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Cost of Living in Cobán

Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala · Population 228,664

▼ -6% vs Guatemala average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Q3,534 ($456)
Couple, monthlyQ6,292 ($812)
Family of four, monthlyQ8,157 ($1,052)

Estimated Prices in Cobán

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantQ37.20 ($4.80)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeQ149 ($19.20)per meal
CappuccinoQ11.16 ($1.44)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Q843 ($109)per month
Monthly public transport passQ136 ($17.60)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentQ360 ($46.40)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Q104 ($13.44)per month
Fitness club membershipQ104 ($13.44)per month
Cinema ticketQ27.28 ($3.52)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreQ1,515 ($196)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreQ1,054 ($136)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreQ3,162 ($408)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cobán is Q3,488 ($450) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Q3,534 ($456) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Q4,594 ($593) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Q1,054 ($136)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cobán

Cobán vs Guatemala CityCobán vs MixcoCobán vs Villa NuevaCobán vs San Juan SacatepéquezCobán vs San Pedro CarcháCobán vs Quetzaltenango

Nearby Cities

San Pedro Carchá

6 km away · Alta Verapaz

San Juan Chamelco

8 km away · Alta Verapaz

Santa Cruz Verapaz

14 km away · Alta Verapaz

San Cristóbal Verapaz

18 km away · Alta Verapaz

Tactic

19 km away · Alta Verapaz

Tamahú

24 km away · Alta Verapaz

Purulhá

31 km away · Baja Verapaz

Chisec

37 km away · Alta Verapaz

Other Major Cities in Guatemala

Guatemala City

Guatemala · pop. 994,938

Q4,687 ($605) / mo

Mixco

Guatemala · pop. 527,828

Q3,762 ($485) / mo

Villa Nueva

Guatemala · pop. 492,480

Q3,762 ($485) / mo

San Juan Sacatepéquez

Guatemala · pop. 284,798

Q3,762 ($485) / mo

San Pedro Carchá

Alta Verapaz · pop. 255,006

Q3,762 ($485) / mo

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango · pop. 207,620

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Jalapa

Jalapa · pop. 192,676

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Escuintla

Escuintla · pop. 170,280

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Living in Cobán

Cobán is one of the key cities in Guatemala. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Q3,534 ($456), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Q1,054 ($136) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Q8,157 ($1,052) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Q6,292 ($812) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cobán is Q3,488 ($450). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Q4,594 ($593) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cobán expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Q3,534 ($456) per month in Cobán including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Guatemala.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cobán?
A net salary of around Q4,594 ($593) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cobán with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cobán is Q3,488 ($450).
How much is rent in Cobán?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Q1,515 ($196) per month in the city centre and Q1,054 ($136) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Q3,162 ($408).
Is Cobán cheaper than Guatemala on average?
Yes — Cobán is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Guatemala average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cobán?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Q843 ($109) in Cobán. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Q37 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Q11 ($1).
How do transport costs in Cobán compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cobán is estimated at Q136 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cobán are estimates based on Guatemala national averages adjusted for city size (population 228,664). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.