Sololá, Guatemala
A highland town overlooking Lake Atitlán, known for its indigenous textile markets and stunning lake views.
Overview
Sololá is a city in SO with a population of 60,000. A highland town overlooking Lake Atitlán, known for its indigenous textile markets and stunning lake views. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b 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)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Sololá vs Guatemala Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25.0%
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Q55,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 60,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 46°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: Q450,000
- 1BR Rent: Q2000/mo
Cost of Living
Sololá's cost of living index is 85 (Guatemala average = 100).
| Category | Sololá | 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 Sololá:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Q300 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Q3 | 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 | Q653 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CNEE, EEGSA, Tigo 2025
Remote Work Score
Sololá scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Sololá has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F | 46°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 61°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 64°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Sololá 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 Sololá 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 Sololá 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 Sololá, Guatemala?
The cost of living index in Sololá is 85, which is Lower the Guatemala national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Sololá?
The median home price in Sololá 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 Sololá is approximately Q2000/mo.
Does Sololá, SO have income tax?
Sololá is in SO, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Sololá?
Sololá enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 46°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.