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Cost of Living in Guatemala

320 cities covered · Currency: GTQ (Q) · Capital: Guatemala City

Single person, monthlyQ3,762 ($485)
Couple, monthlyQ6,704 ($865)
Family of four, monthlyQ8,695 ($1,122)
Average net salaryQ3,697 ($477)

Average Prices in Guatemala

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantQ39.43 ($5.09)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeQ158 ($20.35)per meal
CappuccinoQ11.83 ($1.53)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Q894 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport passQ145 ($18.66)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentQ381 ($49.18)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Q110 ($14.25)per month
Fitness club membershipQ110 ($14.25)per month
Cinema ticketQ28.92 ($3.73)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreQ1,630 ($210)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreQ1,134 ($146)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreQ3,401 ($439)per month

Major Cities in Guatemala

Guatemala City

Guatemala · pop. 994,938

Mixco

Guatemala · pop. 527,828

Villa Nueva

Guatemala · pop. 492,480

San Juan Sacatepéquez

Guatemala · pop. 284,798

San Pedro Carchá

Alta Verapaz · pop. 255,006

Cobán

Alta Verapaz · pop. 228,664

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango · pop. 207,620

Jalapa

Jalapa · pop. 192,676

Escuintla

Escuintla · pop. 170,280

Jutiapa

Jutiapa · pop. 167,049

Amatitlán

Guatemala · pop. 152,296

Momostenango

Totonicapán · pop. 139,552

Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango · pop. 136,639

Petapa

Guatemala · pop. 129,124

Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa

Escuintla · pop. 127,683

Villa Canales

Guatemala · pop. 124,680

Coatepeque

Quetzaltenango · pop. 120,737

Totonicapán

Totonicapán · pop. 118,960

Chimaltenango

Chimaltenango · pop. 116,642

Tecpán Guatemala

Chimaltenango · pop. 112,864

Pochuta

Chimaltenango · pop. 112,139

Chiquimula

Chiquimula · pop. 111,505

Puerto Barrios

Izabal · pop. 110,846

Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu · pop. 109,935

Cheapest Cities in Guatemala

GualánSan MarcosSanto Domingo SuchitepéquezCunénCantelCuilapaGénovaSumpangoRabinalSantiago AtitlánFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Guatemala

Guatemala City vs Mixco

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Guatemala

Guatemala City vs Villa Nueva

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Guatemala

Mixco vs San Juan Sacatepéquez

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Guatemala

Villa Nueva vs San Juan Sacatepéquez

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Guatemala

Cost of Living by City Size in Guatemala

Living costs in Guatemala vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of Q3,762 ($485) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Guatemala?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Guatemala is Q3,762 ($485), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly Q8,695 ($1,122) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Guatemala?
Gualán ranks among the most affordable cities in Guatemala with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Guatemala?
The estimated average net salary in Guatemala is Q3,697 ($477) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Guatemala derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.