Cost of living in Panajachel
Panajachel, a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Panajachel is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming location.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.53 on average, with a range between $3.88 and $9.71.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.36, with prices ranging from $32.36 to $97.09.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.28, with a range between $5.18 and $6.47.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.81 to $4.53, imported beer $2.59 to $6.47, cappuccino $1.94 to $5.83, and Coke/Pepsi $0.78 to $2.59.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.29 and $2.33 per liter, averaging $1.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.55 and $9.71, with an average price of $1.55.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.55 to $5.18, averaging $1.77.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.91 to $4.28 per kg, while oranges range from $1.04 to $11.42 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.65 and $2.6 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.65 to $1.04 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.03 and $1.26 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.59, with a cost of $0.39 to $1.1 per km and $9.71 to $23.3 per hour of waiting.
- New Car (Volkswagen Golf or Equivalent) - A new Volkswagen Golf or equivalent car costs between $15,533.89 and $20,711.85.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for Panajachel.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for Panajachel.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not available for Panajachel.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not available for Panajachel.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $27.51 and $103.56, averaging $33.17.
- Internet - Internet services range from $24.6 to $103.56, with an average cost of $43.41.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Guatemala are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Guatemala, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Panajachel offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and grocery prices. However, the cost of imported goods and certain services can vary significantly.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and gasoline prices. However, purchasing a new car can be a significant expense.
Utilities are generally inexpensive, but internet costs can vary widely, so it's advisable to compare providers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Panajachel provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. While some imported goods and services may be more expensive, overall expenses remain manageable.
For those considering a move to Panajachel, it's important to budget for potential variations in utility and transportation costs, and to explore housing options thoroughly as specific data is limited.