Guatemala City, GU, Guatemala
Guatemala's sprawling capital and economic powerhouse, a modern Central American metropolis with rich Mayan and colonial heritage.
Above Average vs Guatemala Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Guatemala City vs Guatemala Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 25.0%
- VAT: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Q120,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 3,000,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 58°F
Housing
- Median Home: Q1,200,000
- 1BR Rent: Q5000/mo
Cost of Living
Guatemala City's cost of living index is 110 (Guatemala average = 100).
| Category | Guatemala City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
| Housing | 140 | 100 | +40.0% |
Data source: INE Guatemala / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Q1,200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Q5000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Q6,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Q800 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Guatemala City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Q200 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Guatemalan household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Q80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Q200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Q50 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | Q530 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Guatemala City
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: Q6,000/mo.
Guatemala City Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: Q5,500/mo.
East Guatemala City
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: Q4,500/mo.
West Guatemala City
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: Q4,750/mo.
Remote Work Score
Guatemala City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Guatemala City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F | 58°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 73°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 76°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 25%
- VAT: 12%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Guatemala City per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Guatemala City, GU, Guatemala?
The cost of living index in Guatemala City is 110, which is Higher the Guatemala national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Guatemala City?
The median home price in Guatemala City is Q1,200,000. The housing index is 140.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Guatemala City is approximately Q5000/mo.
Does Guatemala City, GU have income tax?
Guatemala City is in GU, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Guatemala City?
Guatemala City enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE Guatemala / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Guatemala Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.