| Category | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | $300 – $800 per month | Depending on the location and size of the apartment, the rental cost can vary. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around $300-$500 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around $600-$800 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | $100,000 – $300,000 | The cost of buying an apartment in Antigua can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities. A small apartment in the city center may cost around $100,000, while a larger, luxury apartment can cost upwards of $300,000. |
| Transportation | $0.25 – $1.00 per trip | Public transportation in Antigua is relatively cheap, with bus fares typically costing around $0.25 – $1.00 per trip. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but can be more expensive. |
| Groceries | $200 – $300 per month | The cost of groceries can vary depending on personal preferences and dietary needs. However, on average, a person might spend around $200 – $300 per month on groceries. |
| Restaurants | $3 – $15 per meal | The cost of eating out in Antigua can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a cheap restaurant might cost around $3 – $5, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around $10 – $15. |
| Utilities | $50 – $100 per month | Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $50 – $100 per month for a small apartment. Internet can cost an additional $20 – $30 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | $2,000 – $6,000 per year | The cost of private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition might cost around $2,000 – $3,000 per year, while tuition for elementary, middle, and high school might cost around $3,000 – $6,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Antigua
“The cost of living in Antigua is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also fairly low.Groceries in Antigua are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at lower prices than in many Western supermarkets. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than what one would expect to pay in the United States or Europe.Public transportation in Antigua is very cheap, but the cost of owning and maintaining a car, including gas and insurance, can be higher. Health care in Antigua is generally less expensive than in Western countries, but the quality of care can vary.Overall, while the cost of living in Antigua is low compared to many Western countries, it is higher than in many other parts of Guatemala. However, the city’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture make it an attractive place to live for many expats,” said one expat living in Antigua.
Can I live in Antigua on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Antigua for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries, but it’s not the cheapest place in Central America. Rent can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. If you want to live in a modern apartment in the city center, you might have to pay around $800 to $1,000 a month. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out or in a more local neighborhood, you can find places for as low as $300 to $500 a month. I live in a modest two-bedroom house in Jocotenango, a neighborhood just outside the city center, and I pay around $400 a month. It’s a bit more local and less touristy, but I like it that way. As for other expenses, groceries can be quite cheap if you shop at local markets and eat like a local. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Eating out can be affordable too, with local meals costing around $3 to $5. However, if you prefer Western-style restaurants, expect to pay around $10 to $15 per meal. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are relatively cheap. I pay around $50 a month for all of these. However, if you’re used to certain modern amenities like high-speed internet or air conditioning, you might have to pay a bit more. Transportation is also quite cheap. Local buses cost around $0.25 per ride and taxis are around $3 to $5 within the city. However, I mostly walk or bike around as Antigua is quite small and everything is relatively close. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do. There are beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites to visit. However, if you’re into more expensive hobbies like golfing or fine dining, you might have to cut back a bit. In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend looking at places in Jocotenango or San Pedro Las Huertas if you’re on a budget. These are more local neighborhoods with cheaper rents. However, they are still safe and have all the necessary amenities. If you prefer a more upscale neighborhood, consider places like El Panorama or San Felipe. However, rents in these areas can be quite high, so they might not be the best option if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Overall, living in Antigua on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most upscale neighborhood or dine at fancy restaurants every night, but you can still live a comfortable and enjoyable life,” commented an expat living in Antigua.
Can I live in Antigua on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Antigua for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Antigua is relatively low compared to many places in the U.S. or Europe. You can rent a nice, comfortable apartment in a safe neighborhood for around $500 to $800 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods that I would recommend are Jardines de Antigua and San Pedro El Alto. They’re both safe, quiet, and have a good community feel. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Central Antigua and Santa Ana are more expensive. They’re closer to the city center and have more amenities, but you might end up paying over $1,000 a month for rent. Groceries are also quite affordable here. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, with meals costing around $5 to $10. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for all your utilities. As for transportation, most places in Antigua are within walking distance. But if you need to take a taxi, it’s usually around $2 to $3 for a ride within the city. So, if you budget wisely, you can live quite comfortably on $3,000 a month in Antigua. You might not be able to afford the most luxurious lifestyle, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life,” said one expat living in Antigua.
Can I live in Antigua on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Antigua for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be modern amenities. For example, if you’re used to having a private gym, a swimming pool, and a personal chef, then you might find it a bit challenging. But if you’re okay with a comfortable apartment, eating out at nice restaurants, and using local gyms, then you’ll be more than fine. In terms of housing, you can find a nice, modern apartment in a safe neighborhood for around $800 to $1,200 a month. The more expensive neighborhoods like Santo Domingo and San Felipe are beautiful, but you might want to avoid them if you’re trying to save money. Instead, consider neighborhoods like Jocotenango or Santa Ana, which are still very safe and have a lot of local charm. Food is also quite affordable here. You can eat out at a nice restaurant for around $10 to $15 per person. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. I spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot of money. The local buses are very cheap, and taxis are also reasonably priced. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 to $400 a month. As for other expenses, such as utilities, internet, and entertainment, I spend around $200 a month. The internet is reliable and fast, and there are plenty of things to do in Antigua, from visiting historical sites to hiking in the nearby mountains. So, all in all, I spend around $2,500 to $3,000 a month, which leaves me with plenty of money to save or to spend on travel and other luxuries. Of course, everyone’s lifestyle and spending habits are different, but I think that $5,000 a month is more than enough to live comfortably in Antigua, Guatemala,” commented an expat living in Antigua.
