Cost of Living in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala · North America
$1,250
Monthly Cost
avg/person
44
Cost Index
NYC=100
38
Rent Index
NYC=100
56
Quality of Life
Moderate
30
Safety Index
Poor
2.45M
Population
GTQ
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $14 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $65 |
| Mobile Plan | $14 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $580/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $360/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $780/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,100/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,300/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $680 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Guatemala
Cost of Living in Guatemala City — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Guatemala City, Guatemala is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Guatemala City has a cost index of 44, making it around 56% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Guatemala City costs around $360/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $580/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,300/month. The rent index is 38 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Guatemala City scores 56/100 on the quality of life index and 30/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 58/100. The climate index is 76/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Guatemala City is approximately $680/month. With a purchasing power index of 50/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is GTQ, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Guatemala City
The average monthly salary in Guatemala City is approximately $680. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,250, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 50/100.
Healthcare Costs in Guatemala City
Healthcare quality in Guatemala City is rated 58/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Guatemala City
Guatemala City has a quality of life score of 56/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Guatemala City
Students living in Guatemala City should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Guatemala City
Expats moving to Guatemala City often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Guatemala City, Guatemala is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 44 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Guatemala City
Living in Guatemala City offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 44 and a quality of life score of 56/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $680 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Guatemala City provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Guatemala and around the world.
Key Facts About Guatemala City
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,250
- Cost Index: 44
- Rent Index: 38
- Average Salary: $680
- Quality of Life: 56/100
- Safety Score: 30/100
- Country: Guatemala
- Currency: GTQ
Is Guatemala City Expensive?
Guatemala City has a cost index of 44 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Guatemala City compare to other cities?
Guatemala City is located in North America with a population of approximately 2.45M. At a cost index of 44 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Guatemala City stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Guatemala City?
The average cost of living in Guatemala City, Guatemala is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 44 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Guatemala City?
Rent in Guatemala City varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 38 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Guatemala City alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Guatemala City expensive to live in?
Guatemala City has a cost index of 44 compared to New York City (100). At 44, Guatemala City is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,250.
What is the quality of life in Guatemala City?
Guatemala City has a quality of life index of 56/100 and a safety index of 30/100. The city is located in North America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Guatemala City compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Guatemala City with any city worldwide. Guatemala City's cost index is 44 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Guatemala City?
Many residents live comfortably in Guatemala City with a monthly budget of around $1,250 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Guatemala City good for expats?
Guatemala City is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Guatemala City?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,250 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Guatemala City.
Is Guatemala City cheaper than New York?
Yes, Guatemala City has a cost index of 44 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Guatemala City?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Guatemala City.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Guatemala City
Cheapest Ways to Live in Guatemala City
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Guatemala City typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $360/month compared to $580/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Is Guatemala City Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 50/100 and a quality of life score of 56/100, Guatemala City is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 44 relative to New York City, Guatemala City remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Guatemala has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Guatemala City Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Guatemala City", "Guatemala City monthly expenses 2026", and "is Guatemala City affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,250, a safety score of 30/100, and healthcare rated 58/100, Guatemala City offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Guatemala.
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