Cost of Living in Flores

Category	Details	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center	$300 - $400 per month
	1-bedroom apartment outside city center	$200 - $300 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center	$800 - $1,200
	Price per square meter outside city center	$600 - $900
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	$0.50
	Monthly local transport pass	$20 - $30
	Gasoline (1 liter)	$0.90 - $1.10
	Taxi starting tariff	$1.50 - $2.00
Groceries	Milk (1 liter)	$0.80 - $1.20
	Bread (500g)	$1.50 - $2.50
	Rice (1kg)	$1.00 - $1.50
	Chicken breasts (1kg)	$3.50 - $5.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	$3.00 - $5.00
	Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	$20 - $30
	Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught)	$1.50 - $2.50
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment	$50 - $100 per month
	Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	$30 - $50 per month
	Mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)	$0.10 - $0.20 per minute
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten)	$150 - $300 per month
	Elementary School	$200 - $400 per month
	Middle School	$300 - $600 per month
	High School	$400 - $800 per month

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Flores, and the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices from various sources before making any financial decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Flores

"The cost of living in Flores is generally considered to be lower than in many Western countries. Housing is relatively affordable, with options ranging from budget-friendly apartments to more upscale homes. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Flores are quite inexpensive, especially if you buy local produce and goods. Eating out at local restaurants is also affordable, although dining at high-end restaurants can be more costly. Public transportation in Flores is very cheap, but if you choose to own a car, gasoline and maintenance costs can add up. Healthcare is also affordable, particularly in comparison to costs in the United States. However, it's important to note that while the cost of living is lower, wages in Guatemala are also significantly lower than in many Western countries. Therefore, the cost of living may still be high relative to local incomes," said one expat living in Flores.

Can I live in Flores on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Flores for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Flores is a beautiful island town, and the cost of living is generally lower than in other parts of Guatemala. However, you'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment.When looking for a place to live, I'd recommend checking out the neighborhoods of Santa Elena and San Benito. These areas are more affordable than the island of Flores itself, and you can find decent apartments or houses for around $300 to $500 a month. The island of Flores can be quite expensive, with rents going up to $1,000 a month or more, so I'd avoid living there if you're on a tight budget.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages can cost around $30 to $50 a month. Groceries are relatively cheap, and you can get by on around $200 to $300 a month if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be affordable too, with local restaurants offering meals for around $3 to $5, but if you prefer dining at more upscale places, the costs can add up quickly.Transportation is quite affordable in Flores, with local buses and tuk-tuks charging around $0.50 to $1 for short trips. If you plan on traveling around the country, long-distance buses are also reasonably priced, but flights can be expensive.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Flores, such as exploring the town, visiting nearby Mayan ruins, or enjoying the lake, you might have to limit your spending on activities like guided tours, boat rentals, or nights out at bars and clubs.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Flores, Guatemala is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and limiting your spending on entertainment, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful town," commented an expat living in Flores.

Can I live in Flores on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Flores for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Flores is a small island, but there are still some neighborhoods that are more expensive than others. I'd recommend looking for a place in the San Miguel area, which is just across the lake from Flores. It's a bit more affordable, and you can easily take a boat or a tuk-tuk to get to the main island. Alternatively, you could also consider living in Santa Elena, which is connected to Flores by a causeway. It's a bit busier and more urban, but it's also more affordable.In terms of housing, you'll likely need to settle for a smaller or more basic apartment than you might be used to. While there are some modern apartments available, they tend to be more expensive. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the location and amenities.As for utilities, you'll need to be prepared for occasional power outages and water shortages. It's just a part of life here in Flores. However, if you're willing to invest in a backup generator or water tank, you can mitigate these issues.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. However, if you're craving Western-style food or imported products, you'll need to be prepared to pay a premium. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money on food expenses.Transportation is generally affordable, with tuk-tuks and boats being the most common modes of transport around the island. However, if you plan to travel frequently to other parts of Guatemala or neighboring countries, you'll need to budget for those trips as well.Finally, while there are some modern amenities available in Flores, such as internet and cable TV, they may not be as reliable or as fast as you're used to. You'll need to be patient and adaptable when it comes to technology and connectivity.Overall, living in Flores on $3,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your housing, food, and transportation choices, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful part of Guatemala," said one expat living in Flores.

Can I live in Flores on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Flores for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Flores is a small island, but there are still some areas that are more expensive than others. I'd recommend looking for a place in the neighborhoods of San Miguel or Santa Elena, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You might want to avoid the more touristy areas, like the center of Flores, as the prices there can be quite high.In terms of housing, you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and location. Keep in mind that you might have to compromise on some modern amenities, like air conditioning or a dishwasher, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using the local buses or tuk-tuks, which are quite affordable. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can find a used car for a reasonable price, but keep in mind that gas prices can be high in Guatemala.Eating out can be quite affordable in Flores, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you'll find that groceries can be a bit more expensive than you might be used to, especially for imported products. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh, local produce.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some options in Flores, like visiting the nearby Mayan ruins or going on a boat tour, you might find that there's not as much variety as you're used to. However, you can still enjoy a good quality of life by exploring the natural beauty of the area and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available.Overall, living in Flores on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of modern amenities and entertainment options," commented an expat living in Flores.