Lima vs Zanzibar City: cost of living for digital nomads
Lima, Peru and Zanzibar City, Tanzania, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Lima and Zanzibar City cost about the same per month ($1,200).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $500 in Zanzibar City against $540 in Lima.
- Zanzibar City scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Lima: 80 Mbps typical against 28 Mbps.
- Lima is arid; Zanzibar City is tropical.
Lima wins 3 of the measured lines; Zanzibar City wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Lima or Zanzibar City?
Lima and Zanzibar City cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,200.
Which city is safer, Lima or Zanzibar City?
Zanzibar City scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 6/10 for Lima.
Which has faster internet, Lima or Zanzibar City?
Lima has faster typical internet: 80 Mbps against 28 Mbps in Zanzibar City.
| Line | Lima | Zanzibar City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Rent | $540 | $500 |
| Food | $340 | $300 |
| Transport | $40 | $60 |
| Coworking | $100 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 80 | 28 |
| Climate | arid | tropical |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Zanzibar City
Island nomad scene around Paje/Jambiani; relaxed and warm.
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Lima November 4, 2026, Zanzibar City November 3, 2026.