Guatemala Budget Breakdown: Our Family’s Cost of Living in Antigua with Kids
Planning a trip to Guatemala and wondering how much it really costs? As a family living for 3 months in Antigua, Guatemala, we tracked every expense to create a realistic Guatemala travel budget.
Our numbers the true cost of day-to-day family life, including renting a furnished home, sending our child to a worldschool hub, hiring part-time childcare/housecleaner, buying groceries, and enjoying weekend adventures.
This guide breaks down exactly what we spent , where we chose to splurge, and how we saved money along the way.
You’ll find tips that can help families, digital nomads, and long-term travelers create a Guatemala budget that fits their own lifestyle, whether you want to live comfortably or stretch your money further.
Our Family’s Monthly Guatemala Budget
When our family settled in Antigua, Guatemala, one of the most common questions we got from friends and other parents was: “But how much does it really cost to live there with kids?”
The truth is, living in Antigua is not the same as traveling through on a quick vacation. When you’re raising little ones, your budget looks very different from a backpacker’s or even a child-free expat couple’s.
Our budget also includes tuition, childcare, Spanish classes, and a comfortable furnished rental where our kids could feel at home.
For context, during our stay in Antigua our family looked like this: We cooked at home most days, enjoyed family-friendly meals out a few times a week, and explored Antigua on foot or by tuk-tuk. Our style leaned toward practical and family-friendly rather than luxury or bare-bones.
Here’s how our monthly budget in Antigua broke down:
Fixed costs:
- Rent (furnished): $1,650
- Tuition for older kid to attend a worldschool hub: $700
- Adult Spanish classes 2x a week: $80 (at $20/week)
- Childcare: $260 (at $65/week)
- Subtotal: $2,690
Variable costs (estimates):
- Groceries: $400–$600 (cooking at home 5–6 days a week)
- Eating out: $100–$200 (budget-friendly & family friendly spots)
- Transportation: $40–$100 (mostly tuk-tuks and Ubers)
- Entertainment & activities: $100–$200 (weekend markets, museums, day trip excursions such as hiking Pacaya volcano)
- Health & hygiene: $50–$100 (toiletries, occasional pharmacy runs)
- Miscellaneous: $50–$100 (school supplies, unexpected needs)
- Estimated variable total: $740–$1,300
Estimated Total Monthly Budget: $3,430 – $3,990 USD
This budget reflects the way our family lived in Antigua — structured around schooling, stability, and experiences that worked with two little kids.
Other families might spend less (choosing shared housing or skipping school tuition) or much more (upgrading to private drivers or high-end rentals).
Housing Costs in Antigua
Our biggest fixed cost in Antigua was housing. We rented a furnished home for $1,650 per month, which gave us the space and stability we needed with two young kids.
Having a comfortable home base made a huge difference for us and our comfort, including a proper kitchen for cooking most meals, a safe yard for the kids to play, and a cozy setup that felt more like living than traveling.
Pro tip for families: If you’re planning a longer stay, don’t be afraid to ask the owner if you can sign a lease directly rather than booking through Airbnb or Vrbo. Those platforms add significant fees, and many owners are open to renting at a lower monthly rate if you bypass them. Longer leases also tend to be more negotiable, so if you’re committing to a few months, you may be able to secure an even better price.
For us, housing accounted for nearly half of our monthly budget. While it was a stretch compared to Guatemalan standards, we found it worthwhile to prioritize a safe and comfortable space where our kids could thrive.
My 6 year old loved that he could run around freely in our complex and play at the playground (even if it was a bit dilapidated) with other kids.
If you’re considering Antigua for a shorter visit, here are our top recommendations of where to stay with kids.
Food and Groceries
Food in Antigua was one of the categories where we felt we had the most flexibility. Since our rental had a full kitchen, we cooked at home about five to six days a week, which kept our grocery bill around $400–$600 per month.
Fresh produce from the local mercados was both affordable and abundant, we regularly stocked up on avocados, mangos, and tomatoes for just a few dollars. Imported items (like nut butters or certain cereals) were pricier, so we kept those to a minimum.
