Cost of Living: Guam vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Guam and United States.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Guam is 4.9% more expensive than United States. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 89.0% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $105 in Guam for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 76.1%

Guam is 76.1% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 59.2%

Guam is 59.2% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 46.8%

Guam is 46.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 4.9%

Guam is 4.9% more expensive than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +76.1%
  • Sports And Leisure +59.2%
  • Mobile and Internet +46.8%

Is Guam cheaper than United States?

No, United States is cheaper than Guam

Overall, living costs in United States are 4.9% lower than in Guam.

Where United States is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 76.1% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 59.2% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 46.8% cheaper

Where United States is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 89.0% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 7.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Guam: 1,928.89 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
10.4% more expensive in Guam

Monthly public transport pass

Guam: 55.00 $ United States: 65.00 $
15.4% cheaper in Guam

1 liter of milk

Guam: 3.31 $ United States: 1.06 $
212.3% more expensive in Guam

1 liter of gasoline

Guam: 1.42 $ United States: 0.93 $
52.7% more expensive in Guam

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, United States is indeed cheaper than Guam. You would spend approximately 4.9% on living expenses by choosing United States over Guam. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

4.9%

Guam is 4.9% more expensive than United States

Restaurants

0.3%

Guam is 0.3% more expensive than United States in this category

Markets

20.4%

Guam is 20.4% more expensive than United States in this category

Other Expenses

7.6%

Guam is 7.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

5.2%

Guam is 5.2% more expensive than United States in this category

Household Utilities

76.1%

Guam is 76.1% more expensive than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

46.8%

Guam is 46.8% more expensive than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

59.2%

Guam is 59.2% more expensive than United States in this category

Childcare

23.4%

Guam is 23.4% more expensive than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

25.7%

Guam is 25.7% more expensive than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

4.8%

Guam is 4.8% more expensive than United States in this category

Property Prices

89.0%

Guam is 89.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

5.6%

Guam is 5.6% more expensive than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Guam United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 0.0%
Guam is 0.0% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 78.39 $ 75.00 $ 4.5%
Guam is 4.5% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.00 $ 11.50 $ 4.3%
Guam is 4.3% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 5.50 $ 5.24 $ 5.0%
Guam is 5.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.87 $ 2.56 $ 27.0%
Guam is 27.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.50 $ 2.09 $ 28.2%
Guam is 28.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 2.25 $ 2.23 $ 0.9%
Guam is 0.9% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.90 $ 4.38 $ 56.6%
Guam is 56.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 3.31 $ 1.06 $ 212.3%
Guam is 212.3% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 5.89 $ 3.63 $ 62.3%
Guam is 62.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 5.02 $ 4.61 $ 8.9%
Guam is 8.9% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 5.93 $ 4.29 $ 38.2%
Guam is 38.2% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 26.45 $ 12.93 $ 104.6%
Guam is 104.6% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 9.47 $ 12.20 $ 22.4%
Guam is 22.4% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 19.83 $ 10.78 $ 84.0%
Guam is 84.0% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 8.07 $ 5.28 $ 52.8%
Guam is 52.8% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.12 $ 1.68 $ 85.7%
Guam is 85.7% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 7.95 $ 4.50 $ 76.7%
Guam is 76.7% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 6.87 $ 4.91 $ 39.9%
Guam is 39.9% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 3.70 $ 2.94 $ 25.9%
Guam is 25.9% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 3.36 $ 3.08 $ 9.1%
Guam is 9.1% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 3.50 $ 2.20 $ 59.1%
Guam is 59.1% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 55.00 $ 65.00 $ 15.4%
Guam is 15.4% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.24 $ 10.00 $ 7.6%
Guam is 7.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.75 $ 2.50 $ 10.0%
Guam is 10.0% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 20.00 $ 3.75 $ 433.3%
Guam is 433.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer ? 1.74 $ N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 32.00 $ 30.00 $ 6.7%
Guam is 6.7% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.42 $ 0.93 $ 52.7%
Guam is 52.7% more expensive
New Economy Car 29,095.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 3.0%
Guam is 3.0% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 29,789.67 $ 25,982.09 $ 14.7%
Guam is 14.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 367.41 $ 208.61 $ 76.1%
Guam is 76.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 85.00 $ 57.38 $ 48.1%
Guam is 48.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 104.38 $ 71.66 $ 45.7%
Guam is 45.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 92.00 $ 46.22 $ 99.0%
Guam is 99.0% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 26.00 $ 21.94 $ 18.5%
Guam is 18.5% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.50 $ 14.44 $ 6.5%
Guam is 6.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 468.75 $ 1,372.78 $ 65.9%
Guam is 65.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 29,000.00 $ 22,512.19 $ 28.8%
Guam is 28.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 73.33 $ 52.18 $ 40.5%
Guam is 40.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.00 $ 42.56 $ 52.7%
Guam is 52.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 96.67 $ 89.93 $ 7.5%
Guam is 7.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 140.00 $ 113.60 $ 23.2%
Guam is 23.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,928.89 $ 1,746.65 $ 10.4%
Guam is 10.4% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,519.38 $ 1,440.62 $ 5.5%
Guam is 5.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,937.50 $ 2,896.11 $ 1.4%
Guam is 1.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 2,506.88 $ 2,403.74 $ 4.3%
Guam is 4.3% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² ? 3,233.83 $ N/A
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 300.00 $ 2,715.21 $ 89.0%
Guam is 89.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 4,576.00 $ 4,329.01 $ 5.7%
Guam is 5.7% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.22 6.51 35.2%
Guam is 35.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Guam to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Guam and United States goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Guam vs United States

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Guam

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Guam Cost of living in United States

Related comparisons