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Cost of Living in Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala · Population 207,620

▼ -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 Quetzaltenango

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 Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango vs Guatemala CityQuetzaltenango vs MixcoQuetzaltenango vs Villa NuevaQuetzaltenango vs San Juan SacatepéquezQuetzaltenango vs San Pedro CarcháQuetzaltenango vs Cobán

Nearby Cities

Almolonga

3 km away · Quetzaltenango

Olintepeque

6 km away · Quetzaltenango

La Esperanza

6 km away · Quetzaltenango

Zunil

7 km away · Quetzaltenango

Cantel

7 km away · Quetzaltenango

San Mateo

8 km away · Quetzaltenango

San Andrés Xecul

8 km away · Totonicapán

Salcajá

9 km away · Quetzaltenango

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

Cobán

Alta Verapaz · pop. 228,664

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Jalapa

Jalapa · pop. 192,676

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Escuintla

Escuintla · pop. 170,280

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Living in Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Q3,534 ($456) per month in Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango?
A net salary of around Q4,594 ($593) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Quetzaltenango with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Quetzaltenango is Q3,488 ($450).
How much is rent in Quetzaltenango?
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 Quetzaltenango cheaper than Guatemala on average?
Yes — Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Q843 ($109) in Quetzaltenango. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Q37 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Q11 ($1).
How do transport costs in Quetzaltenango compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Quetzaltenango is estimated at Q136 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Quetzaltenango are estimates based on Guatemala national averages adjusted for city size (population 207,620). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.