Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Peru Property Pack
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If you are considering retiring in Peru, you are probably wondering how much money you actually need to live there comfortably in 2026.
In this article, we break down the real monthly costs, rental prices, property values, visa requirements, and healthcare expenses that foreign retirees face in Peru right now, and we update this blog post regularly to keep numbers fresh.
We also cover the current housing prices in Peru so you can see exactly what your budget will get you in different neighborhoods.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Peru.
How much money do I need to retire in Peru right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Peru?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Peru as a retiree is roughly S/ 3,000 to S/ 3,900 (around $900 to $1,150 USD or €830 to €1,060 EUR), which is tight but doable if you stick to basic needs in urban areas like Lima or Arequipa.
At this minimum level in Peru, your budget covers a small studio or one-bedroom rental in a non-premium neighborhood, groceries from local markets, basic utilities, public transportation, and a modest healthcare buffer, but not much else.
Living on this minimum in Peru means real trade-offs: you will likely skip newer buildings with better security, avoid most Western-style restaurants, limit travel outside your city, and rely on public healthcare or minimal private coverage, which can feel risky as you age.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000/month (around S/ 6,700) in Peru gives you a comfortable-but-not-flashy lifestyle where you can cover all basics, eat out regularly at local restaurants, and have a decent private health insurance plan without constantly watching every expense.
For housing on $2,000/month in Peru, you can realistically rent a good one-bedroom apartment in solid middle-class Lima districts like Jesus Maria, Pueblo Libre, Magdalena del Mar, or Lince for around S/ 1,850 to S/ 2,850 ($550 to $850 USD or €510 to €785 EUR), or get even more space in smaller cities like Arequipa or Trujillo.
At this budget in Peru, you can enjoy frequent meals at local cevicherias and chifas, join a gym, take weekend trips to nearby destinations like Paracas or Ica, and participate in expat meetups, though you will likely not be dining at Lima's famous high-end restaurants regularly.
The main limitation at $2,000/month in Peru is housing quality: you will probably choose between a prime location with a smaller unit or a larger apartment in a less central neighborhood, and building amenities like 24/7 security, pools, or newer elevators may be limited.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000/month (around S/ 10,000) in Peru delivers a very comfortable retiree lifestyle where you can live in desirable neighborhoods, have solid healthcare coverage, travel domestically, and enjoy most things without constant budgeting stress.
For housing on $3,000/month in Peru, you can rent a nice one-bedroom or compact two-bedroom in expat-favorite Lima districts like Miraflores, Barranco, or parts of San Isidro for S/ 2,000 to S/ 3,600 ($600 to $1,100 USD or €555 to €1,015 EUR), with better building security, newer finishes, and walkable access to parks and restaurants.
At this budget in Peru, you can dine at Lima's acclaimed restaurants regularly, book weekend flights to Cusco or Arequipa, hire a cleaner once or twice a week, and join clubs or hobby groups without worrying, which opens up Peru's famous culinary and cultural scene to you.
The key upgrade from $2,000 to $3,000/month in Peru is peace of mind: you get better building security in Lima, a stronger healthcare plan that covers more clinics, and the flexibility to handle surprise expenses like dental work or a family visit without derailing your finances.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000/month (around S/ 16,800) in Peru means a high-end lifestyle with upscale housing, premium healthcare, and plenty of room for travel and leisure, while $10,000/month (around S/ 33,600) puts you in the luxury category where almost nothing is off the table.
For premium housing in Peru, $5,000/month gets you an upscale two-bedroom in Miraflores or San Isidro with ocean views, modern amenities, and top security for around S/ 4,000 to S/ 6,000 ($1,200 to $1,800 USD or €1,110 to €1,660 EUR), while $10,000/month opens doors to penthouse-level apartments or even a second home in areas like the Sacred Valley.
