Puerto Barrios, Guatemala
Guatemala's main Caribbean port city, a multicultural hub with Garifuna and Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Overview
Puerto Barrios is a city in IZ with a population of 100,000. Guatemala’s main Caribbean port city, a multicultural hub with Garifuna and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 23.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Guatemala Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Puerto Barrios vs Guatemala Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25.0%
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Q65,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Q500,000
- 1BR Rent: Q2500/mo
Cost of Living
Puerto Barrios's cost of living index is 88 (Guatemala average = 100).
| Category | Puerto Barrios | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: INE Guatemala / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Q500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Q2500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Q3,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Q333 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Puerto Barrios:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Q300 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Q159 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Q100 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Q250 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Q809 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Remote Work Score
Puerto Barrios scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Puerto Barrios has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Puerto Barrios faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanic region with frequent eruptions.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Significant hurricane risk.
Tropical storm floods.
Mountainous terrain with rain-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Wildfires in dry season.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25%
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Puerto Barrios 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a major holiday break.
Demographics
The population of Puerto Barrios is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INE Census (2018)
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 Puerto Barrios, Guatemala?
The cost of living index in Puerto Barrios is 88, which is Lower the Guatemala national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Puerto Barrios?
The median home price in Puerto Barrios is Q500,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Puerto Barrios is approximately Q2500/mo.
Does Puerto Barrios, IZ have income tax?
Puerto Barrios is in IZ, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Puerto Barrios?
Puerto Barrios enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.