We also budgeted $100–$200 for eating out each month, which gave us the chance to enjoy Antigua’s restaurant scene without breaking the bank. Some of our family-friendly favorites included:
- Caoba farms – known for its fresh farm to table food and outdoor play area where kids can run around.
- La Finca Azotea– a beautiful spot with budget-friendly meals or sit down restaurant options with lots of activities to do for little ones, such as horse back riding, bike rentals, etc.
- Hector’s Bistro– our go-to for a special treat like cinnamon rolls or delicious baked good. There’s even a small playground.
- Check out all of our favorite Antigua restaurants here.
Even on days we didn’t eat out, we often paired meals with free or low-cost family activities, like a stroll through the central park, a visit to our favorite Antigua playgrounds, or checking out one of Antigua’s colorful weekend markets.
Transportation in Antigua
Transportation in Antigua was surprisingly affordable, though it did take some trial and error to figure out what worked best with two little kids in tow. We spent about $40–$100 per month, depending on how much exploring we did around and outside of town.
Most days, we walked. Antigua is small enough to get nearly everywhere on foot, and walking let us soak up the cobblestone streets, colorful walls, and volcano views.
That said, carrying a child (plus groceries, backpacks, or the occasional soccer ball) wasn’t always as charming as it sounds! On those days, we leaned on other options.
- Uber was our go-to for convenience. It’s widely available in Antigua and cheaper than hiring a private taxi.
- Tuk-tuks were another fun and affordable option for short trips within town, usually just a couple of dollars.
- Chicken buses (the brightly painted local buses) cost only 5 quetzals per ride, and we sometimes used them for quick hops within town.) They’re definitely an experience, often lively, crowded, and full of character, but less practical for longer trips with kids and bags.
When we wanted to travel beyond Antigua (like to Lake Atitlán or Guatemala City), we occasionally booked shuttles or private drivers, which added to our monthly transportation budget, but were still far more affordable than car rentals.
Overall, our family found transportation costs in Antigua to be low compared to most places we’ve lived, which left more room in our budget for food and activities.
Kids’ Expenses
With two young children, a big portion of our Antigua budget went toward schooling and childcare. This was one of the non-negotiables for us, keeping the kids engaged, learning, and socially connected while we lived abroad.
Our older child attended a worldschool hub, which cost $700 per month. It was worth every penny: he got to learn alongside other children, build friendships, and explore the local culture in a structured, kid-centered environment.
For families considering worldschooling or wanting to know more about what worldschooling is read more about our post here. Worldschooling hubs like the one we attended in Antigua can be an incredible way to balance travel with community.
For our youngest, we hired a nanny who came three times a week for three hours each visit (about nine hours a week total). This cost $65 per week, or about $260 per month.
Having a trusted caregiver gave me time to run errands, meet a friend for coffee or simply take a breath, all essential when solo parenting and living abroad with little kids.
I also took Spanish lessons, which became part of our “education” line item since it was all about integrating into daily life. I studied online with a teacher 2x a week for an hour, at $10 per class.
While it wasn’t a huge expense, it helped me connect more with our surroundings and set an example for the kids about learning the local language.
These expenses added up, but they made our time in Antigua feel sustainable. Having consistent support for the kids and for myself gave our whole family the structure and balance we needed to enjoy life abroad.
Entertainment and Activities
One of the best parts of living in Antigua with kids was how much there was to do without spending a lot of money. We budgeted about $100–$200 per month for activities, and most of our favorite outings were either free or very affordable.
On a regular week, we stuck close to town:
- Visiting Antigua’s playgrounds gave the kids space to run and play with local families.
- Weekend strolls through the mercados became a family ritual, the colors, food stalls, and handmade crafts kept everyone entertained.
- Museums and ruins (like Antigua’s kid-friendly ruins) were inexpensive and always sparked curiosity.
