I’ve seen blog posts claiming you need $2,500/month to live in Guatemala. As someone who grew up here, let me tell you what life actually costs.
This isn’t a vague overview from someone who visited Antigua for two weeks. These are real prices from real stores, real landlords, and real utility bills — as of early 2026.
The Big Picture: Guatemala vs the USA
Before we break down the numbers, here’s the reality check. Living in Guatemala, you can expect:
- Groceries: 40-50% cheaper than the US
- Rent: 50-65% cheaper (varies by location)
- Dining out: 60-75% cheaper
- Healthcare: 70-80% cheaper
- Transportation: 80-90% cheaper
The catch? Imported goods cost more. Electronics, brand-name clothing, and anything shipped from the US will cost the same or more after import duties (12-27%).
Housing Costs by Location
Housing is your biggest expense, and prices vary dramatically by location.
Guatemala City
| Zone | Type | Monthly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Zona 10 (Zona Viva) | 1BR furnished | $500-900 |
| Zona 14 | 1BR furnished | $600-1,000 |
| Zona 15 (Vista Hermosa) | 1BR furnished | $500-800 |
| Zona 16 (Cayalá) | 1BR furnished | $700-1,200 |
Antigua
Expect $400-800/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. A full house with a garden runs $800-1,500/month.
Lake Atitlán
The most affordable option: $300-600/month for a 1-bedroom. Prices vary wildly by village — Panajachel is pricier, San Marcos is cheaper.
Local tip: Don’t search for apartments in English. Prices jump 30-50%. Search in Spanish on Facebook groups, or look for “Se Alquila” signs while walking neighborhoods.
Food & Groceries
This is where Guatemala really shines. You can eat incredibly well for very little.
Eating Out
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Comedor (local lunch spot) | Q20-35 ($2.50-4.50) |
| Mid-range restaurant | Q75-150 ($9-19) |
| Fine dining | Q200-400 ($25-50) |
| Street food (pupusas, tostadas) | Q5-15 ($0.65-2) |
Monthly Grocery Budget
- Solo, cooking at home: $150-250/month
- Couple: $250-400/month
The key insight: seasonal local produce is incredibly cheap. Out-of-season imported items are expensive. Shop at the mercado, not just La Torre or Walmart.
Utilities & Internet
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $20-60 |
| Water | $5-15 (often included in rent) |
| Gas (propane for cooking) | $8-15 |
| Internet (50 Mbps Tigo) | $25-55 |
| Cell phone (unlimited data) | $15-30 |
Good news: most of Guatemala has mild weather year-round. You won’t need heating or AC, which keeps electricity bills low.
Three Monthly Budgets
Budget Lifestyle: $800-1,200/month
Local apartment, cook at home mostly, public transit, basic entertainment. This works for retirees on fixed income, minimalists, and people in Spanish immersion.
Comfortable Lifestyle: $1,500-2,500/month
Nice apartment in a safe zone, mix of eating out and cooking, Uber, gym membership, active social life. This is where most remote workers and expats land.
Premium Lifestyle: $3,000-5,000/month
Gated community, car, restaurants regularly, domestic help, private healthcare. Comparable to upper-middle-class life in the US — at a fraction of the cost.
The Bottom Line
Guatemala isn’t the cheapest country in the world. But it might be the best value — especially for Americans. Same timezone as US Central, 3-hour flights to major US cities, world-class coffee, spring weather year-round, and a cost of living that lets you actually enjoy life.
Ready to plan your move? Read our complete relocation guide or check the visa options.
