Guatemala: cost of living

Why are prices rising in Guatemala?

The Banco de Guatemala's Monetary Board says recent inflation mainly reflects higher world fuel prices, which have started to push up some food prices, according to its 23 September 2026 press release. Annual inflation rose from 2.70% in July to 3.37% in August and, according to the Banco de Guatemala, 4.69% in September 2026.

The Board links fuel prices to the conflict in the Middle East and the supply shock in the world oil market. It also names the El Niño weather pattern as a risk to food prices. Prices across 2026 rose 4.17% from December 2025 to September 2026. Electricity tariffs are reset each quarter by the energy regulator CNEE.

Official sources: 23 September 2026 press release · Banco de Guatemala

How much does electricity cost in Guatemala?

From 1 August to 31 October 2026 the social electricity tariff is Q1.42 per kWh in the EEGSA area, Q1.98 in DEORSA and Q2.03 in DEOCSA, according to the National Electric Energy Commission (CNEE). The non-social tariff is Q1.51, Q2.06 and Q2.12 per kWh respectively.

The social tariff applies to about 3.9 million households, or 93% of users, and the non-social tariff to about 300,000 users. More than 2.3 million households using up to 100 kWh a month also receive a payment from the state power company INDE on their bill. The CNEE resets tariffs every three months. Compared with August 2025, tariffs were unchanged in the EEGSA area and fell in the DEOCSA and DEORSA areas. Bills also include a municipal street-lighting charge.

Official sources: National Electric Energy Commission (CNEE)

What is the poverty rate in Guatemala?

56% of Guatemala's population lived below the national poverty line in 2023, according to the World Bank's poverty data, which use the national definition. On the World Bank's international line of US$3.00 a day (2021 prices), the extreme poverty rate was 9.7% in 2023.

The national rate is based on a household survey by the National Statistics Institute, measured against Guatemala's own poverty line. The national line is much higher than the international one, which is why the two rates differ so much. The National Statistics Institute's site blocked automated access on 15 October 2026, so its own survey report could not be read that day.

Official sources: World Bank's poverty data · extreme poverty rate

What is the inflation rate in Guatemala?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Guatemala at 1.5% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 18th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.1%. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 122nd highest.

What is household spending per person in Guatemala?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Guatemala was $4,205 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 10th highest of 15 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $4,566. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 60th highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Guatemala?

In 2023, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Guatemala was 9.7%, according to the World Bank. It was 8.0% in 2014. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.8%, and Guatemala placed 2nd highest of 14. World rank, highest first: 4th of 59.

What share of Guatemala lives below the poverty line?

56.0%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Guatemala for 2023, according to the World Bank. Latin America & Caribbean median: 26.6%; Guatemala is 2nd highest of 14. World rank, highest first: 2nd of 39.

What is Guatemala's Gini coefficient?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2023, is 45.2. It was 48.3 in 2014. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 44.4, and Guatemala placed 6th highest of 14. World rank, highest first: 6th of 59.

What is food insecurity in Guatemala?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in Guatemala at 49.0% in 2024. The peak was 55.8% in 2020 and the low 42.7% in 2015. It is 3rd highest of 21 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 28.0%. World rank, highest first: 29th of 135.