We also used part of this budget for day trips from Antigua, which were some of the highlights of our time in Guatemala. Our favorites included:
- Lake Atitlán with kids – a mix of boat rides, village visits, and relaxing by the water.
- Pacaya Volcano day trip – roasting marshmallows on hot lava rocks was unforgettable.
- Guatemala City day trip ideas, including the La Aurora Zoo and kid-friendly museums.
These little adventures gave us a chance to explore beyond Antigua without straining our budget. For the cost of a shuttle ride or small entrance fee, we built memories that our kids still talk about.
Health, Hygiene, and Unexpected Extras
Even though health and hygiene weren’t a huge part of our budget in Antigua, we still made space for them because life with kids always brings surprises.
We typically spent $50–$100 per month on things like toiletries, sunscreen, pharmacy runs, or basic over-the-counter medicines.
Thankfully, we didn’t need major medical care while in Antigua, but it gave us peace of mind to know that clinics and pharmacies were accessible and affordable.
Having travel insurance in place also helped us feel secure, something I highly recommend for any family living abroad.
Of course, not every expense is predictable. We had occasional miscellaneous costs of $50–$100 per month, covering things like buying school supplies or replacing a toy or pair of shoes that didn’t survive the cobblestones.
Even though health and safety weren’t the biggest line items in our Antigua budget, having a plan (and a little cushion) gave us peace of mind to enjoy our time there more fully.
Our Total Monthly Budget in Antigua
When we add up all of our fixed and variable expenses, our family (1 adult & 2 kids) spent between $3,430 and $3,990 USD per month while living in Antigua.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 bedroom / 2 bath furnished rental in gated community | $1,650 |
| Worldschool Tuition (1 kid) | $700 |
| Spanish classes (adult) | $80 |
| Childcare (1 kid) | $260 |
| Fixed Subtotal | $2,690 |
| Groceries | $400–$600 |
| Eating out | $100–$200 |
| Transportation | $40–$100 |
| Entertainment/Activities | $100–$200 |
| Health & Hygiene | $50–$100 |
| Miscellaneous | $50–$100 |
| Variable Subtotal | $740–$1,300 |
| Estimated Total | $3,430–$3,990 |
For us, this budget struck a balance. We chose to splurge on certain things, like a furnished rental that felt like home, tuition for our older child at a worldschool hub, and memorable day trips (like roasting marshmallows a top a volcano!).
At the same time, we kept costs lower by cooking at home most days, walking whenever possible, and enjoying Antigua’s many free or low-cost activities like markets and playgrounds.
It’s worth noting that you can live in Antigua for far more or far less than what we spent. Families who share housing, skip tuition, or lean more on local markets can get by for far less.
On the other hand, those who prefer private drivers, high-end rentals, or eating out often will spend more.
For us, this range of $3,430–$3,990 felt comfortable, sustainable, and full of the kinds of experiences we wanted for our kids. Compared to our life in the U.S., it was a more affordable way to live abroad, especially considering the richness of what we were able to experience together.
Final Thoughts on Our Antigua, Guatemala Budget
By investing in a comfortable rental, childcare, and memorable experiences, while saving money by cooking at home and walking as much as possible, we found a rhythm that worked for us.
There’s no one “right” budget for living in Antigua. Families can spend less or more depending on their priorities. What mattered most to us was that our money translated into stability, learning, and shared adventures for our kids.
If you’re considering a stay in Antigua or another international destination, I recommend sitting down as a family and asking: Where do we want to splurge, and where are we comfortable saving? That clarity can make the numbers feel less stressful and the experience much more rewarding.
👉 Before you go, don’t forget to grab my Family Travel Emergency & Safety Toolkit a free resource packed with tips for staying safe and prepared when living or traveling abroad with kids.
It’s a practical resource that covers what to do in case of medical emergencies, evacuations, or unexpected hiccups while traveling with kids. You might also find these posts helpful:
- How to prepare for a medical emergency while abroad
- How We Handled an Emergency Evacuation from the Congo
- Family Travel Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
