Cost of Living in Guatemala
for Expats 2026

Guatemala offers some of the lowest rental prices in the Western Hemisphere. In Antigua Guatemala, the colonial expat hub, a one-bedroom apartment rents for $300–$600/month, with furnished options slightly higher. Lake Atitlán communities like San Marcos and San Pedro offer even more dramatic savings: furnished rentals run $250–$450/month in villages with strong expat presences. Guatemala City serves business-focused expats and costs $400–$700/month for comparable apartments. Unfurnished rentals in all zones run 20–30% cheaper, and secondary towns outside tourist zones rent for $150–$300/month. Home purchases in Antigua average $150,000–$300,000, while lake properties cost $100,000–$200,000.

Guatemala's food ecosystem is dramatically cheap. Local market shopping yields a month's groceries for one person at $100–$150, buying exclusively from street vendors and municipal markets selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and staples. Supermarkets with imported goods cost $180–$280/month. Eating out remains exceptionally affordable: a full comida (traditional lunch plate) costs $2–$4, street tacos run $0.50–$1 each, and casual restaurants serve dinner for $5–$10. Coffee culture thrives in tourist zones—espresso drinks cost $1–$2. A realistic monthly food budget for a comfortable expat is $200–$350.

Public transportation is among the cheapest globally. Local buses cost $0.25–$0.50 per ride, with daily passes at $2–$4. Inter-city buses to other departments cost $3–$8. Taxis are inexpensive; a 5-mile ride in Antigua runs $4–$6, though negotiate without meters. Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis) cost $1–$3 for short distances. Most expats use taxis and buses exclusively, with total transport budgets under $100/month. Owning a car is uncommon among expat renters due to parking challenges, theft risks, and import duties, though occasional car rentals for day trips cost $30–$50/day.

Guatemala's healthcare is affordable but requires careful provider selection. Private doctors cost $20–$40 per consultation, and dentists run $15–$30 for cleanings. Specialists charge $30–$80 per visit. Private healthcare plans average $50–$120/month for comprehensive coverage. Many expats use direct payment for routine care supplemented by catastrophic insurance, keeping monthly healthcare expenses under $200. Pharmacies are inexpensive; prescription antibiotics cost $5–$15, and over-the-counter medications are 60–80% cheaper than US prices. For serious procedures, many Guatemalans and expats travel to Mexico City, where costs remain significantly lower than US rates.