How much does it cost to hire a plumber in Guatemala? What about a notary for a power of attorney? And a local moving service? These are the questions nobody answers clearly online — until now. This hub gathers real price ranges for the most common services in Guatemala, based on official tariffs, published company data, and verified local market research.

We update this data quarterly. All prices are in Guatemalan quetzales, and where it makes sense, also in US dollars at current exchange rates.

Three principles: (1) Real ranges, not invented averages. (2) Sources cited when available. (3) Context so you know how to negotiate, not just how much to pay.

Service Categories

Home Services

  • Notary fees — Powers of attorney, escrituras, testaments, acts
  • Plumber (coming soon) — Visit fees, repairs, installations
  • Electrician (coming soon) — Per outlet, breaker panel, installation
  • Painter (coming soon) — Per square meter and per room
  • General contractor (coming soon) — Construction and repairs

Moving and Logistics

  • Notary fees (honorarios) — Powers of attorney, escrituras, testaments
  • Architect per plan (coming soon) — Colegio de Arquitectos suggested fees
  • Accountant / bookkeeping (coming soon) — Monthly rates
  • Lawyer consultation (coming soon) — Initial rates

Automotive

  • Mechanic — Diagnosis, labor, tune-ups (coming soon)
  • Car wash — From Q20 to Q200+ (coming soon)
  • Body shop — Dents, paint (coming soon)

Personal and Events

  • Wedding photographer — Typical packages (coming soon)
  • Hairstylist — Cut, color, perm (coming soon)
  • Event catering — Per person (coming soon)

Veterinary and Pets

  • Veterinarian consultation — Vaccines, surgeries (coming soon)

How to Use This Data

Prices in Guatemala vary widely based on:

  • City — Guatemala City and Antigua are typically 30-60% more expensive than the interior of the country. Xela and Cobán are intermediate. Rural departments are the cheapest.
  • Formal vs. informal — A plumber from an established company charges Q200-400 per hour; an independent informal plumber might charge Q80-150. Both can do the same work, but the formal one provides a receipt, warranty, and legal backing.
  • Urgency — Emergency services (plumber at 10 PM, electrician on weekends) double or triple normal rates.
  • Season — Moving in December and January is 20-40% more expensive. Construction in dry season (November-April) is more efficient and less costly due to delays.
  • Who refers you — If a friend or gestor refers you, you get “insider pricing.” If you arrive cold (especially as a foreigner or recent diaspora), expect starting quotes 30-100% higher.

Data Sources

We cite sources when they exist and are verifiable:

  • Official tariff schedules — Código de Notariado, Colegio de Abogados fees, Colegio de Arquitectos, OJ (Organismo Judicial)
  • Public company pricing — Published prices from companies like Transfalc (moving), EPA (materials), and similar
  • Online classifieds — OLX, Encuentra24, Guatecompras (public tenders)
  • Direct verification — Calls and inquiries to actively practicing professionals
  • Community — Reports from readers and Guatemalan users

Avoiding Price Scams

  • Confirm prices in writing before starting a large job. A WhatsApp message with the agreed amount is enough evidence to protect both parties.
  • Ask for a receipt (factura) when the amount is more than Q500. “Informal” prices without a receipt offer no protection if something goes wrong.
  • Do not pay 100% upfront on large jobs. Standard is 30-50% initial, the rest on completion.
  • Get quotes from 2-3 providers for big jobs. The difference can be 30-100%.
  • Be suspicious of extremely low prices on specialized services. A “too cheap” electrician can leave your house with dangerous wiring.

Data updated April 2026. Prices change constantly — these are typical ranges, not guarantees. Always quote directly with providers before contracting.