I lived in Guatemala for three years between 2004 and 2006, and again for seven months in 2011 during a break from traveling in Europe and the US. This post is more about my past experiences, as the northern region of Guatemala where I bought my house isn’t really focused on an expat lifestyle—a beautiful area, but not many expats and reasonable pricing. Still, the area is growing fast, with three malls already.
Housing
Foreigners usually live in the capital city (for work), in Antigua Guatemala (a charming colonial town 20 miles away), or near Lake Atitlán (about a three-hour drive from the capital, offering a more relaxed vibe). In the capital, you can rent a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in a gated community for $500-$800, often with amenities like a gym and pool. For a few months, I rented a place in Antigua for $600, which included all bills except electricity.
A three-bedroom flat or house can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on the location and services included. Most rents cover water and some cable and internet, but electricity is extra. In Antigua, rents are roughly 20% cheaper, though a walkable location will still be about $600 for a one-bedroom luxury place or a mid-range two-bedroom. Around Lake Atitlán, you can find nice houses with views of volcanoes starting at $500. These prices are for properties meeting Western standards, often including features like a fireplace, colonial furniture, washer, and dryer—just bring your clothes.
If you opt for a local-style place, expect to pay $300 a month in the city and $100 in Atitlán, but without hot water, views, or services.
Food
Food is very cheap here. Our budget for two people is about $200 a month, even though we eat a lot of meat, bacon, cheese, and drink a fair bit of alcohol. You can prepare meals for less than $1 per person or eat at a local restaurant for rice, beans, and a bit of meat for $2.
– Meat: $3 per pound, $4 for top cuts, $1.50 for ground meat
– Fish: $2 per pound locally, $3 at the market
– Cheese: $5-$10 per pound
– Bananas: $0.13 per pound
– Common veggies: $0.40 per pound
– Avocado: $0.50 each
– Five corn tortillas: $0.13
– 3L soda: $1.45
– Beer: $0.50 a can
– Milk: $1.50 per liter
– 5-gallon drinking water: $2
While meal preparation is cheap, convenience food is pricier. A McDonald’s meal costs $4.80, and a local fried chicken meal (chicken breast, chips, and drink) is $3.
Services
Water is sometimes a fixed $5 monthly fee since most condos have their own wells; meter-based rates can be higher, around $40+ per month. Internet is about $40 per month for a decent package, and the same for a smartphone plan with data. Electricity costs about $30 a month in the city, but most houses pay $80-$100 due to a tiered pricing system.
Staff
One of the perks here is the affordability of hiring help. You can get a full-time maid-cook-nanny for $200, or a handyman/maid couple for $300. A daily cleaner costs $7-$10. My handyman earns $200 per month and receives 14 months’ pay annually. If you lay off an employee, you owe them a month’s salary for each year worked.
Transportation
Most expats have cars, with gas at $5 per gallon. Public buses cost about $1 per hour of travel. Touristic shuttles to popular destinations run about $15-$20.
Health
Visiting a local doctor costs less than $10, though you get what you pay for. In Guatemala City, you’ll find modern facilities with US-trained doctors, and procedures cost 30-50% less than in the US. Many people come for dental treatments or non-urgent surgical procedures. Make sure to research to avoid bad practitioners.
Fun
Dining for two in Antigua can range from $10 to $150. While some top-tier restaurants charge Western prices, mid-range steak places cost around $50, including wine. Most attractions, like national parks, volcanoes, and museums, are under $5 or free. Where we live, entertainment mainly involves dining out, but quality isn’t the best, so we often eat at home. A mid-range hotel room costs around $30, with city chain hotels at $80 and beautiful colonial boutique hotels at $100-$200 per night.
Budget for Two
A couple can comfortably live on a budget of $1,500, which includes a $600 house rental, $50 for bills, $200 for food, $200 for a maid, and $450 for fun and transportation. Our personal budget is around $1,000 since we own our house.
What do you think? Are you surprised by the price differences?
(Note: Related content on the cost of living in the Philippines is available.)