Guatemala vs El Salvador
Guatemala costs roughly 3% less than El Salvador. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Guatemala is approximately 3% less expensive than El Salvador based on cost of living including rent. This makes Guatemala a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
El Salvador has a FIRE Score of 78/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 31.4, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: El Salvador is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Guatemala
Guatemala works for budget-focused retirees willing to trade safety for savings, not for anyone prioritizing personal security. A Safety Index of 28.9 alongside a US Travel Advisory Level 3 puts it well below regional peers. Rent outside the city center averages just $534.19/mo, and the pensionado visa requires a minimum retirement income of $1,250/mo, with progressive 5-7% income tax sweetening the math further.
$1,425/mo
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About El Salvador
Safety Index of 31.4 with a crime score of 58.6 is the real barrier here, not the paperwork. Remote workers chasing the Digital Nomad Visa at just $1,636/mo income should look past it, since Quality of Life scores 87.2 and rent runs $739/mo for a 1BR. Bitcoin-friendly tax rules help, but 30% progressive income tax still bites for high earners.
$1,568/mo
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| Metric | Guatemala | El Salvador |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 89.4 +2.2 | 87.2 |
| Healthcare Index | 37.4 +0.5 | 36.9 |
| Safety Index | 28.9 | 31.4 +2.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 36.8 +1.1 | 37.9 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $760.5 | $692.8 +67.7 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,811.6 | $2,512.8 +298.8 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $814.44 | $739.24 +75.2 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $534.19 +115.97 | $650.16 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,647.57 | $1,260 +387.57 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $921.56 | $876.71 +44.85 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 141.71 Mbps | 151.3 Mbps +9.6 |
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