| Cost of Living Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) | $200 – $300 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom outside of city center) | $150 – $200 per month |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) | $800 – $1,000 |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter outside of city center) | $500 – $700 |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | $20 – $30 |
| Transportation (Taxi, 1km) | $1 – $2 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | $1 – $1.5 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | $1 – $1.5 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | $1 – $2 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | $4 – $6 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) | $3 – $5 |
| Restaurants (Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant) | $20 – $30 |
| Utilities (Basic electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 85m2 apartment) | $50 – $70 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | $100 – $200 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | $150 – $250 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | $200 – $300 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | $250 – $350 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in San Marcos La Laguna
“The cost of living in San Marcos La Laguna is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite 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 in San Marcos La Laguna are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and other staples at very reasonable prices. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing very little. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is also reasonably priced.Public transportation in San Marcos La Laguna is very cheap, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing a small amount. Taxis are also quite affordable. The cost of gasoline is lower than in many Western countries.Healthcare in San Marcos La Laguna is also quite affordable, with a visit to a private doctor costing a fraction of what it would in many Western countries. The cost of a standard prescription drug is also quite low.Overall, the cost of living in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala is quite low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live abroad on a budget,” said one expat living in San Marcos La Laguna.
Can I live in San Marcos La Laguna on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Marcos La Laguna 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 U.S., but it’s important to remember that “comfortable” is a relative term. If you’re used to high-end luxury, you might find it a bit challenging. However, if you’re adaptable and don’t mind living a simpler lifestyle, it’s absolutely doable. Rent is one of the biggest expenses, but it’s still quite affordable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month. The neighborhoods of Tzununa and Santa Cruz are particularly affordable and still offer a good quality of life. They’re a bit quieter than the center of San Marcos, but still close enough to enjoy the amenities. On the other hand, the neighborhoods closer to the lake, like Pasajcap and Mirador, are more expensive. They offer stunning views and are closer to the action, but you might have to pay upwards of $600 a month for rent. Groceries are also quite cheap. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples for around $200 a month. Eating out is also affordable, with meals at local restaurants costing around $3-$5. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $50-$100 a month. It’s worth noting that the internet might not be as fast or reliable as you’re used to, but it’s generally good enough for basic tasks. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Most places in San Marcos are within walking distance, and for longer trips, you can take a tuk-tuk for around $1-$2. The biggest sacrifice you’ll have to make is probably in terms of luxury and convenience. You won’t find many high-end restaurants or shops, and things like electronics and imported goods are significantly more expensive. Healthcare is also basic, so if you have any serious medical conditions, it might not be the best place for you. But overall, if you’re willing to adapt to a simpler lifestyle, you can live quite comfortably in San Marcos La Laguna on $1,500 a month. It’s a beautiful place with a laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and plenty to see and do,” commented an expat living in San Marcos La Laguna.
Can I live in San Marcos La Laguna on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Marcos La Laguna 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. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a nice house with a lake view for around $500 a month. If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider neighborhoods like Barrio 2 or Barrio 3, where you can find rentals for as low as $200 a month. However, if you’re looking for luxury, you might want to avoid these areas as they are more local and less catered to expats. On the other hand, the neighborhood of Las Piramides is more upscale and caters more to the expat community, but the cost of living there is also higher. You might have to pay around $800 to $1,000 a month for a rental in this area. When it comes to food, local markets are your best bet. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. Eating out is also quite affordable, with meals at local restaurants costing around $3 to $5. However, if you’re used to certain Western products, you might have to make some sacrifices. Imported goods are more expensive here, and not everything is available. You might have to adapt to local products or do without certain items. Healthcare is another area where you can save money. Local clinics offer services at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S., and the quality of care is generally good. However, for more serious conditions, you might have to travel to a larger city like Guatemala City. In terms of transportation, most people get around on foot or by tuk-tuk, which is very affordable. If you want to maintain a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher here than in the U.S. Overall, living in San Marcos La Laguna on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments. You’ll have to adapt to the local lifestyle, make some sacrifices when it comes to certain products, and be mindful of where you choose to live. But in return, you get to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful setting,” said one expat living in San Marcos La Laguna.
Can I live in San Marcos La Laguna on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Marcos La Laguna 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. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a nice house with a lake view for around $500 to $800 a month. If you want to live in a more luxurious house, you might pay up to $1,500, but that’s still quite affordable compared to what you’d pay in a city like New York or London. In terms of neighborhoods, the area around the main dock is the most expensive. It’s where most of the tourists go, so prices are higher. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for a place in the Barrio 2 or Barrio 3 neighborhoods. They’re a bit further from the center, but still within walking distance and you can find some great deals. Food is also quite cheap. You can eat out at a local restaurant for around $5 to $10 per meal. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also affordable. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples at the local market for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. As for utilities, electricity can be a bit expensive, especially if you use a lot of it. But if you’re mindful about your usage, it shouldn’t be a problem. Internet is also a bit more expensive than what you might be used to, but it’s reliable and fast enough for most needs. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and shopping. There aren’t many options for shopping, especially for clothes or electronics. You might have to travel to a larger city like Guatemala City or Antigua for that. As for entertainment, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do, like hiking, kayaking, or yoga, but not much in terms of nightlife or cultural events. But overall, I’d say that living in San Marcos La Laguna on $5,000 a month is quite doable and you can live a comfortable lifestyle without making too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in San Marcos La Laguna.
