Retalhuleu, RE, Guatemala
A hot lowland city near the Pacific coast, known for its sugar and rubber production.
Below Average vs Guatemala Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Retalhuleu vs Guatemala Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 25.0%
- VAT: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Q60,000
- Unemployment: 6.5%
- Population: 90,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 70°F
Housing
- Median Home: Q450,000
- 1BR Rent: Q2000/mo
Cost of Living
Retalhuleu's cost of living index is 85 (Guatemala average = 100).
| Category | Retalhuleu | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: INE Guatemala / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Q450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Q2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Q2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Q300 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Retalhuleu:
| 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) | Q192 | 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 | Q722 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Retalhuleu
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: Q2,400/mo.
Retalhuleu Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: Q2,200/mo.
East Retalhuleu
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: Q1,800/mo.
West Retalhuleu
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: Q1,900/mo.
Remote Work Score
Retalhuleu scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Retalhuleu has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F | 70°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 85°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 88°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 6.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Retalhuleu 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 Retalhuleu, RE, Guatemala?
The cost of living index in Retalhuleu is 85, which is Lower the Guatemala national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Retalhuleu?
The median home price in Retalhuleu is Q450,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Retalhuleu is approximately Q2000/mo.
Does Retalhuleu, RE have income tax?
Retalhuleu is in RE, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Retalhuleu?
Retalhuleu enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°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.