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Cost of Living in San Marcos

San Marcos, San Marcos, Guatemala · Population 49,115

▼ -16% vs Guatemala average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Q3,156 ($407)
Couple, monthlyQ5,612 ($724)
Family of four, monthlyQ7,267 ($938)

Estimated Prices in San Marcos

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantQ33.48 ($4.32)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeQ134 ($17.28)per meal
CappuccinoQ10.04 ($1.30)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Q759 ($97.92)per month
Monthly public transport passQ123 ($15.84)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentQ324 ($41.76)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Q93.74 ($12.10)per month
Fitness club membershipQ93.74 ($12.10)per month
Cinema ticketQ24.55 ($3.17)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreQ1,328 ($171)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreQ924 ($119)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreQ2,772 ($358)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Marcos is Q3,139 ($405) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Q3,156 ($407) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Q4,103 ($529) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Q924 ($119)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Marcos

San Marcos vs Guatemala CitySan Marcos vs MixcoSan Marcos vs Villa NuevaSan Marcos vs San Juan SacatepéquezSan Marcos vs San Pedro CarcháSan Marcos vs Cobán

Nearby Cities

San Pedro Sacatepéquez

2 km away · San Marcos

Esquipulas Palo Gordo

4 km away · San Marcos

San Antonio Sacatepéquez

7 km away · San Marcos

San Cristóbal Cucho

7 km away · San Marcos

San Lorenzo

9 km away · San Marcos

Palestina de los Altos

11 km away · Quetzaltenango

San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta

13 km away · San Marcos

Comitancillo

15 km away · San Marcos

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

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango · pop. 207,620

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Jalapa

Jalapa · pop. 192,676

Q3,534 ($456) / mo

Living in San Marcos

San Marcos is one of the key cities in Guatemala. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Q3,156 ($407), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Q924 ($119) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Q7,267 ($938) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Q5,612 ($724) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Marcos is Q3,139 ($405). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Q4,103 ($529) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Marcos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Q3,156 ($407) per month in San Marcos including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Guatemala.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Marcos?
A net salary of around Q4,103 ($529) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Marcos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Marcos is Q3,139 ($405).
How much is rent in San Marcos?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Q1,328 ($171) per month in the city centre and Q924 ($119) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Q2,772 ($358).
Is San Marcos cheaper than Guatemala on average?
Yes — San Marcos is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Guatemala average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Marcos?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Q759 ($98) in San Marcos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Q33 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Q10 ($1).
How do transport costs in San Marcos compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Marcos is estimated at Q123 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Marcos are estimates based on Guatemala national averages adjusted for city size (population 49,115). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.