Understanding monthly expenses in Guatemala is important if you are planning to move to the country, work remotely, study, retire, or start a business. Guatemala can offer a relatively affordable lifestyle compared with many North American and European destinations, but costs vary considerably depending on where you live, your housing choices, transportation needs, and lifestyle.
For many foreigners, Guatemala City is the most useful reference point because it is the country's largest urban and business center. Other popular destinations, including Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango and coastal areas, can have very different housing and daily expenses.
Current crowd-sourced estimates for Guatemala City indicate that a single person's overall monthly costs can be around Q10,000–Q10,500, while a family of four can spend around Q23,000–Q24,000 depending on lifestyle and housing. These figures should be treated as planning estimates rather than official government prices.
Housing is normally one of the largest monthly expenses in Guatemala. Prices vary significantly according to location, security, size, furnishing and the quality of the building.
In Guatemala City, current cost-of-living data shows a substantial difference between apartments in central or expensive areas and properties outside the city center. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around Q6,300 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around Q4,150.
| Housing Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment – City Center | Q4,400 – Q8,000+ |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment – Outside Center | Q3,100 – Q4,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment – City Center | Q8,500 – Q14,500+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment – Outside Center | Q5,000 – Q7,000 |
| Furnished Studio | Q4,000 – Q6,600+ |
| Furnished 2–3 Bedroom Apartment | Q6,000 – Q10,000+ |
For example, Expatistan's July 2026 data places a furnished 45 m² studio in a normal area of Guatemala City at approximately Q4,008 per month, compared with approximately Q6,599 in an expensive area.
👉 See also: Rent Prices in Guatemala
Food costs in Guatemala depend heavily on whether you shop at local markets, supermarkets, convenience stores or imported-food shops. Buying local produce and traditional foods can help keep a monthly budget lower.
Current Guatemala City data lists an inexpensive restaurant meal at approximately Q52, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around Q383.
| Product | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Milk – 1 liter | Q12 – Q18 |
| Rice – 1 kg | Q13 – Q18 |
| Eggs – 12 | Q14 – Q32 |
| Chicken fillets – 1 kg | Q35 – Q127 |
| Beef – 1 kg | Q77 – Q165 |
| Bananas – 1 kg | Q5 – Q33 |
| Tomatoes – 1 kg | Q7 – Q16 |
| Potatoes – 1 kg | Q9 – Q20 |
Local markets can sometimes provide better prices for fruit, vegetables and other locally produced foods, while imported products and shopping in upscale areas can significantly increase the grocery budget.
Transportation expenses depend on whether you use public transportation, taxis, ride-hailing services or a private vehicle.
Numbeo's May 2026 Guatemala City data lists a regular one-way public transportation ticket at approximately Q10, a monthly public transport pass at approximately Q109, and gasoline at approximately Q9 per liter.
Utility costs depend on apartment size, electricity consumption, air-conditioning use, water consumption and the number of people living in the property.
Current Guatemala City figures put basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment at approximately Q586 per month, broadband internet at approximately Q373, and a mobile plan with substantial data at approximately Q228.
Actual electricity bills can be substantially higher for households that use air conditioning frequently.
Healthcare costs in Guatemala vary according to whether you use the public healthcare system, private clinics, private hospitals or international medical providers.
Anyone planning to live in Guatemala long term should consider health insurance or a dedicated medical budget rather than assuming that routine medical costs will always remain low.
Guatemala has several mobile and internet options, with prices depending on data allowances, contract length and provider.
Entertainment costs vary considerably. A person who primarily enjoys local restaurants, parks, markets and outdoor activities can spend much less than someone who regularly visits upscale restaurants, shopping centers and international entertainment venues.
Numbeo's current Guatemala City data lists an average gym membership at approximately Q301/month and a cinema ticket at approximately Q49.
Families should budget for additional expenses such as childcare, education, healthcare, larger housing and transportation.
Current Guatemala City data lists private full-day preschool or kindergarten at approximately Q2,600 per month per child, while international primary school averages approximately Q51,067 per year.
There is no single monthly budget that applies to everyone. Housing location, family size, schooling, transportation and lifestyle can make a large difference.
| Lifestyle | Estimated Monthly Budget |
|---|---|
| Single Person – Budget Lifestyle | Q5,000 – Q7,000 |
| Single Person – Comfortable Lifestyle | Q8,000 – Q12,000 |
| Couple – Comfortable Lifestyle | Q12,000 – Q18,000 |
| Family of 4 – Comfortable Lifestyle | Q18,000 – Q28,000+ |
| Expat / Premium Lifestyle | Q25,000 – Q40,000+ |
As a useful cross-check, Expatistan's July 2026 estimate for Guatemala City is approximately Q10,363 per month for one person and Q23,523 for a family of four. Expatistan also cautions that these estimates are based on a limited number of data points.
Cost-of-living figures change over time and can vary substantially between neighborhoods and cities. The figures on this page are planning ranges based primarily on current 2026 crowd-sourced cost data, not official government price lists. Always check current local prices before signing a lease or making a relocation budget.
Guatemala City is generally one of the country's most expensive places to live, particularly in desirable and secure neighborhoods. Housing and lifestyle costs can be lower in some other parts of the country, although popular tourist and expatriate destinations can also have relatively high prices.
For a single person living in Guatemala City, a budget of approximately Q8,000–Q12,000 per month can provide a reasonably comfortable lifestyle depending on rent and personal spending habits.
A couple may want to budget approximately Q12,000–Q18,000 per month, while a family with children may require Q18,000–Q28,000 or more, particularly when private education, larger housing and private healthcare are included.
People living a more luxurious expatriate lifestyle can spend substantially more.
A practical budget for one person can range from approximately Q5,000 to Q12,000+ per month, depending heavily on rent, location and lifestyle. Guatemala City generally requires a larger budget than lower-cost areas.
Current 2026 estimates vary, but Expatistan estimates approximately Q10,363 per month for one person and approximately Q23,523 for a family of four. These figures are estimates and can change with housing and lifestyle choices.
Guatemala can be relatively affordable compared with many developed countries, particularly for local food and some services. However, living in expensive neighborhoods, renting furnished accommodation, using private healthcare and buying imported products can increase costs considerably.
Current Numbeo data puts the average one-bedroom apartment at approximately Q6,303 in the city center and approximately Q4,151 outside the center. Actual rental prices vary substantially by neighborhood, security, furnishing and apartment quality.
For many everyday expenses, Guatemala can be less expensive than major U.S. cities. However, imported goods, international schools, premium housing and certain private services can still be expensive.
The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), commonly written as Q.
Guatemala City can be more expensive than many other areas, particularly for housing in desirable neighborhoods. However, popular tourist destinations can also have relatively high accommodation prices.