Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Living in Guatemala

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 10, 2024

Summary: People describe life in Guatemala as vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Expats love the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, the rich culture, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle. The population of Guatemala is approximately 17.2 million people, and the largest cities are Guatemala City, Mixco, Villa Nueva, Quetzaltenango, and San Miguel Petapa. The cons of living in Guatemala include the high crime rate, the lack of infrastructure, and the limited access to healthcare. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

What do I need to know about living in Guatemala?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Guatemala, they said:

"If you are thinking about living in Antigua remember the prices there are ridiculously expensive in everything. Cuidad Vieja is very close to Antigua (10-15 min.) and everything here is very inexpensive. Example I have big 5 Br. house 3Br. Garage and a killer view of the volcanoes all for $187.00 per month, not even possible in Antigua. Cuidad Vieja is a very quite city and very low crime. A Great Place to retire to," said one expat who made the move to Cuidad Vieja.

"Come visit, first! Then decide. Only you know what you are looking for, check out what is offered here," explained one expat living in Esquipulas, Guatemala.

"It is a great country to live in provided you have a certain income and are willing to accept the restrictions the insecurity imposes," mentioned one in Guatemala-City.

Answer Question & View More Answers

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

How do I meet people in Guatemala?

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Guatemala Network Contribute
Help others in Guatemala by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal