Antigua Guatemala is the most popular expat destination in the country. A UNESCO World Heritage city framed by three volcanoes, it combines cobblestone streets and colonial architecture with excellent restaurants, fast internet, and a thriving international community. Renting here is straightforward – furnished apartments are everywhere. Buying is more complex due to heritage regulations, but the market rewards patience.
Rental Prices
Monthly prices in USD as of March 2026. Antigua’s furnished market is strong – most listings include basic furnishing.
| Property Type | Unfurnished | Furnished | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $250-$400 | $350-$550 | Often above shops or in shared compounds |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $300-$600 | $500-$800 | Most common for singles and couples |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $500-$900 | $600-$1,200 | Popular with families and remote workers |
| 3-Bedroom House | $800-$1,500 | $1,000-$1,800 | Colonial-style with courtyard common |
| Luxury Colonial Home | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | Historic center, restored, volcano views |
Where Prices Vary Within Antigua
Historic Center (within the grid of Calles and Avenidas): The most expensive area. Walking distance to Parque Central, restaurants, and shops. A 1BR here starts at $500 furnished. Noise from bars and foot traffic is a tradeoff.
San Sebastian / La Merced area: Slightly north of the center. Quieter, still walkable. 10-15% cheaper than the historic core. Popular with long-term expats.
Jocotenango: The neighboring town, a 10-minute walk north. Significantly cheaper – expect 20-30% discounts. Less tourist atmosphere, more local feel. Growing food and nightlife scene.
San Pedro Las Huertas / San Juan del Obispo: South of town, up the slopes. Rural feel, volcano views, very quiet. Rents 30-40% below the center. You will need a car or tuk-tuk.
El Panorama / Outskirts: Modern developments on the edges of Antigua. Gated communities with amenities. Rent is moderate ($500-1,000 for 2BR) but you lose the colonial walkability.
Property Purchase Prices
Antigua’s real estate market is unique in Guatemala. The UNESCO heritage designation limits new construction in the historic center, which artificially constrains supply and supports prices.
| Property Type | Price Range (USD) | Price per m2 (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Small apartment (60-80 m2) | $100,000-$200,000 | $1,680-$2,500 |
| Standard home (120-180 m2) | $150,000-$350,000 | $1,250-$2,000 |
| Colonial restored home | $250,000-$600,000 | $2,500-$5,640 |
| Luxury property with views | $500,000-$1,200,000+ | $4,000-$12,560 |
| Land (per vara cuadrada) | $50-$300+ per v2 | Varies wildly |
Note on varas cuadradas: Antigua land is still sometimes measured in varas cuadradas (v2), a colonial Spanish unit. One vara cuadrada equals approximately 0.698 m2. Always confirm which unit is being used in listings.
Heritage Regulations (CNPAG)
The Consejo Nacional para la Proteccion de la Antigua Guatemala (CNPAG) regulates all construction and renovation within the historic zone. Key rules:
- Facade changes require CNPAG approval – even paint colors
- Building height is restricted (generally 2 stories max in the center)
- New construction must match colonial architectural style
- Renovation permits can take 2-6 months and cost Q5,000-Q20,000+
- Demolition of historic structures is prohibited
This adds cost and time to property purchases, but it also protects the character that makes Antigua valuable.
Furnished vs Unfurnished Market
Antigua has one of Guatemala’s strongest furnished rental markets. The steady flow of Spanish school students, digital nomads, and short-term expats creates demand for move-in-ready apartments. Many property owners furnish specifically for this market.
Furnished typically includes: Bed, sofa, dining table, kitchen appliances (stove, fridge, microwave), cookware, linens, WiFi, cable TV, and sometimes a washing machine. Premium furnished adds Netflix, filtered water, quality mattress, and workspace.
Unfurnished is better if you plan to stay 12+ months and want to personalize your space. You save 30-50% on rent, but expect to spend $700-$2,000 on basic furniture (available at Cemaco, EPA, or Facebook Marketplace).
Where to Find Listings
- Walk the streets – Seriously, this works better in Antigua than anywhere else in Guatemala. Look for “Se Alquila” and “Se Vende” signs. Many colonial homes have small signs on their doors.
- Facebook Groups – “Antigua Guatemala Rentals,” “Expats in Antigua Guatemala,” “Apartamentos en Alquiler Antigua”
- Antigua Rentals – Dedicated rental platform for the area
- Century 21 Antigua Fine Homes – The top agency for Antigua sales and premium rentals
- Encuentra24 – Filter by Sacatepequez > Antigua Guatemala
- Local bulletin boards – Check at Cafe No Se, Antigua Brewing, Rainbow Cafe
Red Flags to Watch
- “Gringo pricing” is real in Antigua. Properties marketed to foreigners can carry 20-50% premiums. Have a Guatemalan friend check local prices or ask neighbors what they pay.
- Title issues on colonial homes – some old properties have complex ownership histories. Always verify at the Registro de la Propiedad.
- Off-plan scams – Be cautious of pre-construction purchases from developers you have not thoroughly vetted. Verify land ownership and permits before paying deposits.
- CNPAG violations – If the seller did unauthorized renovations, you inherit the liability. Check for pending CNPAG cases.
Utility Costs
| Utility | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Q100-400 ($13-$52) | Antigua is cool – rarely need AC |
| Water | Q50-150 ($7-$20) | Water pressure can be low in dry season |
| Internet (Tigo/Claro) | Q200-400 ($26-$52) | Fiber available in most of the center |
| Gas (cooking) | Q75-150 ($10-$20) | Propane delivery |
Related: Antigua Guatemala Location Guide | Sacatepequez Department | Cost of Living | Complete Renting Guide
Prices updated March 2026. Sources: Century 21 Antigua Fine Homes, Encuentra24, Antigua Rentals, TheLatinvestor, direct agent quotes.
