Latin America · budget destination

Cost of living in Guatemala for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Guatemala — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Antigua Guatemala.

Monthly budget

$900–1,400

One person, all-in, in Antigua Guatemala

Rent (1-bed)

$300–700

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Budget

under ~$1,500/mo

What to know

What makes Guatemala stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Guatemala

Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas with a large established expat community, ideal climate year-round (1,500m elevation keeps temperatures mild), and very low costs.

Watch out for

Safety is uneven; street crime and petty theft require vigilance; infrastructure outside Antigua and Guatemala City lags; Spanish is essential outside the tourist bubble.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Latin America

All 16 in Latin America →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Mexico	$1,400–2,200	Moderate
Costa Rica	$1,600–2,500	Moderate
Panama	$1,700–2,800	Moderate
Colombia	$1,100–1,600	Budget
Ecuador	$1,000–1,500	Budget
Peru	$900–1,400	Budget

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Guatemala1 current route, each with its official source Healthcare in Guatemala for expatsPublic + private mix system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in GuatemalaRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Guatemala without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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