Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Guatemala's second city, a highland cultural center with stunning colonial architecture and indigenous traditions.
Overview
Quetzaltenango is a city in QZ with a population of 250,000. Guatemala’s second city, a highland cultural center with stunning colonial architecture and indigenous traditions. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. 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)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Quetzaltenango vs Guatemala Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25.0%
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Q90,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 250,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 70°F
- Winter Low: 44°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: Q800,000
- 1BR Rent: Q3500/mo
Cost of Living
Quetzaltenango's cost of living index is 95 (Guatemala average = 100).
| Category | Quetzaltenango | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: INE Guatemala / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Q800,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Q3500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Q4,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Q533 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Quetzaltenango:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Q300 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Q4 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | 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 | Q654 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Remote Work Score
Quetzaltenango scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Quetzaltenango has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F | 44°F | 2.5" |
| April | 55°F | 59°F | 2.8" |
| July | 70°F | 45°F | 1.5" |
| October | 50°F | 62°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Quetzaltenango 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 5.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala?
The cost of living index in Quetzaltenango is 95, which is Lower the Guatemala national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Quetzaltenango?
The median home price in Quetzaltenango is Q800,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quetzaltenango is approximately Q3500/mo.
Does Quetzaltenango, QZ have income tax?
Quetzaltenango is in QZ, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Quetzaltenango?
Quetzaltenango enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 70°F, while winter lows can drop to around 44°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.