Cost of Living in Guatemala 2026
How much does it cost to live in Guatemala per month?
For a single person, the estimated cost in Guatemala is around $700–$1,100 USD per month, including 1-bedroom rent, food, transport, basic utilities, internet, and entertainment. The figure changes by city and lifestyle, and this calculator shows the breakdown and your monthly balance if you enter your salary.
With a salary of $1,000 USD/month and an estimated cost of $700–$1,100, the monthly balance ranges from +$300 to −$100: it works in the cheaper part of the city but is tight in expensive areas like Antigua. At $1,500/month there is comfortable margin in every city.
Cities included
This calculator covers Guatemala City, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. Pick the city, review the breakdown, and optionally enter your salary to see if it stretches.
What the calculation includes
- 1-bedroom apartment rent.
- Food (groceries and eating out).
- Transport.
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas).
- Internet.
- Entertainment.
Scenario table (salary vs. monthly balance)
| Monthly salary (USD) | Estimated cost | Estimated balance | |---|---|---| | $700 | $700 – $1,100 | $0 to −$400 | | $1,000 | $700 – $1,100 | +$300 to −$100 | | $1,500 | $700 – $1,100 | +$800 to +$400 | | $2,000 | $700 – $1,100 | +$1,300 to +$900 |
How to read the result
The tool shows ranges, not a single figure. The minimum and maximum reflect typical rent and consumption variation: a person in Quetzaltenango with modest rent spends near the minimum, while Zone 10 or Antigua pushes toward the maximum. If you enter a salary, the monthly balance (salary − cost) tells you how much margin or deficit you would have.
Local notes
- Guatemala City is usually the salary and rent reference point.
- Antigua is pricier in rent and lifestyle, popular with expats.
- Quetzaltenango lowers the total cost, especially rent and food.
- Guatemala's minimum wage is around Q3,000–Q3,500 per month depending on economic activity (reference value; check the current agreement), well below the estimated cost for a single person in the capital.
Practical interpretation
With $1,000–$1,200 of income, Guatemala supports a mid-level lifestyle: 1-bedroom rent in a central area, home-cooked food, and public transport. If you want expat-style comfort (gym, frequent dining out, premium housing), budget $1,500+ and check rent first — it is the heaviest line item.
The figures are educational estimates with a verification date shown in the calculator. They do not replace an official city basket or personal financial advice. Before moving or accepting an offer, validate actual rent, taxes, and transport in your area.
Frequently asked questions
A single person spends between $700 and $1,100 USD per month in Guatemala City, including 1-bedroom rent, food, transport, utilities, and internet. In Quetzaltenango it drops to $600–$900.
The minimum wage is around Q3,000–Q3,500 per month depending on economic activity (~$390–$450 USD), well below the estimated cost of living for a single person in the capital. Check the current agreement at the official source.
Guatemala is among the most affordable countries in Central America: cheaper than Costa Rica and Panama, comparable to Honduras and El Salvador. Rent is the biggest expense.
Quetzaltenango is the most affordable of the three included, especially for rent and food. Antigua is the most expensive due to expat demand.
Related calculators
- Cost of living in Central America: 2026 country ranking
- City vs city comparison: compare all cities in the region
- Cost of living in El Salvador: neighboring country reference
- Country travel budget: how much it costs to travel Guatemala per day