How Much Does It Cost to Live In Guatemala?
Guatemala is located in Central America and is one of the most populated countries in the region.
The population is growing fast and most of the 15 million people are at the age of 21 or so.
The major problems that the country faces are illiteracy, health problems, lack of information about contraception, and infant mortality.
Due to all of these factors, Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in Central America.
More than half of the citizens never cross the poverty line getting richer.
This makes people move to Mexico and the nearest countries in search of work.
Guatemala : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
There are many luxury hotels where you can stay and try the foods you are accustomed to.
Or else, you can explore Guatemala deeper and try national dishes at extremely low prices.
Guatemala will serve you a merge of the best Mexican, Chinese, and Indian traditions.
MARKETS
The first thing a tourist does in Guatemala is go to the markets which are colorful and smell good.
Most of the locals do their daily shopping here as well.
The basics that all the local markets sell are products, groceries, and outfits.
Usually, the prices are low, but you will be able to get even better prices if you haggle in the market.
TRANSPORTATION
Local transport throughout the country is represented by buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, and shuttle mini-buses.
The least safe way of traveling around the country is hitchhiking.
This way of getting to the point of destination is possible yet very risky, so it is highly recommended to use new buses (not the old red ones).
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Monthly utilities may seem too cheap for an average European or American citizen.
The water, electricity, cooling, garbage, or heating, in case they are applied in the place where you live, will cost about $66 per month.
The mobile phone is three or four times cheaper than that of the EU country for instance.
Although, the Internet connection is too expensive for most Guatemalans.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Apart from football, the most favorite kind of sport in Guatemala, there are lots of other different outdoor recreational activities like volcano climbing, spelunking, and mountain biking.
Also, you can do one or a few of the offered water sports: rafting, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and surfing.
CLOTHING & SHOES
There are lots of markets in all the regions of Guatemala where local citizens are used to buying clothes and shoes.
Large metropolitan areas like Guatemala City or Antigua, have modern shopping malls with numerous chain stores, boutiques, and accessories shops.
Chain stores like Zara, Nike, H&M, or similar offer low prices for jeans, dresses, and shoes.
RENT PER MONTH
The rental prices in Guatemala are very high for local citizens and are most popular among newcomers.
To rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, an average Guatemalan citizen will have to give out all of his or her salary per month.
The landlords often ask for as much as $959.88 for a three-bedroom apartment downtown.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Guatemala
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.49 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.92 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.76 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.65 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.83 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.94 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.58 |
| Monthly Pass | $10.58 |
| Gasoline | $1.07 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $65.59 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.18 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $47.55 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $47.64 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $19.53 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.41 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $50.80 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $52.76 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92.91 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $506.95 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $361.57 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $959.88 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Guatemala?
The Guatemalans spend a significant portion of their salary in the markets.
The food is diverse, fresh, and delicious.
Since a little number of people enjoy it in the restaurants, which are mostly designed for tourists and rich visitors, the markets are dominating.
Only 9.7% of the income goes to transportation expenses.
As much as 4.1% is spent on clothing and shoes.
An average utility bill in Guatemala equals to 6.8% of the monthly remuneration.
Locals tend to invest a lot of money in sports and recreation.
This percentage comes to the figure of 8.2%.
Average Costs Breakdown
Guatemala: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The minimum wage in Guatemala is set to be $383.4 per month.
The average monthly income after tax is $489.6 per employee.
The mortgage interest rate is quite high for a country of this level and equals 8.18%.
The economy of the country is mainly supported by the private sector.
Lots of tourists come here to explore the Mayan history and the highlands, which makes local people earn money from them by selling food, souvenirs, traditional clothes, and accessories.
Employment and investments are taxed in Guatemala, as well as movable and immovable property and winnings in the lottery.
Guatemala Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Guatemala Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Guatemala
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Guatemala City | 44.39 |
