Lima, Peru
South America · Arid
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city that seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and stunning natural beauty, Lima is an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city offers a relatively low cost of living, a growing expat community, and a modern infrastructure that supports remote work.
At a Glance — Lima
City Personality
Lima is a city that balances modernity with tradition, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and modern amenities.
Best For
- remote workers
- digital nomads
- expatriates
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a fast-paced city
- families with young children
Internet Speed in Lima
Lima offers fast and reliable internet, with average fixed upload speeds of 283.8 Mbps and mobile upload speeds of 23.9 Mbps. This makes it suitable for remote work, video calls, and cloud development. However, latency can be a issue, with an average fixed latency of 7.5 ms and mobile latency of 28.4 ms.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Cost of Living in Lima
Lima has a relatively low cost of living, with a monthly budget of $506 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $741, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around $1,244. Food prices are also affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $35.
Visa Options for Lima, Peru
Peru does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.
Peru offers a digital nomad visa, but the requirements and benefits are not clearly defined. Digital nomads should research the visa requirements and regulations before moving to Lima.
See what visa you need for Lima based on your passport
Is Lima Safe?
Lima has a high crime rate, with a crime index of 70.08. Digital nomads should exercise caution when walking alone, especially at night, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Safety Tips for Lima
- Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
- Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
- Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Lima Climate & Weather
Lima has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C. The city experiences a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April.
Lima has a Arid climate.Extremely hot and dry year-round.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Real Estate Market in Lima
Lima offers affordable housing options, with a price-to-income ratio of 14.84. Digital nomads can find apartments in the city center or outside, with prices ranging from $349 to $1,244 per month.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 14.8 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Rental yields in the city centre are strong (6.7%) — potential for passive income.
- Mortgage costs take up 159.6% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Healthcare Quality in Lima
Lima has good healthcare services, with a healthcare index of 59.05. Digital nomads can find quality medical care in the city, but may want to consider additional insurance for peace of mind.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
Power Grid in Peru
Lima has a reliable electricity grid, with a grid access of 96.2%. The city also has a growing renewable energy sector, with 30.6% of its energy coming from renewable sources.
Energy Mix
Traffic & Commute in Lima
Lima experiences heavy traffic congestion, with a traffic index of 234.78. Digital nomads should plan for long commute times and consider alternative transportation options.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
- With an average commute of 51.21 min, choose accommodation near your daily spots to save time.
- Car dependency is high — factor in parking costs and traffic when choosing where to live.
- CO₂ emissions from transport are high — you may prefer walkable neighborhoods to reduce exposure.
- Traffic inefficiency is high — avoid rush hour travel and plan routes with real-time navigation.
Pollution & Environment in Lima
Lima experiences air pollution concerns, with an air quality index of 84.44. Digital nomads should take precautions to protect themselves from poor air quality.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water — tap water quality is a concern.
- Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
- Green spaces are limited — plan weekend trips outside the city for nature.
- Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
- Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lima
- Is Lima a good destination for digital nomads?
- Yes, Lima offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and rich culture, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
- What is the cost of living in Lima?
- Lima has a relatively low cost of living, with a monthly budget of $506 excluding rent.
- Is the internet reliable in Lima?
- Yes, Lima offers fast and reliable internet, with average fixed upload speeds of 283.8 Mbps and mobile upload speeds of 23.9 Mbps.
- What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Lima?
- Peru offers a digital nomad visa, but the requirements and benefits are not clearly defined. Digital nomads should research the visa requirements and regulations before moving to Lima.
- Is Lima a safe city?
- Lima has a high crime rate, with a crime index of 70.08. Digital nomads should exercise caution when walking alone, especially at night, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
- What is the climate like in Lima?
- Lima has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C.
- Are there coworking spaces in Lima?
- No, there are no coworking spaces listed in Lima. Remote workers can find alternative workspaces such as cafes, business centers, and home offices.
- What is the healthcare like in Lima?
- Lima has good healthcare services, with a healthcare index of 59.05. Digital nomads can find quality medical care in the city, but may want to consider additional insurance for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Lima's internet infrastructure supports most remote work activities, but latency may affect real-time collaboration.
Remote workers can find alternative workspaces in Lima, but the coworking scene is still developing.
Lima offers an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Digital nomads should research the visa requirements and regulations before moving to Lima.
Digital nomads should be aware of the high crime rate in Lima and take necessary precautions.
Lima's mild climate makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Lima offers affordable housing options for digital nomads.
Lima offers good healthcare services for digital nomads.
Lima's reliable electricity grid and growing renewable energy sector support remote work.
Lima's heavy traffic congestion can affect commute times and daily life.
Lima's air pollution concerns can affect digital nomads' health and well-being.
Lima is a great base for exploring nearby destinations in Peru.