Cost of Living: Guatemala vs United States

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Guatemala is 64.9% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 87.5% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $35 in Guatemala for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 87.5%

Guatemala is 87.5% cheaper

Household Utilities 71.1%

Guatemala is 71.1% cheaper

Childcare 70.7%

Guatemala is 70.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 64.9%

Guatemala is 64.9% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Clothing And Shoes +2.8%

Is Guatemala cheaper than United States?

Yes, Guatemala is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Guatemala are 64.9% lower than in United States.

Where Guatemala is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 87.5% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 71.1% cheaper
  • Childcare 70.7% cheaper

Where Guatemala is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 2.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Guatemala: 5.86 $ United States: 20.00 $
70.7% cheaper in Guatemala

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Guatemala: 694.57 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
60.2% cheaper in Guatemala

Monthly public transport pass

Guatemala: 13.03 $ United States: 65.00 $
80.0% cheaper in Guatemala

1 liter of milk

Guatemala: 1.98 $ United States: 1.06 $
86.8% more expensive in Guatemala

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Guatemala is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 64.9% on living expenses by choosing Guatemala over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

64.9%

Guatemala is 64.9% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

40.3%

Guatemala is 40.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

56.1%

Guatemala is 56.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

62.2%

Guatemala is 62.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

26.1%

Guatemala is 26.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Household Utilities

71.1%

Guatemala is 71.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

36.7%

Guatemala is 36.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

9.3%

Guatemala is 9.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

70.7%

Guatemala is 70.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

2.8%

Guatemala is 2.8% more expensive than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

62.7%

Guatemala is 62.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

57.4%

Guatemala is 57.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

87.5%

Guatemala is 87.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Guatemala United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.86 $ 20.00 $ 70.7%
Guatemala is 70.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 52.13 $ 75.00 $ 30.5%
Guatemala is 30.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.52 $ 11.50 $ 43.3%
Guatemala is 43.3% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.50 $ 5.24 $ 33.2%
Guatemala is 33.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.28 $ 2.56 $ 50.0%
Guatemala is 50.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.00 $ 2.09 $ 52.2%
Guatemala is 52.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.18 $ 2.23 $ 47.1%
Guatemala is 47.1% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.90 $ 4.38 $ 56.6%
Guatemala is 56.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.98 $ 1.06 $ 86.8%
Guatemala is 86.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.63 $ 3.63 $ 27.5%
Guatemala is 27.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.85 $ 4.61 $ 59.9%
Guatemala is 59.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.32 $ 4.29 $ 45.9%
Guatemala is 45.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.51 $ 12.93 $ 41.9%
Guatemala is 41.9% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.96 $ 12.20 $ 34.8%
Guatemala is 34.8% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.71 $ 10.78 $ 9.9%
Guatemala is 9.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.59 $ 5.28 $ 32.0%
Guatemala is 32.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.64 $ 1.68 $ 2.4%
Guatemala is 2.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.29 $ 4.50 $ 26.9%
Guatemala is 26.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.48 $ 4.91 $ 69.9%
Guatemala is 69.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.52 $ 2.94 $ 48.3%
Guatemala is 48.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.82 $ 3.08 $ 40.9%
Guatemala is 40.9% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.77 $ 2.20 $ 65.0%
Guatemala is 65.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 13.03 $ 65.00 $ 80.0%
Guatemala is 80.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 3.78 $ 10.00 $ 62.2%
Guatemala is 62.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.04 $ 2.50 $ 58.4%
Guatemala is 58.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 3.75 $ 3.75 $ 0.0%
Guatemala is 0.0% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.08 $ 1.74 $ 37.9%
Guatemala is 37.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.10 $ 30.00 $ 66.3%
Guatemala is 66.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.09 $ 0.93 $ 17.2%
Guatemala is 17.2% more expensive
New Economy Car 18,244.56 $ 30,000.00 $ 39.2%
Guatemala is 39.2% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 23,114.91 $ 25,982.09 $ 11.0%
Guatemala is 11.0% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 60.34 $ 208.61 $ 71.1%
Guatemala is 71.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 28.04 $ 57.38 $ 51.1%
Guatemala is 51.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 53.58 $ 71.66 $ 25.2%
Guatemala is 25.2% cheaper
Gym Membership 44.14 $ 46.22 $ 4.5%
Guatemala is 4.5% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 24.34 $ 21.94 $ 10.9%
Guatemala is 10.9% more expensive
Movie Ticket 6.45 $ 14.44 $ 55.3%
Guatemala is 55.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 247.86 $ 1,372.78 $ 81.9%
Guatemala is 81.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,752.51 $ 22,512.19 $ 70.0%
Guatemala is 70.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 50.77 $ 52.18 $ 2.7%
Guatemala is 2.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 52.78 $ 42.56 $ 24.0%
Guatemala is 24.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 98.38 $ 89.93 $ 9.4%
Guatemala is 9.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 104.83 $ 113.60 $ 7.7%
Guatemala is 7.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 694.57 $ 1,746.65 $ 60.2%
Guatemala is 60.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 425.62 $ 1,440.62 $ 70.5%
Guatemala is 70.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,360.47 $ 2,896.11 $ 53.0%
Guatemala is 53.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 685.84 $ 2,403.74 $ 71.5%
Guatemala is 71.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,471.54 $ 3,233.83 $ 54.5%
Guatemala is 54.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,063.50 $ 2,715.21 $ 60.8%
Guatemala is 60.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 532.99 $ 4,329.01 $ 87.7%
Guatemala is 87.7% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 8.74 6.51 34.3%
Guatemala is 34.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. 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 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 Guatemala 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

Guatemala

  • 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 Guatemala Cost of living in United States

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