN/month
Three bedrooms
3,500-6,000 PEN/month
Purchase, city center
6,000-9,500 PEN/m²

Costs and daily life

Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.

Monthly essentials

Groceries
1,000-1,600 PEN
Utilities
300-500 PEN
Transport
90-140 PEN (Metropolitano pass)
Health insurance
Approx. 150-350 PEN/month

Healthcare

Hospital quality
3.5/5
Doctor visit
50-120 PEN
Emergency response
15-25 minutes
Specialist wait time
1-4 weeks

Getting around

Walkability
50/100
Public transport
6/10
Airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport
Airport distance
11km from city center

Climate and community

The details that determine how a place feels through the year.

Climate

Average temperature
20°C
Summer high
27°C
Winter low
13°C
Rainfall
80 days/year
Sunshine
2,500 hours/year

Expat community

Expat population
20,000
Population share
2%
Main nationalities
Spanish, American, Italian
Integration support
Spanish language schools, Expat forums

Neighborhoods to compare

A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.

Miraflores

Why it works: Safe, tourist-friendly, amenities

Watch for: Expensive

Barranco

Why it works: Bohemian, artistic

Watch for: Can be touristy

San Isidro

Why it works: Upscale, business

Watch for: Expensive

Surco

Why it works: Residential, family-friendly

Watch for: Further out

Lifestyle and recreation

A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.

Dining4.5/5Local rating
Culture4/5Local rating
Nightlife3.5/5Local rating
Shopping4/5Local rating
Green space3.5/5Local rating

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about retiring in Lima

What is the cost of living in Lima?

The published one-bedroom rent for Lima is 2,000-3,200 PEN/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.

Is Lima safe for retirees and expats?

The directory safety index for Lima is 50/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 50/100 and public-transport coverage is 6/10.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Lima for retirees?

The listed retirement neighborhoods in Lima include Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.

How is the healthcare system in Lima?

Lima hospital facilities are rated 3.5/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately 50-120 PEN; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.

What transportation options are available in Lima?

Lima has a public-transport efficiency score of 6/10 and coverage score of 6/10. The walkability score is 50/100, and the nearest international airport is 11km from city center.

What is the climate like in Lima?

Lima has an average temperature of 20°C with 80 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.

Are there other expats and retirees in Lima?

Lima has a listed international-resident share of 2% and the recorded nationalities are Spanish and American. Integration services are Spanish language schools, Expat forums, Visa assistance; availability should be confirmed locally.

What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Peru?

Peru lists Rentista resident visa for pensioners. The published annual income figure is USD 12,000 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.

What tax points should retirees check before moving to Peru?

The country-level tax notes list income tax: Progressive up to 30%. CGT: 0%. Inherit: Progressive 0−10%.; property tax: Municipal predial varies by district and assessed value; VAT or sales tax: 18% IGV (16% IGV + 2% municipal tax). Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.

Can foreigners buy property near Lima?

Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.

Continue your research

Compare the wider destination.

Use the parent guide to see how this city fits within the larger country or state.

Back to Peru