If you've ever considered moving to Guatemala, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Guatemala?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Guatemala and whether the reported $1443 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $489.17.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.75 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
31.69 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.7 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.9 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.17 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.35 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.98 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.72 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.62 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.73 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.5 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.89 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
5.39 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.97 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
9.23 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.12 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.14 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.47 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.33 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.42 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.41 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.76 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.92 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.3 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.93 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.42 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.38 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
10.46 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.8 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.63 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
10.14 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.04 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
16351.86 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21117.28 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
59.43 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.17 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
51.17 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
45.95 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
21.59 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
6.34 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
226.81 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
5744.7 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
49.32 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
47.92 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
89.82 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
90.02 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
469.97 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
377.46 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
993.61 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
570.12 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1351.72 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
848.79 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
489.17 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.06 % |
|
Guatemala is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.
It is advised that you avoid public transport in Guatemala due to high levels of crime and armed robberies in crowded places such as bus or train stations, and on public transport as well. Always opt for calling a taxi from a reputable company instead of hailing one on the streets.
There is an extreme threat of petty crime. Pickpockets are an everyday occurrence, so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
When it comes to natural disasters, there are threats from forest fires from November to June. Then from May to November there is the risk of flooding that is caused by the rainy season. The volcanoes Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito have a moderate activity. Hurricanes and earthquakes also occasionally hit this country.
Violent crime is common in Guatemala so be extremely careful when handling money. One of the biggest risks in Guatemala is having your child kidnapped and then sold for adoption on the black market. Places to avoid are Volcan de Agua, trails around Lago de Atitlan, and Volcan de Pacaya.
There haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Guatemala's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
As in any country there's a risk of getting scammed. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.
Guatemala isn't the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
Many countries such as the U.S.A do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for any stays shorter than 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months past the date of your arrival. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Guatemalan quetzal is the official currency in Guatemala. ATMs for Visa/Plus System cards are available in all but the rural towns and avoid the ones that are left unguarded at night. Always look for ones located in a secure environment and when entering your PIN, cover it with your hand.
Weather in Guatemala varies from region to region depending on the altitude and the climate zone. For such a small country, it has many climate zones, and two "seasons": the dry season, lasting from November to May and the rainy season. The Guatemala mountains alter the weather though everyone assumes it has tropical climate.
La Aurora International Airport is the busiest international airport serving Guatemala City, Guatemala. It is located 6.4 km south of Guatemala City's center.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Guatemala, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.