| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental prices in Quetzaltenango can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around Q2,500 to Q3,500 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area may cost around Q4,000 to Q6,000 per month. Outside the city center, the prices can be significantly lower, ranging from Q1,500 to Q2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and Q2,500 to Q4,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of buying an apartment in Quetzaltenango can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. On average, the price per square meter in the city center can range from Q7,000 to Q10,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter can range from Q4,000 to Q7,000. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Quetzaltenango is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around Q1.50, while a monthly pass can cost around Q200. Taxis start at around Q25, with an additional Q10 per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is around Q6 per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Quetzaltenango is relatively low compared to many other cities. A liter of milk costs around Q7, a loaf of bread costs around Q10, a dozen eggs cost around Q12, and a kilogram of local cheese costs around Q40. Fruits and vegetables are also quite affordable, with a kilogram of apples costing around Q10 and a kilogram of bananas costing around Q5. |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Quetzaltenango can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around Q30 to Q50, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around Q200 to Q300. A regular cappuccino costs around Q15. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around Q500 to Q700 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around Q200 to Q300 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school and the level of education. On average, the annual tuition for preschool can range from Q10,000 to Q15,000. For elementary school, the annual tuition can range from Q15,000 to Q20,000. For middle school and high school, the annual tuition can range from Q20,000 to Q30,000. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Quetzaltenango
“The cost of living in Quetzaltenango is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at very reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than a meal at a fast food chain in the United States. Public transportation is very cheap, and even taxis are quite affordable. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and car maintenance. Healthcare is also relatively inexpensive, especially if you use public healthcare facilities. However, private healthcare can be more costly. Overall, the cost of living in Quetzaltenango is quite low, making it an attractive place for expats and retirees looking for a low-cost place to live,” said one expat living in Quetzaltenango.
Can I live in Quetzaltenango on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Quetzaltenango, or Xela as the locals call it, 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 the US or Europe, but it’s important to remember that ‘comfortable’ is a relative term. If you’re used to high-end luxury, you might need to adjust your expectations. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Zona 3 or Zona 1. They’re centrally located, safe, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300-$400 a month. Avoid Zona 9 and Zona 10, they’re the more upscale areas and the rents there can be quite high. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a meal at a local comedor for around $3-$5. If you prefer to cook at home, fresh produce is plentiful and inexpensive at the local markets. However, imported goods and dining at high-end restaurants can add up. Public transportation is very affordable, but it’s not always reliable or comfortable. Taxis and tuk-tuks are more expensive, but still affordable compared to US prices. If you plan on having a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US. Healthcare is another area where you can save money. The quality of care is generally good, especially in private clinics, and it’s significantly cheaper than in the US. However, if you have a serious medical condition, you might need to travel to Guatemala City for treatment, as the facilities there are more advanced. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. There are beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites to visit, and the nightlife is vibrant and inexpensive. However, high-end entertainment options like fancy bars and clubs can be pricey. In terms of sacrifices, you might need to give up some of the conveniences you’re used to. For example, high-speed internet is not as reliable, and power outages can be common. Also, while most people are friendly and welcoming, not everyone speaks English, so you might need to learn some basic Spanish. Overall, living in Xela on $1,500 a month is doable and can be quite comfortable, but it requires some adjustments and a willingness to embrace a different way of life,” commented an expat living in Quetzaltenango.
Can I live in Quetzaltenango on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Quetzaltenango, or Xela as the locals call it, for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be modern amenities. For example, if you’re used to having a dishwasher, clothes dryer, or central heating, you might have to adjust your expectations. These things are not common in Guatemala, even in the more upscale homes. However, if you’re okay with washing dishes by hand, line-drying your clothes, and using a space heater on the rare chilly nights, you’ll do just fine. In terms of housing, there are several neighborhoods I would recommend. Zona 3 is a popular area for expats. It’s close to the city center, has a variety of restaurants and shops, and is generally safe. You can find a nice 2-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month. Zona 1 is another good option. It’s the historical center of the city, so it has a lot of character and is within walking distance to many amenities. However, it can be a bit noisier and busier than Zona 3. On the other hand, I would avoid Zona 7 and Zona 8. These areas are more residential and while they might be cheaper, they are also further away from the city center and don’t have as many amenities nearby. Plus, they are not as safe as Zona 3 or Zona 1. Food is relatively cheap in Guatemala. You can eat out at a local restaurant for around $5-$10 per meal, or you can cook at home for even less. Fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly cheap and plentiful at the local markets. As for transportation, most people get around by walking or taking the local buses, which are very affordable. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas is more expensive than in the U.S. and traffic can be chaotic. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank. There are beautiful parks to explore, local festivals to attend, and plenty of cultural activities. Plus, the cost of living is so low that you’ll have plenty of money left over to travel and explore the rest of the country. Overall, I would say that living in Quetzaltenango on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You might have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but in my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks,” said one expat living in Quetzaltenango.
Can I live in Quetzaltenango on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Quetzaltenango, or Xela as the locals call it, for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than possible, it’s actually quite comfortable. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The Zona Viva is a popular area with expats, it’s safe and has a lot of restaurants, bars, and shops. Another good neighborhood is Zona 3, it’s a bit quieter but still close to everything. If you want to live more luxuriously, you could consider areas like Zona 15 or Zona 14, but the rents there can go up to $1,000 or more. As for other expenses, food is quite cheap, especially if you buy local produce and cook at home. Eating out can be as cheap as $3 for a local meal or up to $15 for a meal at a nice restaurant. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable, usually around $50 to $100 a month depending on your usage. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Local buses cost less than a dollar and taxis are also quite cheap. If you want to have your own car, gas is around $3 per gallon. Healthcare is also affordable. There are good private hospitals and clinics where a consultation with a specialist can cost around $30. Now, as for sacrifices, you might find that some modern amenities you’re used to are not as readily available or as high quality. For example, while internet is available, it might not be as fast or reliable as you’re used to. Also, while there are modern supermarkets, they might not carry all the brands or products you’re used to. Another thing to consider is that while Quetzaltenango is a relatively safe city, like any place, it has its share of crime. So you’ll need to take the usual precautions like not flashing expensive items, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding certain areas at night. But overall, I’ve found that the quality of life here is quite good. The people are friendly, the weather is great, and there’s a lot to see and do. Plus, with $5,000 a month, you can live quite comfortably and even save money,” commented an expat living in Quetzaltenango.