At the $5,000 to $10,000/month range in Peru, you can access Lima's best private clinics with concierge-style care, fly internationally several times a year, dine at Central or Maido (Peru's world-ranked restaurants) regularly, and hire full-time household help if you want it.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement budget in Peru is around S/ 9,200 to S/ 12,600 per month ($2,750 to $3,750 USD or €2,540 to €3,460 EUR), which covers good housing, healthcare, regular dining out, and domestic travel without constant penny-pinching.
For unexpected expenses in Peru, you should add a 20% buffer to your comfortable budget, meaning an extra S/ 1,850 to S/ 2,500 ($550 to $750 USD or €510 to €690 EUR) per month set aside for currency fluctuations, health emergencies, family visits, or bureaucratic fees that catch many foreigners off guard.
A comfortable retirement budget in Peru covers things a basic budget cannot: better building security with 24/7 guards, a mid-tier private health insurance plan, occasional domestic flights, cleaning help, and the flexibility to handle unexpected costs like visa renewals or dental procedures without stress.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement budget in Peru ranges from S/ 21,800 to S/ 33,600 per month ($6,500 to $10,000 USD or €6,000 to €9,230 EUR), which allows you to live without financial compromise in the country's best locations with top-tier services.
A luxury retirement in Peru means renting or owning in Miraflores's oceanfront high-rises or San Isidro's quietest streets for S/ 5,000 to S/ 10,000/month ($1,500 to $3,000 USD or €1,385 to €2,770 EUR), having premium private healthcare with international clinic access, employing full-time household staff, and dining at Lima's Michelin-starred restaurants weekly.
The neighborhoods most popular among luxury retirees in Peru are Miraflores (for its malecón views and walkability), San Isidro (for its quiet, embassy-area prestige), Barranco (for its artistic bohemian charm), and Santiago de Surco's gated enclaves (for family-friendly space and security).
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Peru beyond comfort is access: you get priority appointments at top clinics, seamless concierge services that handle bureaucracy for you, and the ability to leave the country for extended trips without worrying about your finances or home security.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Peru. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Peru in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Peru?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable retiree in Lima, Peru in 2026 looks roughly like this: housing (25-35%), food and groceries (15-20%), healthcare (7-15%), utilities and internet (4-6%), transportation (4-8%), services and entertainment (5-10%), and miscellaneous admin and clothing (5-8%), totaling around $3,000 to $3,600 USD (€2,770 to €3,325 EUR).
Housing typically takes the largest share of a retiree's budget in Peru, consuming about S/ 3,000 to S/ 4,400 ($900 to $1,300 USD or €830 to €1,200 EUR) per month for a comfortable one to two-bedroom apartment in a good Lima district, which represents 25% to 35% of total monthly spending.
Food and groceries in Peru usually account for about S/ 1,850 to S/ 2,850 ($550 to $850 USD or €510 to €785 EUR) per month for a single retiree, representing roughly 15% to 20% of the budget if you mix home cooking with regular meals at local restaurants.
The budget category that varies most depending on lifestyle in Peru is entertainment and services, because some retirees spend almost nothing on gym memberships, cleaning help, or hobbies, while others allocate S/ 500 to S/ 1,200 ($150 to $350 USD or €140 to €325 EUR) monthly for these extras.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Peru?
The top three hidden fees that surprise foreigners in Peru are building maintenance fees ("mantenimiento") which can add S/ 400 to S/ 850 ($120 to $250 USD or €110 to €230 EUR) monthly on top of rent, document translation and apostille costs for visa paperwork, and ongoing annual immigration fees that add up faster than expected.
For one-time setup costs when first arriving in Peru, foreigners should budget roughly S/ 1,000 to S/ 2,500 ($300 to $750 USD or €275 to €690 EUR) for the Carne de Extranjeria (foreigner ID card) issuance fees, initial apartment deposits (typically one to two months rent), utility connection fees, and the inevitable round of document translations and notarizations that immigration requires.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lima, Peru is around S/ 1,700 to S/ 2,150 ($500 to $640 USD or €460 to €590 EUR), while a two-bedroom averages S/ 2,500 to S/ 3,100 ($750 to $930 USD or €690 to €860 EUR), though prices vary dramatically by district.
