Cost of living in Guatemala compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 37% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Guatemala is 37% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Q118 ($15) | $21 | - 28% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Q52 ($7) | $12 | - 43% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Q27 ($3.58) | $5.87 | - 39% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Q17 ($2.19) | $1.10 | + 99% | |
12 eggs, large | Q20 ($2.59) | $5.49 | - 53% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Q14 ($1.82) | $4.88 | - 63% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Q57 ($7) | $8 | - 2% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Q19 ($2.47) | $4.27 | - 42% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Q15 ($1.98) | $2.28 | - 13% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Q15 ($1.92) | $3.53 | - 45% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Q90 ($12) | $18 | - 34% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Q17 ($2.27) | $2.95 | - 23% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Q12 ($1.58) | $3.04 | - 48% | |
Housing | - 61% | |||
Housing in Guatemala is 61% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Q8,548 ($1,114) | $3,071 | - 64% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Q5,418 ($706) | $2,362 | - 70% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Q578 ($75) | $232 | - 67% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Q5,615 ($731) | $2,203 | - 67% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Q3,421 ($446) | $1,612 | - 72% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Q747 ($97) | $167 | - 42% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Q258 ($34) | $61 | - 45% | |
40” flat screen tv | Q2,650 ($345) | $248 | + 39% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Q1,059 ($138) | $156 | - 12% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Q134 ($18) | $15 | + 18% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | Q123 ($16) | $34 | - 53% | |
Clothes | + 23% | |||
Clothes in Guatemala is 23% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Q528 ($69) | $57 | + 20% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Q532 ($69) | $51 | + 36% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Q929 ($121) | $107 | + 13% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Q1,055 ($137) | $141 | - 2% | |
Transportation | - 21% | |||
Transportation in Guatemala is 21% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Q188,980 ($24,617) | $30,886 | - 20% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Q15 ($2.02) | $0.94 | + 115% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | Q410 ($53) | $85 | - 37% | |
Personal Care | - 29% | |||
Personal Care in Guatemala is 29% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Q52 ($7) | $9 | - 24% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Q213 ($28) | $25 | + 13% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Q306 ($40) | $172 | - 77% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Q75 ($10) | $10 | + 0% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Q46 ($5.99) | $5.27 | + 14% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Q61 ($8) | $7 | + 14% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Q24 ($3.19) | $5.04 | - 37% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Q24 ($3.08) | $2.37 | + 30% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Q150 ($20) | $31 | - 37% | |
Entertainment | - 50% | |||
Entertainment in Guatemala is 50% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Guatemala | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Q175 ($23) | $61 | - 63% | |
2 tickets to the movies | Q100 ($13) | $30 | - 57% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Q366 ($48) | $233 | - 80% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Q412 ($54) | $106 | - 49% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Q82 ($11) | $15 | - 28% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Q36 ($4.73) | $5.94 | - 20% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Q26 ($3.33) | $8 | - 56% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Q7,192 ($937) | $456 | + 105% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Q2.00 ($0.26) | $0.96 | - 73% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Q680 ($89) | $72 | + 23% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Q29 ($3.74) | $11 | - 67% | |
TOTAL | - 43% |

These prices were last updated on May 15, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.13026
USD
/
GTQ
Cost of living in Guatemala is 43% cheaper than in United States
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