Side-by-side city decision

# San Francisco vs Lima.

A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit.

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San FranciscoUnited States4
VS
LimaPeru1

$4,480San Francisco monthly budget
$950Lima monthly budget
150 MbpsSan Francisco internet
50 MbpsLima internet

Decision summary
San Francisco

San Francisco leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Lima

Speed
Fastest internet
San Francisco

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
San Francisco

Safety
Highest safety
San Francisco

Air
Cleanest air
Tie

Walk
Most walkable
San Francisco

Quick read

## Two cities at a glance

The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.

[San Francisco](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/san-francisco.md)
United States

4/6

Budget$4,480
Internet150 Mbps
Vibe8/10

[Lima](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/lima.md)
Peru

1/6

Budget$950
Internet50 Mbps
Vibe7/10

Full comparison

## Compare what matters

Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner.

Differences only

### Monthly budget and costs

7 signals

Total estimated budget
$4,480
$950

1-bed center rent
$3,200
$500

Coworking desk
$350
$150

Local meal
$20
$5

Cappuccino
$5.5
$2.5

Gym membership
$100
$30

Transport budget
$80
$30

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
150 Mbps
50 Mbps

Nomad vibe
8/10
7/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
60/100
45/100

Air quality
40/100
40/100

Walkability
9/10
7/10

Female safety
7/10
5/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
10/10
6/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Good
Average

English proficiency
Excellent
Basic

Climate type
Mediterranean
Desert - mild

Best time to visit
Sep - Nov
Dec - Mar

Beyond the numbers

## What each city asks you to trade

Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture.

[San Francisco](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/san-francisco.md)
United States

→

### Strengths

* World-class tech and startup scene

* Excellent coworking spaces and networking

* Stunning natural beauty and outdoor access

* Top-tier food and diverse cuisine

* Progressive and inclusive culture

* Walkable and bike-friendly city

### Trade-offs

* Extremely high cost of living

* Homelessness and property crime issues

* Traffic congestion and parking nightmare

* Foggy and cool summers

* Competitive housing market

* Limited late-night transit options

### Common visa routes

* ESTA (visa waiver)

* B-1/B-2 visa

* O-1 visa

[Lima](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/peru/lima.md)
Peru

→

### Strengths

* Incredibly affordable cost of living

* World-class ceviche and culinary scene

* Rich history and vibrant culture

* Beautiful Pacific coastline with beaches

* Friendly and welcoming locals

* Decent internet in most areas

### Trade-offs

* Heavy traffic and chaotic driving

* Air pollution in central districts

* Safety concerns in certain areas

* Tap water is not safe to drink

* Language barrier without Spanish

* Gray and overcast winters (June-October)

### Common visa routes

* Tourist visa (up to 183 days)

* Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)

* Rentista visa (income proof required)

Reading the result

## Use this as a planning benchmark

The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices.

Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices.
Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity.
Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.