For a one-bedroom in Peru, rent ranges from budget-friendly neighborhoods like San Miguel or Lince at around S/ 1,500 to S/ 1,700 ($450 to $500 USD or €415 to €460 EUR) up to premium Miraflores or San Isidro at S/ 2,000 to S/ 2,500 ($600 to $750 USD or €555 to €690 EUR) monthly.
For a two-bedroom in Peru, the range goes from S/ 2,200 to S/ 2,500 ($660 to $750 USD or €610 to €690 EUR) in middle-class districts like Jesus Maria or Pueblo Libre up to S/ 3,100 to S/ 4,000 ($930 to $1,200 USD or €860 to €1,110 EUR) in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro.
The neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Peru are San Miguel, Pueblo Libre, Magdalena del Mar, and Jesus Maria in Lima, which combine reasonable prices with good safety, walkability, and access to parks and markets.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Peru.
What do utilities cost monthly in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, total monthly utilities for a typical retiree apartment in Peru cost around S/ 235 to S/ 470 ($70 to $140 USD or €65 to €130 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and S/ 370 to S/ 740 ($110 to $220 USD or €100 to €200 EUR) for a two-bedroom, depending on usage patterns.
For the individual breakdown in Peru, electricity typically runs S/ 100 to S/ 250 ($30 to $75 USD or €28 to €70 EUR) monthly depending on air conditioning use, water costs around S/ 35 to S/ 70 ($10 to $20 USD or €9 to €18 EUR), and gas (where applicable) adds another S/ 35 to S/ 70 ($10 to $20 USD or €9 to €18 EUR).
Internet and mobile phone service in Peru typically costs S/ 100 to S/ 200 ($30 to $60 USD or €28 to €55 EUR) monthly combined, with reliable home fiber internet running around S/ 70 to S/ 120 and a mobile plan with data adding S/ 30 to S/ 80.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Peru ranges from S/ 1,400 to S/ 4,000 ($420 to $1,200 USD or €390 to €1,110 EUR), depending heavily on whether you cook at home or dine out frequently and whether you use public transit or rideshares.
For groceries when cooking at home in Peru, a single retiree can expect to spend S/ 700 to S/ 1,200 ($210 to $360 USD or €195 to €330 EUR) monthly shopping at local markets and supermarkets, with significant savings possible by buying produce at traditional mercados rather than imported goods at upscale stores.
Dining out regularly in Peru adds up quickly: local menu del dia lunches cost S/ 12 to S/ 25 ($3.50 to $7.50 USD), while dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs S/ 50 to S/ 120 ($15 to $35 USD), meaning frequent restaurant eating can push food costs to S/ 1,800 to S/ 3,000 ($540 to $900 USD or €500 to €830 EUR) monthly.
For transportation in Peru, public transit (buses and the Lima Metro) costs around S/ 120 to S/ 200 ($35 to $60 USD or €32 to €55 EUR) monthly, while relying mainly on rideshare apps like Uber or Cabify pushes costs to S/ 400 to S/ 1,000 ($120 to $300 USD or €110 to €275 EUR), and owning a car adds fuel, insurance, and parking that can exceed S/ 1,500 ($450 USD) monthly.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Peru
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Can I retire in Peru if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average apartment sale price in Lima, Peru is around $1,900 per square meter, meaning a typical 70-square-meter apartment costs roughly S/ 447,000 ($133,000 USD or €123,000 EUR), though prices vary significantly by district.
For the price range in Peru, affordable neighborhoods like San Miguel or Surquillo average around S/ 378,000 to S/ 470,000 ($113,000 to $140,000 USD or €104,000 to €129,000 EUR) for a 70m² apartment, while premium districts like Miraflores or San Isidro run S/ 645,000 to S/ 750,000 ($192,000 to $224,000 USD or €177,000 to €207,000 EUR) for the same size.
