Region in Sololá, Guatemala
Cost of living in Lake Atitlán
How much a month costs in Lake Atitlán
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,050–1,570 (Q8,000–12,000).
Prices in Lake Atitlán
Typical 2026 ranges in GTQ, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | GTQ | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | Q2,500–5,000 | $327–655 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | Q1,500–3,000 | $196–393 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | Q50–100 | $6.5–13.1 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | Q250–600 | $33–79 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | Q25–40 | $3.3–5.2 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | Q70–140 | $9.2–18.3 |
| Cappuccino | Q15–30 | $2.0–3.9 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | Q15–30 | $2.0–3.9 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | Q10–30 | $1.3–3.9 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | Q10–30 | $1.3–3.9 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | Q200–450 | $26–59 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | Q100–200 | $13–26 |
Value for money: 59/100
A value score of 59/100 means Lake Atitlán gives more quality of life per dollar than 58% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 52/100. It's the 5th most affordable of 7 places we cover in Guatemala.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Guatemala
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Semuc Champey | $458–720 | 95/100 |
| San Pedro La Laguna | $851–1,240 | 75/100 |
| Quetzaltenango | $917–1,370 | 65/100 |
| Flores | $917–1,440 | 72/100 |
| Lake Atitlán | $1,050–1,570 | 59/100 |
| Antigua Guatemala | $1,180–1,830 | 59/100 |
| Guatemala City | $1,310–2,090 | 42/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Lake Atitlán
Similar safety, lower cost, in Mexico & Central America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Semuc Champey | Guatemala | $458–720 |
| Ometepe | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| León | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| Granada | Nicaragua | $815–1,360 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Lake Atitlán?
About $524–786 on a lean budget, $1,050–1,570 for a comfortable month and $2,090–3,670 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Lake Atitlán?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs Q2,500–5,000 ($327–655) a month in the center and Q1,500–3,000 ($196–393) outside it.
How much does food cost in Lake Atitlán?
A local meal is Q25–40 ($3.3–5.2); a mid-range restaurant is Q70–140 ($9.2–18.3) per person.
Is Guatemala expensive?
Prices in Guatemala are about 43% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Lake Atitlán
Going to Lake Atitlán solo?
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- INGUAT, Guatemala Tourism Board
- Tigo Guatemala
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.