Cost of Living in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $641 monthly including rent, or $535 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,075 with rent, or $933 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,508 including rent, or $1,331 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.68 Q 20.40
$2.68 Q 20.40
$10.03 Q 76.4
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$15.81 Q 120
$15.81 Q 120
$98.8 Q 753
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.15 Q 46.85
$5.70 Q 43.45
$8.24 Q 62.8
Cappuccino
$3.37 Q 25.66
$1.99 Q 15.15
$5.29 Q 40.35
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23 Q 9.39
$0.80 Q 6.10
$3.08 Q 23.47
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.99 Q 7.54
$0.68 Q 5.16
$2.04 Q 15.56
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.31 Q 25.26
$1.99 Q 15.19
$4.07 Q 30.99
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.53 Q 34.52
$2.59 Q 19.72
$6.46 Q 49.25
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.02 Q 7.74
$1.02 Q 7.74
$3.56 Q 27.16
White Bread (500g)
$1.56 Q 11.85
$1.56 Q 11.85
$9.69 Q 73.8
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.50 Q 3.82
$0.50 Q 3.82
$5.03 Q 38.35
Eggs
$1.55 Q 11.78
$1.55 Q 11.78
$5.14 Q 39.16
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.63 Q 58.2
$5.58 Q 42.55
$12.56 Q 95.8
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.26 Q 63.0
$4.51 Q 34.40
$10.16 Q 77.4
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.51 Q 64.9
$5.15 Q 39.24
$19.86 Q 151
Apples (1kg)
$3.48 Q 26.54
$1.94 Q 14.77
$4.94 Q 37.61
Banana (1kg)
$1.56 Q 11.92
$0.92 Q 7.00
$4.35 Q 33.15
Oranges (1kg)
$3.14 Q 23.92
$1.24 Q 9.41
$11.64 Q 88.7
Tomato (1kg)
$1.12 Q 8.55
$0.76 Q 5.80
$2.06 Q 15.69
Potato (1kg)
$1.48 Q 11.26
$0.67 Q 5.08
$5.36 Q 40.81
Onion (1kg)
$1.17 Q 8.92
$0.69 Q 5.27
$3.98 Q 30.32
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.53 Q 4.06
$0.53 Q 4.06
$0.93 Q 7.10
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.80 Q 6.09
$0.67 Q 5.08
$2.01 Q 15.31
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.54 Q 26.97
$3.17 Q 24.15
$4.05 Q 30.89
Wine (Bottle)
$8.30 Q 63.3
$6.65 Q 50.7
$11.31 Q 86.2
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.61 Q 12.26
$1.02 Q 7.77
$2.56 Q 19.51
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.41 Q 18.35
$1.54 Q 11.71
$4.47 Q 34.09
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.08 Q 38.68
$2.54 Q 19.34
$7.61 Q 58.0
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.63 Q 4.82
$0.40 Q 3.03
$1.12 Q 8.55
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.70 Q 120
$9.80 Q 74.7
$23.53 Q 179
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.08 Q 8.20
$1.00 Q 7.60
$1.19 Q 9.10
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.3K Q 147.2K
$15.5K Q 117.7K
$25.8K Q 196.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.6K Q 187.5K
$23.4K Q 178.1K
$26.0K Q 197.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$78.9 Q 601
$55.9 Q 426
$154 Q 1,173
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.13 Q 199
$12.96 Q 98.8
$43.13 Q 329
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.61 Q 203
$26.61 Q 203
$106 Q 811
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$7.26 Q 55.3
$5.93 Q 45.21
$9.88 Q 75.3
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$103 Q 782
$103 Q 782
$321 Q 2,444
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,886 Q 44.9K
$4,763 Q 36.3K
$7,939 Q 60.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.0 Q 381
$32.60 Q 248
$78.2 Q 596
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$52.7 Q 401
$38.68 Q 295
$64.5 Q 491
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$115 Q 876
$64.4 Q 491
$167 Q 1,276
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$124 Q 942
$79.5 Q 606
$172 Q 1,312
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$181 Q 1,381
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
8.9
6.5
18

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $217 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $16.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Santa Lucía Milpas Altas has the 2nd cheapest rice in North America

Santa Lucía Milpas Altas has the 4th cheapest 3-bedroom apartment, outside city center in North America

Santa Lucía Milpas Altas has the 5th cheapest meal at budget restaurant in North America

Santa Lucía Milpas Altas Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
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Cost of Living in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Guatemala affordable for travelers and expats, and how does it compare to other parts of Guatemala in terms of value?
In most cases, Cost of Living in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Guatemala remains more affordable than Guatemala City or popular coastal destinations, while still offering decent amenities and a comfortable pace. You’ll find modest apartments and guesthouses that feel local without the steep premiums of the capital. Utilities and internet scale with usage, and groceries in smaller markets tend to be lower-cost than in tourist hubs. For value, mix local mercados, street stalls, and occasional cafe meals, and choose housing a short walk from essentials rather than prime tourist zones. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods for a week to map your daily routines to costs.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, and how should you plan errands?
Expect a practical housing search near the central plaza or tucked along tranquil residential streets, where rental terms vary by space and length. You’ll find fresh produce at local mercados, along with small eateries that showcase regional dishes, all at reasonable prices when compared with tourist zones. For getting around, colectivos and buses cover common routes, while walking remains pleasant in the compact town core. If you work remotely, look for a reliable cafe with decent Wi‑Fi or a small coworking space nearby. Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Guatemala living cost is shaped by how you balance a longer rental, shared housing, and weekly grocery buys. Tip: build a simple weekly budget and track essentials.
How would you assess quality of life and design a budgeting approach that fits you, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in this highland setting centers on a relaxed pace, strong community feel, and easy access to nature. Create a simple budgeting framework: categorize housing, food, transport, and services, then set monthly caps and review weekly. Save by cooking at home with local ingredients, shopping at mercados, and sharing apartment costs with roommates if possible. Seasonality affects market freshness and travel plans – dry months bring clearer skies and more outdoor activities, while rains slow some errands but keep prices stable. For neighborhood fit, look for quiet streets near plazas or green spaces, with reliable Wi‑Fi and safety for evening walks. Tip: test life in a couple of areas before committing long-term.
Is Santa Lucía Milpas Altas a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $641 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
All in, Santa Lucía Milpas Altas runs about $641 monthly with rent, or $535 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Earning $962 monthly in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is a typical monthly food budget in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Santa Lucía Milpas Altas is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $217, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Groceries in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas cost around $217 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
$1,200 stretches far in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas – all-in monthly costs average only $641. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Living in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas means access to low crime rates, clean air, great local cuisine at about $641 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
How much can you save per month in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Monthly expenses in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas run around $641, so putting money aside takes more than $962 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas?
Budget travelers love Santa Lucía Milpas Altas – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $641 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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