Comments about this Report

No running water? Are you kidding? Who can live without running water!!When I move to Guatemala, hopefully with 4 years,I'm going to make sure the house has running water. I see that electricity is very cheap. Here in Miami,Florida everything is extremely expensive.No wonder many people leave Miami when they retire. With the high crime, nasty and lazy people my taxes support,and political stupidity, hopefully in 4 years;I'm out of here!I iknow that withmy pension and social security, I'll be able to live better there.

do you haul water in ? housing and electricity are very cheap for sure . do you have medical resources there such as hospital, doctors and pharmacy ? suzanne

I have lived in Guatemala for 6 years and I'm happy to report I have only missed a hot shower two or three times. I recommend Antigua or one of the surrounding towns - it's more expensive, but you get what you pay for! Plus, Guatemala City is only an hour away when you feel the need to go to the mall or take your kid to the zoo.

In response to "I see electricity is very cheap", understand that the cost per KWH is 3 times that of most of the U.S. (I am specifically relating to FL Panhandle.) The cost per KWH here averages about $0.30, vs about 0.10 to 0.12 in FL panhandle in 2013. The reason you see such a low monthly price is that if you live in the highlands (elevation around 5000ft plus), you will not need A/C MOST of the time, and most people don't use electric heat. Heating and cooling a home is by far the largest energy usage for most homes in the States, especially in coastal regions (I've been in Houston and FL panhandle). Hot water is usually by the "widow maker" shower heads (never heard of anyone actually getting hurt by one :) that will warm the water, but don't expect the long HOT showers like many women enjoy in the States. You can install standard tank water heaters, but expect your electricity bill to go substantially higher. We use gas "on demand" water heater, which gives much hotter water, but the gas here is now costing about $25 for 35lbs of propane, and we use 1.5-2 of those per month (large family of 8). So yes electricity can be cheap if you just don't use any. Many of the indigenous people use no electricity or very little at most. They gather wood to cook and heat and live in what you would most likely call a tin shack with a dirt floor. The bottom line is that if you try to live a U. S. lifestyle here, you will pay nearly the same as in the States. The largest savings have been in insurance (car, home, health) for our family. Food can be less, but not if you want to eat like in the States. Fuel is more expensive here. Energy in general is more expensive here, and energy is what gives most Westerners the level of luxury they enjoy.