I’ve spent quite some time in Guatemala, living there for three years between 2004 and 2006, and again for seven months in 2011 while I traveled around Europe and the US. Although my experience was mainly back then, it took a turn when I bought a house in the northern region of Guatemala. This area, while stunningly beautiful and reasonably priced, doesn’t offer much in terms of an expat lifestyle. However, it’s growing quickly with three malls already in the region.
Housing
Foreigners in Guatemala usually reside in the capital city for work, in Antigua Guatemala—a lovely colonial town about 20 miles from the capital—or along the volcanic shores of Lake Atitlán, which is a three-hour drive away and offers a more relaxed setting. You can rent a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in the capital for $500-$800 in a gated community that often includes amenities like a private gym and pool. When I stayed in Antigua for a few months, I paid $600 for a furnished place that included all bills except for electricity.
For a three-bedroom flat or house, expect to pay $1200-$2000 depending on the location and amenities. Most rentals include water, some cable TV, and internet, with electricity typically being an additional cost. In Antigua, rents are about 20% cheaper. For example, a luxury one-bedroom in a walkable area would cost around $600, while a mid-range two-bedroom would be similarly priced. Around Lake Atitlán, you’ll find beautiful houses with volcano views starting at $500.
These prices reflect properties that meet Western standards, often featuring a fireplace, colonial furniture, a washer, and a dryer. Moving into such a place typically only requires bringing your clothes. If you opt for more local accommodations, you can find places for $300/month in the city and $100 around Atitlán, although these usually lack hot water, views, and additional services.
Food
Food in Guatemala is very affordable. Our monthly food budget for two people is around $200 or less, even though we consume a lot of meat, bacon, cheese, and alcohol. You can cook meals for under $1 per person or eat at a local restaurant for about $2, enjoying a meal of rice, beans, and a bit of meat.
Here’s a quick rundown of some food prices:
– Meat: $3/lb, $4 for premium cuts, $1.50 for ground meat
– Fish: $2/lb near lakes, $3 at markets
– Cheese: $5-$10/lb
– Bananas: $0.13/lb
– Tomatoes, potatoes, onions: $0.40/lb
– Avocado: $0.50 each
– Five corn tortillas: $0.13
– 3L soda: $1.45
– Beer: $0.50 per can
– Milk: $1.50 per liter
– Five gallons of drinking water: $2
As long as you cook your meals, food costs are manageable. However, convenience foods and fast food tend to be pricier, with a McDonald’s meal costing about $4.80 and a local fried chicken meal around $3.
Services
Water usually costs about $5 per month unless you’re living in a condo with its own well. Metered water rates can be higher, reaching over $40 per month. Decent internet packages cost around $40 per month, as do smartphone plans with data. In the city, we paid roughly $30 per month for electricity, though costs can rise to $80-$100 due to higher rates past a certain usage threshold.
Staff
One of the perks of living in Guatemala is the affordability of hiring help, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of life. Full-time staff options include a maid-cook-nanny for $200 a month or a handyman/maid couple for $300. Hiring a cleaner by the day will set you back $7-$10. For example, my handyman earns $200/month with an extra two months’ salary per year. If you let staff go, you must give them an additional month’s pay for each year they’ve worked.
Transportation
Most expats own cars, with gas costing around $5 per gallon. Public buses are about $1 per hour of travel, and tourist shuttles to popular destinations cost between $15 and $20.
Health
Local doctors’ visits cost less than $10, but the quality reflects the price. For higher-quality healthcare, head to Guatemala City, where state-of-the-art facilities and US-trained doctors charge 30-50% less than in the US. Many people come to Guatemala for dental treatments or elective surgeries. It’s essential to do thorough research, as even less reputable doctors have websites targeting foreign patients.
Fun
In Antigua Guatemala, dinner for two can cost anywhere from $10 to $150. While some restaurants offer Western prices, you can enjoy a mid-range steak meal with wine for around $50. Most attractions are free or cost under $5, including national parks, volcanoes, and museums, with many free activities available in Antigua. Where we live, eating out isn’t as appealing due to the quality, so we mostly dine at home. Hotel costs vary, with mid-range options around $30, chain hotels in the city at $80, and beautiful colonial boutique hotels priced between $100 and $200 per night.
Budget for Two
A couple can comfortably live on a $1,500 monthly budget, which includes a $600 home, $50 for bills, $200 for food, $200 for a maid, and $450 for entertainment and transportation. Our expenses are around $1,000, partly because we own our home.
That’s a snapshot of what it costs to live in Guatemala. Whether you’re pleasantly surprised or find some expenses shocking, living here definitely offers a mix of affordable and pricier elements to consider.
