Personal Finance: Personal Finance from Zero: Budget, Save, Borrow & Invest Explore on Udemy Ad

Cost of Living: Guatemala vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Guatemala and Australia.

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Guatemala is 54.6% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 87.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $45 in Guatemala for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 87.9%

Guatemala is 87.9% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 85.1%

Guatemala is 85.1% cheaper

Property Prices 78.7%

Guatemala is 78.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 54.6%

Guatemala is 54.6% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +2.5%

Is Guatemala cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Guatemala is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Guatemala are 54.6% lower than in Australia.

Where Guatemala is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 87.9% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 85.1% cheaper
  • Property Prices 78.7% cheaper

Where Guatemala is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 2.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Guatemala: 5.86 $ Australia: 16.22 $
63.9% cheaper in Guatemala

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Guatemala: 694.57 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
49.7% cheaper in Guatemala

Monthly public transport pass

Guatemala: 13.03 $ Australia: 97.35 $
86.6% cheaper in Guatemala

1 liter of milk

Guatemala: 1.98 $ Australia: 1.53 $
29.4% more expensive in Guatemala

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Guatemala is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 54.6% on living expenses by choosing Guatemala over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

54.6%

Guatemala is 54.6% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

36.7%

Guatemala is 36.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

61.5%

Guatemala is 61.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

87.9%

Guatemala is 87.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

19.7%

Guatemala is 19.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

65.7%

Guatemala is 65.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

2.5%

Guatemala is 2.5% more expensive than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

4.3%

Guatemala is 4.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

49.7%

Guatemala is 49.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

8.2%

Guatemala is 8.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

51.6%

Guatemala is 51.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

78.7%

Guatemala is 78.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

85.1%

Guatemala is 85.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Guatemala Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.86 $ 16.22 $ 63.9%
Guatemala is 63.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 52.13 $ 77.88 $ 33.1%
Guatemala is 33.1% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.52 $ 9.73 $ 33.0%
Guatemala is 33.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.50 $ 3.48 $ 0.6%
Guatemala is 0.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.28 $ 2.62 $ 51.1%
Guatemala is 51.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.00 $ 2.16 $ 53.7%
Guatemala is 53.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.18 $ 1.51 $ 21.9%
Guatemala is 21.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 0.69 $ 5.69 $ 87.9%
Guatemala is 87.9% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.90 $ 1.29 $ 47.3%
Guatemala is 47.3% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 6.94 $ 7.97 $ 12.9%
Guatemala is 12.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.31 $ 1.43 $ 8.4%
Guatemala is 8.4% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.98 $ 1.53 $ 29.4%
Guatemala is 29.4% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.63 $ 2.45 $ 7.3%
Guatemala is 7.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 1.85 $ 2.05 $ 9.8%
Guatemala is 9.8% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.32 $ 4.31 $ 46.2%
Guatemala is 46.2% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.51 $ 8.89 $ 15.5%
Guatemala is 15.5% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.96 $ 8.44 $ 5.7%
Guatemala is 5.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.71 $ 13.88 $ 30.0%
Guatemala is 30.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.59 $ 3.19 $ 12.5%
Guatemala is 12.5% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 1.64 $ 2.75 $ 40.4%
Guatemala is 40.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.29 $ 2.93 $ 12.3%
Guatemala is 12.3% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.48 $ 4.30 $ 65.6%
Guatemala is 65.6% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.52 $ 2.47 $ 38.5%
Guatemala is 38.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.82 $ 2.14 $ 15.0%
Guatemala is 15.0% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.77 $ 2.22 $ 65.3%
Guatemala is 65.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 13.03 $ 97.35 $ 86.6%
Guatemala is 86.6% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 3.78 $ 31.15 $ 87.9%
Guatemala is 87.9% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.04 $ 2.92 $ 64.4%
Guatemala is 64.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 3.75 $ 3.89 $ 3.6%
Guatemala is 3.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.08 $ 1.88 $ 42.6%
Guatemala is 42.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.10 $ 37.90 $ 73.4%
Guatemala is 73.4% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.09 $ 1.18 $ 7.6%
Guatemala is 7.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 18,244.56 $ 28,829.12 $ 36.7%
Guatemala is 36.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 23,114.91 $ 22,658.59 $ 2.0%
Guatemala is 2.0% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 60.34 $ 175.90 $ 65.7%
Guatemala is 65.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 28.04 $ 26.66 $ 5.2%
Guatemala is 5.2% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 53.58 $ 52.98 $ 1.1%
Guatemala is 1.1% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.14 $ 47.43 $ 6.9%
Guatemala is 6.9% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 24.34 $ 16.59 $ 46.7%
Guatemala is 46.7% more expensive
Movie Ticket 6.45 $ 14.28 $ 54.8%
Guatemala is 54.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 247.86 $ 1,570.69 $ 84.2%
Guatemala is 84.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,752.51 $ 12,354.33 $ 45.3%
Guatemala is 45.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 50.77 $ 71.57 $ 29.1%
Guatemala is 29.1% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 52.78 $ 50.87 $ 3.8%
Guatemala is 3.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 98.38 $ 102.13 $ 3.7%
Guatemala is 3.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 104.83 $ 109.73 $ 4.5%
Guatemala is 4.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 694.57 $ 1,381.57 $ 49.7%
Guatemala is 49.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 425.62 $ 1,095.96 $ 61.2%
Guatemala is 61.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,360.47 $ 2,332.99 $ 41.7%
Guatemala is 41.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 685.84 $ 1,729.44 $ 60.3%
Guatemala is 60.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,471.54 $ 6,794.53 $ 78.3%
Guatemala is 78.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,063.50 $ 5,084.33 $ 79.1%
Guatemala is 79.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 532.99 $ 3,619.71 $ 85.3%
Guatemala is 85.3% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 8.74 6.35 37.6%
Guatemala is 37.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Guatemala 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 Guatemala and Australia 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 Guatemala vs Australia

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Guatemala

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Australia

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

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 Guatemala Cost of living in Australia

Related comparisons

Courses to grow your money

Hand-picked, self-paced courses that pair well with our free tools.

Sponsored
Udemy Get Out of Debt, SAVE, Increase Wealth, Invest In The Future Personal Finance, Investing, and Retirement: Get Out of Debt & Get Your Money to Work For You. Do you work hard for your money? Get your… View course Udemy Best Way to Invest: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Wealth Are you ready to take control of your financial future and start building lasting wealth with confidence, clarity, and proven strategies?… View course Udemy Personal Finance on Autopilot with AI: Budget, Save & Invest Most money advice fails for one reason: it depends on willpower. This course replaces willpower with systems. You'll build a complete… View course