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Cost of Living in Santa María La Pila

Santa María La Pila, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala · Population 70,321

▼ -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 Santa María La Pila

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 Santa María La Pila 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 Santa María La Pila

Santa María La Pila vs Guatemala CitySanta María La Pila vs MixcoSanta María La Pila vs Villa NuevaSanta María La Pila vs San Juan SacatepéquezSanta María La Pila vs San Pedro CarcháSanta María La Pila vs Cobán

Nearby Cities

Lanquín

18 km away · Alta Verapaz

Senahú

21 km away · Alta Verapaz

Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas

27 km away · Alta Verapaz

Panzos

29 km away · Alta Verapaz

San Agustín Chahal

31 km away · Alta Verapaz

Raxruhá

38 km away · Alta Verapaz

Tucurú

44 km away · Alta Verapaz

El Estor

50 km away · Izabal

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 Santa María La Pila

Santa María La Pila 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 Santa María La Pila 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 Santa María La Pila expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Q3,534 ($456) per month in Santa María La Pila 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 Santa María La Pila?
A net salary of around Q4,594 ($593) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa María La Pila with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa María La Pila is Q3,488 ($450).
How much is rent in Santa María La Pila?
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 Santa María La Pila cheaper than Guatemala on average?
Yes — Santa María La Pila 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 Santa María La Pila?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Q843 ($109) in Santa María La Pila. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Q37 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Q11 ($1).
How do transport costs in Santa María La Pila compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa María La Pila is estimated at Q136 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa María La Pila are estimates based on Guatemala national averages adjusted for city size (population 70,321). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.