Are you considering a move to Guatemala City, Guatemala, and wondering about the cost of living? Guatemala City is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Guatemala City and help you understand whether $1604 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $411.59.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.05 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
43.95 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
6.37 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.55 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.82 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.55 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.38 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.38 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.85 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.21 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
5.86 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.29 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
9.33 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.29 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.78 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.54 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.7 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.8 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.92 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.32 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.05 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.57 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.64 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
12.74 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.18 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.61 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
15.29 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
17832.78 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21717.46 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
73.15 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
42.1 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
54.59 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
20.36 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.32 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
190.16 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6781.2 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
52.93 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
54.92 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
89.87 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
106.68 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
536.76 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
375.05 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1180.24 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
681.47 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1630.43 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
980.8 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
411.59 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.14 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Guatemala City come to a total of approximately $1604. This includes an average monthly rent of around $536 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $94 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $533 per month.
Living in Guatemala City appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $411.59. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Guatemala City, you would likely need an income exceeding $411.59.
In Guatemala City, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $411.59, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Guatemala City is approximately $536. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $375.05 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Guatemala City can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $435 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Guatemala can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Guatemala.
When the overall crime risk in Guatemala City is in question, it reaches the highest level. There have been reports of recent crimes against foreigners. The possible criminal acts include carjackings, robberies, and assaults of tourists, especially in public buses. Nevertheless, most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free, because tourists know where they come and are well prepared to act properly.
Traveling on public buses is not advisable for security reasons. Armed attacks on bus drivers and conductors, ending with serious injury or even death, often happen in Guatemala City. The attacks are usually performed by local gangs. Buses might be the cheapest but are the least safe way to travel within the city. The best solution to get around the city is by taxi. One type is the metered taxi, while in the other ones you have to negotiate a price and be prepared to pay higher prices.
The best way to avoid becoming the prey of pickpockets, which usually operate in markets, is to have as little cash as possible with you and not to boast with the latest technological gadgets in public. Volcan de Agua and Volcan de Pacaya are areas famous for robberies. Being in a group during the day might decrease the risk of being attacked, but that is not always the case.
Of all the possible natural hazards, Guatemala is prone to volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and occasional earthquakes.
Taking into consideration the fact that Guatemala is the most violent city in Latin America, kidnapping and mugging are possible and frequent. The best advice, if you happen to be the victim, is to give the criminals what they want, since they are usually after money, credit card or passports. Tourist guides often advise staying inside during the night, since there is no part of Guatemala City that is not dangerous.
The recent history does not record terrorist attacks in Guatemala City, but that can never be predicted. British nationals might be attacked by groups or individuals motivated by the situation in Iraq and Syria. Travelers should avoid being part of demonstrations.
The most common scam is when renting a car in Guatemala. Rent-a-car companies tend to accuse foreigners of damaging the vehicle and ask for money. Before you rent it, you should carefully check the car. Fake police officers are operating in Guatemala City and tourists became victims of theft and even sexual assault by people pretending to be the police.
Over the last year, there have been reports on female tourists becoming victims of brutal sexual assaults, where victims have been killed or seriously injured. Such attacks can occur at any time of the day, so women are not advised to travel alone.
Whether you need a visa when coming to Guatemala or not is based on your nationality. Valid passports are required for all the counties, except for Central America. In case you want to extend your visa, apply to the Migration Directorate in Guatemala City.
The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal. When you want to exchange your money in a bank, a passport is obligatory. ATMs are available in most cities and Visa credit card is accepted. Debit cards might be rejected by ATMs. The safest place to use ATM is inside one of the Dispensa Familiar stores.
The weather is characterized by warm days and cool nights. The rainy season in Guatemala starts in June and usually lasts up to November. The highest temperatures are in March and April.
Guatemala’s largest and busiest airport is La Aurora International Airport, in Zona 13 of Guatemala City. It is a modern airport with lots of facilities. An alternative airport when coming to Guatemala is situated in Flores, Petén.
Due to all the possible risks in this city, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance which will cover the cost of any medical treatment, as well as probable loss of your valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 74°F | 76°F | 78°F | 80°F | 79°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 75°F | 74°F | 73°F | 73°F |
| Temp | 63°F | 65°F | 67°F | 69°F | 69°F | 68°F | 68°F | 68°F | 67°F | 67°F | 65°F | 64°F |
| Low | 56°F | 57°F | 59°F | 61°F | 63°F | 63°F | 62°F | 62°F | 62°F | 61°F | 59°F | 57°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C | 22°C |
| Temp | 17°C | 18°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 19°C | 18°C | 17°C |
| Low | 13°C | 13°C | 15°C | 16°C | 17°C | 17°C | 16°C | 16°C | 16°C | 16°C | 15°C | 13°C |