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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Chichicastenango 2024
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Cost of Living in Chichicastenango

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Chichicastenango helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center $200 - $300 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center $150 - $250 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $800 - $1,200
Price per square meter outside city center $600 - $1,000
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 - $80 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) $30 - $50 per month
Prepaid mobile tariff (1 minute) $0.10 - $0.20
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 Chichicastenango, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices from multiple sources before making any financial decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Chichicastenango

"The cost of living in Chichicastenango is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Housing is quite affordable, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being significantly cheaper than in major cities in the United States or Europe. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced.When it comes to groceries, local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and other staples at a fraction of the cost one might pay in a supermarket in a more developed country. Eating out is also inexpensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing much less than one would expect to pay in the US or Europe.Public transportation is widely available and affordable, making it easy to get around the city without a car. However, if you choose to drive, gasoline prices are comparable to those in the United States.Healthcare in Chichicastenango is also affordable, especially when compared to costs in the United States. However, it's important to note that while the cost of healthcare is low, the quality of care may not be as high as in more developed countries.Overall, the cost of living in Chichicastenango is low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live abroad on a budget. However, it's important to consider factors such as healthcare quality and access to amenities when deciding whether to move to this city," said one expat living in Chichicastenango.

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

"I've been living in Chichicastenango for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially 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 find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like El Calvario or Santo Tomás, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Los Cuchumatanes or La Esperanza, as they can be quite pricey.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public buses are the most affordable option. Taxis can be a bit expensive, so I usually stick to buses or even walking when possible. It's also a great way to explore the town and get to know the local culture.As for food, you'll need to adjust your eating habits a bit. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, so I recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce and other ingredients at affordable prices. Plus, it's a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Chichicastenango. For example, you can visit the famous Chichicastenango Market, which is a great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. There are also plenty of beautiful churches and parks to explore, as well as local festivals and events throughout the year.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of your internet and phone service. Reliable high-speed internet can be a bit expensive, so you might have to settle for a slower connection or find a local cafe with free Wi-Fi. As for your phone, you can get a local SIM card with a prepaid plan, which is usually more affordable than maintaining an international plan.Overall, living in Chichicastenango on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this beautiful Guatemalan town," commented an expat living in Chichicastenango.

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

"I've been living in Chichicastenango for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially 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 find a place to live that's affordable but still offers the modern amenities you're used to. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like El Calvario or Santo Tomás Chichicastenango. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Los Cerezos or La Esperanza, which you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to your budget.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transportation is quite affordable here. However, it might not be as comfortable or reliable as you're used to. You could consider getting a used car or a motorcycle to get around, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses.Eating out can be quite affordable in Chichicastenango, especially if you stick to local markets and street food vendors. However, if you're craving international cuisine or more upscale dining options, you might have to travel to nearby cities like Quetzaltenango or Antigua, which can be more expensive.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options like hiking, exploring local markets, and visiting nearby towns and villages. However, if you're looking for more modern entertainment options like movie theaters, shopping malls, or high-end fitness centers, you might have to make some sacrifices or travel to larger cities.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that local clinics and hospitals are quite affordable, but they might not offer the same level of care and facilities as you're used to. You could consider getting private health insurance to have access to better healthcare options, but this will also add to your monthly expenses.Overall, living in Chichicastenango on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and be mindful of your spending. By choosing affordable neighborhoods, being smart about transportation, and enjoying local entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful and culturally rich town," said one expat living in Chichicastenango.

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

"I've been living in Chichicastenango for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can save some money while living here. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you can live within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Chichicastenango is a small town, so there aren't really specific neighborhoods that are more or less expensive. However, you'll want to avoid living in the very center of town, as that's where the tourist attractions are, and prices tend to be higher there. Instead, look for a place to live on the outskirts of town, where you'll find more affordable housing options.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local lifestyle. While you can find modern amenities in Chichicastenango, they might not be as readily available or as high-quality as you're used to. For example, you might have to get used to slower internet speeds or limited access to certain products or services.Another thing to consider is transportation. While Chichicastenango is small and walkable, you might need to rely on public transportation or taxis to get around, which can add up over time. To save money, consider using a bicycle or walking as much as possible.When it comes to food, you'll find that eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local cuisine. However, if you're craving international or high-end dining options, you might have to travel to nearby cities like Antigua or Guatemala City, which can be more expensive.In terms of entertainment and activities, you'll find that there's plenty to do in Chichicastenango, from exploring the local markets to visiting nearby attractions like Lake Atitlan. However, you might have to sacrifice some of the more luxurious experiences, like spa treatments or high-end shopping, to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Chichicastenango on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to adapt to the local lifestyle. By making some sacrifices and embracing the local culture, you'll be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful Guatemalan town," commented an expat living in Chichicastenango.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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