Cost of living in Guatemala?

Question

Hi I am trying to find out the costs of general things in Guatemala, such as shampoo, gas, food, rent for a safe apartment etc. I have have a friend that is going back there and I have heard some crazy prices for things listed above and just want some facts. Thanks

Answer 1

Some items are cheaper but if you live in Guatemala and you get pay in Quetzales they do not seem cheap any more. If you are visiting and have dollars it is great.

Answer 2

The cost of most items are cheaper in Guatemala then in the US.  That is on average.. some thing may be higher if you are brand sensitive.  Gas is a bit more, but things tend to be a lot closer together, and they do have a pretty good bus system if you are willing to take it.

Housing can range from cheap to very expensive depending on where you want to live.  On average, it should be a lot cheaper.  

One exception to all this is if they are planning on living in Antigua, most of the places in the touristy areas do charge more because they know they can get away with it.

Answer 3

It all depends on where you are living and how you are living.  If you want to live the good life it's expensive but if you want to live just decently it would be cheap.  

Antigua Guatemala is the most expensive place to live since it's the retirement place for many people all over the world. But it's also the coolest.  But there are also a lot of backpackers that rent places together so it gets cheaper.  Brand shampoo like herbal essences or pantene, is about $7.

Rent of a decent appartment by yourself in the city in a good  area   $300 to $400, groceries for one person a month $130. I totally do not trust the transit system in Guatemala City, is not safe at all and it is confusing, even for me that I am Guatemalan.  So I wouldn't take it at all if dont want to be robbed.

Answer 4

http://lakpy.info.

You can see here