Guatemala🇬🇹

At a Glance

How Guatemala compares across key indices

Quality of Life104Safety43Healthcare67Affordability44Climate100Clean Air73

Cost of Living

44 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

43/100

Healthcare

67/100

Quality of Life

104/200

Climate

100/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Guatemala

Cost of Living

44

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

17

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

52

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

40

100 = NYC dining

Safety & Crime

Moderate Risk

How safe residents feel in Guatemala — based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

43/100

Crime Index

57/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

62/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime56
Nighttime30

26 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High78
Violent crimes
High66
Property crimes
High61
Drug-related crime
Moderate51

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Things stolen from car
High62
Being mugged or robbed
High61
Car stolen
Moderate55
Being physically attacked
Moderate48
Home broken into
Moderate47
Being insulted or harassed
Low33
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Very Low22

Based on 120 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities

City Data Coming Soon

We're gathering city-level data for Guatemala.

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Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Guatemala

Healthcare Index

67/100

Quality Breakdown

Friendliness & Courtesy74/100
Staff Skill & Competency71/100
Accuracy & Completeness67/100
Speed of Service63/100
Modern Equipment60/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist59/100
Cost Satisfaction68/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 50 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

Private
34.0%
None
30.0%
Public
18.0%
Employer Sponsored
18.0%
Healthcare67Safety43Quality of Life104
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Guatemala

Pollution Index

73/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Green Spaces & Parks45/100
Comfortable to Spend Time45/100
Drinking Water Quality39/100
Air Quality36/100
Clean & Tidy34/100
Garbage Disposal30/100

Concerns

Water Pollution71/100
Noise & Light Pollution56/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 57 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Guatemala

Average One-Way Commute

49minutes

Long

Traffic Index

255

Heavy congestion

Inefficiency

275

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

12.4kg/trip

How People Commute

Car88.9%
Working from Home5.6%
Bicycle2.8%
Walking2.8%

Based on 36 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Guatemala, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a cost of living index of 44 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US.

Is Guatemala safe for expats?

Guatemala has a safety index of 43/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers.

How good is healthcare in Guatemala?

Guatemala scores 67/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Guatemala cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Guatemala's cost of living is roughly 56% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 83% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a pollution index of 73/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Guatemala

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