The Global Expat Hub
Peru
Lima's food scene, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and a very low cost of living; a Rentista visa that welcomes retirees, but healthcare and safety need planning.
Your plan for Peru checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Peru
Costs and character vary significantly within Peru. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Pacific coastal capital with world-class food scene and large expat community
Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu — high altitude, rich culture
White volcanic-stone city in the south — colonial charm and great climate
Peru by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Coast dry and grey (Lima never rains but is cloudy May–Nov), Andes cool with a Nov–Mar wet season, Amazon hot and wet.
Mean temperatures for Lima.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 15 mm (1 in) a year.
Snow Andes only.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationSPIJ (Ministry of Justice legal information) ↗
OverviewLaw of Peru on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Impuesto predial 0.2–1% of assessed value; low.
Local & regional income tax None regional; national 8–30%.
🎓 University
Public universities free (competitive entry); private $3–8k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Movistar, Claro, Entel, Bitel.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $10/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Rentista visa with tax-free foreign pension income on ~$1,000/mo
- Digital Nomad visa
- Very low cost of living
- Investor visa from ~$150k
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Peru embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Peru faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Peru: remote work you can do from Lima, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Peru and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peru safe for expats?
Peru scores 48 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 62 out of 100 for liveability — #51 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Peru?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Peru from around $1,600 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Peru?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Peru include: Rentista visa with tax-free foreign pension income on ~$1,000/mo; digital Nomad visa; very low cost of living; investor visa from ~$150k. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Peru for expats?
The top cities for expats in Peru profiled on this page are Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Lima is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.