For retirees in Peru, apartments in mid-rise buildings offer the best value because they combine modern security systems, elevator access, and building maintenance services that are essential as you age, while standalone houses often come with higher upkeep costs and less predictable security in many Lima neighborhoods.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Peru.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Peru should plan on a down payment of around 30%, meaning for an average S/ 447,000 ($133,000 USD or €123,000 EUR) Lima apartment, you would need roughly S/ 134,000 ($40,000 USD or €37,000 EUR) upfront plus closing costs.
Foreigners in Peru often face higher down payment requirements than locals because Peruvian banks apply stricter income verification standards to foreign-source income, and without a local credit history or employment, lenders reduce their risk by requiring more cash upfront.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Peru.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical 70m² apartment in Lima, Peru is around S/ 3,350 to S/ 4,530 ($1,000 to $1,350 USD or €925 to €1,245 EUR), which includes mortgage payment, building fees, property tax, insurance, and utilities.
This all-in ownership cost in Peru includes your mortgage payment (around S/ 2,540 or $757 USD for a 20-year loan at 7.5% on the financed portion), monthly building maintenance fees ("mantenimiento") of S/ 400 to S/ 850 ($120 to $250 USD), property tax and insurance of S/ 150 to S/ 400 ($45 to $120 USD), and utilities of S/ 235 to S/ 470 ($70 to $140 USD).
The typical monthly property tax in Peru (called "impuesto predial") runs S/ 80 to S/ 250 ($25 to $75 USD or €23 to €70 EUR) depending on property value, and HOA or maintenance fees ("mantenimiento") average S/ 400 to S/ 850 ($120 to $250 USD or €110 to €230 EUR) in decent Lima buildings with security and common areas.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers in Peru off guard is the "mantenimiento" or building maintenance fee, which is often not disclosed upfront during property searches but can add S/ 400 to S/ 850 monthly on top of your mortgage, effectively raising your housing cost by 15% to 25%.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Peru.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, renting is typically cheaper month-to-month than buying in Lima, Peru, with a comparable 70m² apartment costing around S/ 2,250 to S/ 3,000 ($670 to $900 USD or €620 to €830 EUR) to rent versus S/ 3,350 to S/ 4,530 ($1,000 to $1,350 USD or €925 to €1,245 EUR) all-in to own with a mortgage.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes cheaper than renting in Peru is around 7 to 10 years, assuming you stay in the same property and account for appreciation, mortgage paydown, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.
The key factors making buying more or less attractive for retirees in Peru are: foreigners face a constitutional restriction on owning property within 50 kilometers of borders (important if you are considering beach towns), mortgage approval can be difficult without local income history, and Lima's rental market offers enough quality options that many retirees prefer flexibility over ownership commitments.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Peru versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Peru in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option in Peru is the Rentista visa, which grants indefinite residency to foreigners with stable passive income, and the initial application costs around S/ 400 to S/ 600 ($120 to $180 USD or €110 to €165 EUR) in government fees plus translation and notarization expenses.
To qualify for the Rentista visa in Peru, you must prove a permanent monthly income of at least $1,000 USD (around S/ 3,350 or €920 EUR) from foreign sources like a pension, Social Security, or investment dividends, plus an additional $500 USD per dependent, and this income must be deposited into a Peruvian bank account.
For annual renewal costs, the Rentista visa in Peru technically has indefinite validity and does not require yearly renewal, but you should budget S/ 170 to S/ 500 ($50 to $150 USD or €46 to €138 EUR) annually for maintaining your Carne de Extranjeria (foreigner ID), occasional document updates, and administrative fees that accumulate over time.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Peru is underestimating paperwork requirements: many arrive on tourist visas expecting easy conversion, only to discover that document apostilles, certified translations, and income verification letters take weeks to obtain properly, causing stressful last-minute scrambles.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Peru.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, your tax obligation on foreign income in Peru depends entirely on whether you become "domiciled" (tax resident): non-domiciled individuals pay zero Peruvian tax on foreign income, while domiciled individuals are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 8% to 30%.
