Cost of Living in Guatemala

Updated: January 01, 2025

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

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Guatemala

restaurant 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 $

store 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 $

commute 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 $

mark_as_unread 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 $

kitesurfing 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 $

child_friendly 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 $

checkroom 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 $

night_shelter 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 $

home 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 $

account_balance_wallet 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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 4.75 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 31.69 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.62 USD, a loaf of bread 1.73 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.89 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.38 USD and a monthly pass around 10.46 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 59.43 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 45.95 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 21.59 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 226.81 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 5744.7 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 49.32 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 89.82 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 469.97 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 377.46 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1351.72 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 848.79 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 489.17 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 8.06% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Guatemala

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

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.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

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.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

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.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

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.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

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.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

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.

Cost of Living in Guatemala

Guatemala

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing