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Cost of living in Guatemala: Food, transport, and more

Discover the cost of living in Guatemala: from rent and daily expenses to leisure costs, plan your budget before you travel.

belengrima

Published: September 29, 2025

Planning to spend some time in Guatemala but don’t know the average cost of living there? Don’t worry, we’ve researched everything for you. Here you’ll find updated 2025 data and prices for the most relevant aspects of living in this Central American country.

We’ve gathered the price of different types of accommodation in Guatemala, so you can compare and choose what best suits your budget. Also, we calculated food costs based on a popular supermarket in the country with local basic basket products.

If you plan to stay longer and explore with ease, we’ve selected plans with their costs, average transport prices nationwide. You’ll also learn about healthcare costs in the country.

This guide helps you plan your trip better, so let’s start with accommodation costs. Step by step, you’ll discover how much you’ll need monthly to live in Guatemala.

Cost of living in Guatemala.
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Average accommodation costs in Guatemala 2025

Accommodation costs in Guatemala depend on factors like location, services included, and booking season. Still, here are real updated prices so you can make an accurate budget.

We’ll review the value of hotels and what they offer at each price point. We’ll also look at rentals such as apartments and furnished rooms via Airbnb and colivings for digital nomads who prefer shared workspaces.

Average hotel prices in Guatemala

In major cities like Antigua, Flores, Guatemala City, Panajachel, and Quetzaltenango, hotel stays cost between $50–128 (€48–118) per night.

Most hotels offer great locations near tourist attractions, public transport, restaurants, and bars. They may include pools, spas, or rooftop terraces for socialising.

Some also include breakfast, restaurant service, or city tours with a guide and refreshments.

Average house or apartment rental prices in Guatemala

Traditional house rentals range from $400–700 (€364–650) depending on location and property size. Landlords often require a security deposit equal to at least one month’s rent.

To rent, landlords may ask for: a valid passport, proof of income, a guarantor, an application form, and a notarised contract.

Average cost of furnished Airbnb apartments in Guatemala

Cities also offer furnished apartments or rooms via Airbnb. You can search for places that suit your needs and budget.

For example, travelling alone, you can rent a studio with kitchen, bathroom, and laundry from $60 (€55) per day.

If you’re with friends or family, renting a 5-bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, and terrace starts at $226 (€218) per day.

These homes or flats are usually 10–20 minutes from city centres and main tourist areas.

Average coliving prices in Guatemala

The widest range of colivings is in Antigua, a hub for digital nomads and remote workers thanks to its lifestyle.

Costs range from $700–1,200 (€645–1,145) for shared or private rooms.

Basic living expenses in Guatemala.
Basic living expenses in Guatemala. Source: Unsplash – Photos: Alain Bonnardeaux, Jeison Higuita, Jimmy Baum, Andy Arbeit

Colivings attract foreigners with social events for guests and professional collaboration in coworking areas.

Like hotels and apartments, colivings are usually well located near the city’s main attractions without needing public or private transport.

Cost of food

Food costs vary depending on taste, diet, income, and location. Someone living rurally doesn’t buy or consume the same products as city residents.

Basic basket costs per person range from $90–120 (€87–117) monthly.

The minimum salary is $429–509 (€422–498), depending on your job. On average, 30% goes on food.

According to StatistaWalmart is the most popular supermarket chain for Guatemalan basic basket shopping. Here’s an updated 2025 product list:

Basic basket products (Guatemala)Cost in $ and €
400 g rice$0.82 / €0.75
1 lb potato$1.01 / €0.93
400 g beans$1.47 / €1.35
1 litre milk$2.15 / €1.98
650 g of bread$2.56 / €2.36
30 eggs$4.74 / €4.36
Mixed spices$1.28 / €1.18
14 corn tortillas$0.94 / €0.87
1 kg beef$9.54 / €8.78
1 kg of chicken$7.82 / €7.19
Mixed vegetables$10.00 / €9.00
Mixed fruit$12.00 / €11.00
Personal care products$7.69 / €7.08
Home cleaning products$6.41 / €5.90

Eating out averages $3–5 (€2.50–4.00) for breakfast. A lunch in a plaza is $5–7 (€4–6), while tourist restaurants charge from $10 (€9).

Dinner in an average restaurant with varied local or fast food costs $7–20 (€6–18).

Average transport prices in Guatemala 2025

Transport is affordable. Cities have bus and metrobus fleets covering most areas. Some are informal, like “chicken buses”.

Bus fares range from $0.13–0.64 (€0.12–0.59). Feeder buses connect with others without extra cost.

You can also use taxis or Uber, safer at night. Fares are $3–4 (€2.50–3) for a 4–6 km city ride.

Bicycles are another alternative in Guatemala, with rentals averaging $3 (€2.90) per hour.

Ideal budget for living in Guatemala.
Ideal budget for living in Guatemala. Source: Unsplash – Photo: Leonel Lopez, Alexander Schimmeck, Hector Pineda

If you buy or rent cars like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, or Honda Civic, note current fuel and kWh prices.

Prices fluctuate weekly, so here are updated 2025 averages:

  • Regular petrol: $1.02 / €0.94 per litre.
  • Premium petrol: $1.15 / €1.06 per litre.
  • Diesel:  $1.04 / €0.96 per litre.
  • Home charging (kWh): $0.10–0.20 / €0.09–0.18.
  • Public station charging (kWh): $0.15–0.25 / €0.13–0.22.

Healthcare costs

Healthcare is part of living costs in GuatemalaPublic services are free for many needs, but some tests and medicines aren’t covered.

The private system serves a small share due to high monthly and care costs.

Private care offers faster appointments and better access to specialists. Here’s a cost comparison for public and private services:

Medical servicePublic costPrivate cost
General consultation$0.64–2.56 / €0.59–2.35$25.64–64.10 / €23.59–59
Specialist consultation$2.56–6.41 / €2.35–5.89$38.46–76.00 / €35.39–70.77
Hospitalisation$2.56–10.00 / €2.35–9.44$384–1,025 / €353–943
EmergencyFree$64.10–192.00 / €59–176
Dental extraction$2.56–7.69 / €2.35–7.07$135.00 / €124
Lab test$1.28–6.41 / €1.18–5.90$19–53 / €17–47

Over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or Panadol cost $2–16 (€1.89–15). Prices are sometimes high due to limited regulation.

Internet and call plan prices

Fixed internet speed averages 54.44 Mbps, though it varies by area and provider capacity.

Home packages often include TV, internet, and landline. Providers like Claro and Tigo charge $25–50 (€23–48) monthly. Mobile internet averages 41.29 Mbps.

Claro leads speeds nationwide, according to Ookla Speedtest. Mobile plans include 18–100 GB, costing $55–72 (€47–68) monthly.

Holafly also offers monthly plans with 25 GB or unlimited data. Share with other devices and enjoy coverage in 170+ countries. For short stays, use the Holafly Guatemala eSIM.

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Leisure activity costs in Guatemala 2025

In Guatemala, you need to plan a considerable budget to enjoy all the activities the country offers across its different regions. Many itineraries include eco-trail hikes, volcano climbs, and lake visits, while others take you through the fascinating history of Mayan culture.

Here are activities and updated 2025 average prices:

  • Pacaya volcano hike: $20–30 (€18–27)
  • Acatenango volcano hike: $99–150 (€90–136)
  • Kayaking Lake Atitlán: $135 (€123)
  • Xetulul Park visit: $15 (€14)
  • Candelaria Caves visit: $15 (€14)
  • Learn Guatemalan cooking: $48 (€45)

Other plans include streaming at home $7–9 (€6–8) monthly. Cinema outings cost about $20 (€18) with snacks.

Going to a bar then dining out costs $20–30 (€18–28), depending on drinks and restaurant choice.

Average monthly cost of living in Guatemala 2025

Monthly living costs in Guatemala range from $500–1,000 (€497–995), including rent, food, internet, leisure, and healthcare. Values vary by lifestyle.

FAQ: Cost of living in Guatemala 2025

How much are monthly utility bills in Guatemala?

Utilities like water, gas, electricity, and rubbish cost $50–90 (€48-87) monthly, depending on city and location.

How can foreigners access public healthcare in Guatemala?

You need legal migrant status, ID, and health tests to access public services.

What’s Guatemala’s official currency?

The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal.

How much is a monthly grocery shop in Guatemala?

Costs vary by diet, but average between $100–200 (€96-195) monthly.

How much does car rental cost in Guatemala?

Car rental costs $20–100 (€18-96) daily, depending on type and rental days.