For foreign retirees in Peru, pensions derived from personal work abroad are generally exempt from Peruvian income tax under Article 18(d) of Peru's tax law, but investment income, rental income from abroad, and capital gains may be taxable once you become domiciled, so the type of income matters significantly.
Peru has tax treaties with several countries including Canada, Chile, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Switzerland, and Brazil, plus Andean Community agreements with Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador, but notably there is no tax treaty between Peru and the United States, meaning American retirees cannot rely on treaty protections to avoid double taxation.
The single most important tax rule for foreign retirees in Peru is the 183-day threshold: if you spend more than 183 days in Peru within a 12-month period, you become domiciled for tax purposes starting January 1 of the following year and will owe Peruvian tax on your worldwide income.
What health insurance do retirees need in Peru in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreign retirees in Peru need private health insurance, which costs around S/ 850 to S/ 2,000 ($250 to $600 USD or €230 to €555 EUR) monthly depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and coverage level, because relying solely on public healthcare is risky and often impractical.
Foreigners with legal residency in Peru can technically access public healthcare through SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud) or EsSalud, but eligibility depends on your specific visa status and employment situation, and even when accessible, public facilities often have long waits and limited English-speaking staff, making private coverage essential for most retirees.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Peru is S/ 15,000 to S/ 36,000 ($4,500 to $10,800 USD or €4,160 to €9,970 EUR), which includes private insurance premiums of S/ 10,000 to S/ 24,000, out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays of S/ 2,000 to S/ 6,000, and medications and routine care of S/ 3,000 to S/ 6,000 annually.
Buying real estate in Peru can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Peru, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) Housing Indicators | Peru's central bank compiles official district-level housing price and rent data. | We used BCRP's per-square-meter figures to calculate realistic apartment costs by district. We converted annual rent indicators to monthly costs using typical apartment sizes. |
| BCRP Exchange Rate Series | Official daily interbank exchange rates published by Peru's central bank. | We used the January 2026 rate of 3.358 PEN/USD for all currency conversions. We applied this rate consistently across all budget calculations. |
| BCRPData Mortgage Rate Series (via SBS) | Central bank data sourced from Peru's financial regulator for mortgage rates. | We used the December 2025 rate of 7.5% to calculate realistic mortgage payments. We applied this to estimate all-in ownership costs. |
| Peru Migraciones (Official Immigration Authority) | Government authority for all visa requirements and residency rules. | We used official Rentista visa requirements to explain income thresholds. We referenced fee schedules for accurate cost estimates. |
| PwC Peru Tax Summaries | Leading global professional services firm with verified tax guidance. | We used PwC's tax brackets and domicile rules to explain foreign income taxation. We referenced their treaty list for double taxation guidance. |
| SUNAT (Peru Tax Authority) | Official government tax authority with documentation on residency status. | We used SUNAT's guidance to explain the domiciled versus non-domiciled distinction. We referenced their certificates of residence information. |
| Pacifico Seguros | One of Peru's largest insurers with transparent health plan information. | We used their pricing notes to establish realistic private insurance cost ranges. We referenced their age-dependent premium guidance. |
| RIMAC Seguros | Major Peruvian insurer with specific products for older adults. | We used their Adulto Mayor plan to confirm retiree-specific coverage exists locally. We referenced their pricing for healthcare budget estimates. |
| Baker McKenzie Peru Real Estate Guide | Top-tier international law firm with high reputational stakes for accuracy. | We used their summary to explain the 50km border ownership restriction for foreigners. We referenced their guidance on property purchase procedures. |
| SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud) Official Page | Official government public health insurance program information. | We used SIS eligibility rules to explain public healthcare access for residents. We clarified why most retirees still need private coverage. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Peru compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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