City, Guatemala
Cost of living in Quetzaltenango
How much a month costs in Quetzaltenango
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $917–1,370 (Q7,000–10,500).
Prices in Quetzaltenango
Typical 2026 ranges in GTQ, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | GTQ | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | Q2,000–4,000 | $262–524 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | Q1,200–2,500 | $157–327 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | Q50–90 | $6.5–11.8 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | Q250–500 | $33–65 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | Q25–40 | $3.3–5.2 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | Q60–120 | $7.9–15.7 |
| Cappuccino | Q15–30 | $2.0–3.9 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | Q15–28 | $2.0–3.7 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | Q2–3 | $0.26–0.39 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | Q20–35 | $2.6–4.6 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | Q150–350 | $20–46 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | Q100–200 | $13–26 |
Value for money: 65/100
A value score of 65/100 means Quetzaltenango gives more quality of life per dollar than 64% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 49/100. It's the 3rd 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 Quetzaltenango
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 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Quetzaltenango?
About $458–655 on a lean budget, $917–1,370 for a comfortable month and $1,960–3,270 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Quetzaltenango?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs Q2,000–4,000 ($262–524) a month in the center and Q1,200–2,500 ($157–327) outside it.
How much does food cost in Quetzaltenango?
A local meal is Q25–40 ($3.3–5.2); a mid-range restaurant is Q60–120 ($7.9–15.7) per person.
Is Guatemala expensive?
Prices in Guatemala are about 43% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Quetzaltenango
Going to Quetzaltenango solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Quetzaltenango meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.