Moving from Boston to Lima (2026)

Lima has a COL index of 40 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 75% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$2,813/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
162 โ†’ 40
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$3,000 โ†’ $500
per month
State tax
5% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
162 โ†’ 40
75% cheaper

Salary needed in Lima to match your Boston lifestyle

Based on the 75% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in BostonEquivalent in Lima
$40K$9,877
$50K$12,346
$60K$14,815
$75K$18,519
$80K$19,753
$100K$24,691
$120K$29,630
$150K$37,037

Adjust your salary

Save ~$2,653/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Boston vs Lima

ExpenseBostonLima
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,741
1BR rent$3,000$500
Groceries$418$380
Transport$90$150
Utilities$185$55
Internet$70$25
Left after essentials$665$3,631

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $2,653 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$3,236,583

over 30 years compared to staying in Boston โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$2,653/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Lima cheaper than Boston?

Yes. Lima has a cost of living index of 40 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 75% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Boston to Lima?

On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Lima saves roughly $2,813/month on core expenses. That's ~$33,756/year.

What salary do I need in Lima to match my Boston lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $18,519/year in Lima. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only