What are rents like in Guatemala City right now? (2026)

If you're looking to rent or invest in Guatemala City, you need to know what apartments actually cost right now.

This guide breaks down current rental prices by neighborhood and apartment size, so you can budget with confidence.

We update this article regularly to keep the numbers fresh.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Guatemala City. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Guatemala City as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Guatemala City falls between Q3,500 and Q4,000, roughly US$460 to US$520 or €420 to €480.

The realistic range for most studios stretches from Q2,800 to Q4,200, about US$365 to US$550 or €335 to €505.

Studio rents vary mainly by neighborhood, with premium zones like Zona 10 and Zona 14 commanding higher prices, while building age, amenities, and furnishing also play significant roles.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom in Guatemala City ranges from Q4,500 to Q5,000, approximately US$590 to US$650 or €540 to €600.

The realistic range spans Q3,600 to Q5,800 per month, about US$470 to US$760 or €430 to €700.

One-bedroom rents are cheapest in Zona 7, Zona 11, and Zona 12, while Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 16 command the highest prices, often reaching US$900 or more for newer buildings.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom in Guatemala City falls between Q6,500 and Q7,500, roughly US$850 to US$980 or €780 to €900.

The realistic range runs from Q5,500 to Q8,500 per month, about US$720 to US$1,110 or €660 to €1,020.

Two-bedroom rents are most affordable in Zona 7, Zona 11, and Zona 18, while Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 16 can command US$1,500 to US$2,000 or more for modern towers.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

What's the average rent per square meter in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Guatemala City sits between Q65 and Q75, roughly US$8.50 to US$10 or €7.80 to €9.20 per month.

The range across neighborhoods stretches from Q55 in affordable areas to Q85 or higher in premium zones, about US$7 to US$11 or €6.40 to €10.10.

Compared to other Central American cities, Guatemala City's rent per square meter is moderate, generally lower than Panama City but similar to San Salvador and Tegucigalpa.

Properties commanding above-average rates typically include newer construction, high floors with views, buildings with security and amenities, and furnished apartments in expat zones.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of early 2026, rents in Guatemala City have increased by an estimated 4% to 7% compared to last year, with premium neighborhoods at the higher end.

The main factors driving rent changes include steady urban migration, limited new supply in desirable zones, and general inflation pushing landlords to adjust prices at renewal.

This year's increase is roughly in line with 2025's trend, which also saw mid-single-digit growth, though premium zones continue to outpace the citywide average.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of early 2026, we project rent growth in Guatemala City between 3% and 6%, with the most likely scenario around 4% to 5% citywide.

Key factors influencing growth include continued urban population growth, construction pace, central bank inflation trends, and corporate/expat demand in premium zones.

Neighborhoods expected to see strongest growth include Zona 10, Zona 14, Zona 15, and Zona 16, where new supply gets absorbed quickly and professional demand remains strong.

Risks that could alter projections include faster-than-expected inflation drops, apartment oversupply in specific corridors, or economic shocks reducing corporate relocations.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Guatemala City as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three highest-rent neighborhoods in Guatemala City are Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 16, where one-bedrooms typically start at Q7,000 to Q10,000 per month, or US$900 to US$1,300.

These neighborhoods command premiums because they offer newer high-rises, 24/7 security, amenities like pools and gyms, proximity to offices, and a strong safety reputation.

Tenants in these high-rent areas typically include corporate professionals, expats on company packages, diplomatic staff, and affluent local families prioritizing convenience and security.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Guatemala City.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Guatemala City right now?

The top neighborhoods for young professionals in Guatemala City are Zona 4, Zona 10, and Zona 14, thanks to walkability, nightlife, coworking spaces, and proximity to employers.

Young professionals typically pay Q4,000 to Q7,000 per month for a one-bedroom, roughly US$520 to US$915 or €480 to €840.

What attracts them includes the Cuatro Grados Norte lifestyle district in Zona 4, restaurants and bars in Zona 10, and modern towers with gyms and coworking in Zona 14.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

Where do families prefer to rent in Guatemala City right now?

The top neighborhoods for families in Guatemala City are Zona 16, Zona 15, and Zona 14, offering larger apartments, calmer streets, green spaces, and proximity to schools.

Families renting two-to-three-bedroom apartments typically pay Q8,000 to Q15,000 per month, roughly US$1,045 to US$1,960 or €960 to €1,800.

Attractive features include gated communities and walkable retail in Ciudad Cayala (Zona 16), established residential feel in Vista Hermosa (Zona 15), and international schools near Zona 14.

Top schools near these areas include the American School of Guatemala, Colegio Interamericano, and Colegio Maya.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of early 2026, the fastest-renting areas in Guatemala City are Zona 4, Zona 10, and Zona 13, benefiting from central locations and proximity to employment hubs.

Properties in these areas typically stay listed 15 to 30 days, compared to the citywide average of 25 to 45 days.

The rent premium for these fast-moving areas runs Q500 to Q1,500 per month above comparable units elsewhere, roughly US$65 to US$195 or €60 to €180.

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Guatemala City right now?

The most popular expat neighborhoods in Guatemala City are Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 16, offering security, amenities, and English-friendly services.

Expats typically pay Q8,000 to Q14,000 per month for furnished one-or-two-bedrooms, roughly US$1,045 to US$1,830 or €960 to €1,680.

Attractions include international dining in Zona 10, embassy presence and gated communities in Zona 14, and the self-contained Ciudad Cayala village in Zona 16.

The most represented expat communities include Americans, Europeans, South Americans working for multinationals, and diplomatic personnel.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Guatemala City.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Guatemala City right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Guatemala City?

The top three tenant profiles in Guatemala City are young professionals renting one-bedrooms centrally, corporate/expat tenants in premium furnished units, and families seeking larger apartments in secure neighborhoods.

Young professionals represent 35% to 40% of the market, corporate/expat tenants about 25% to 30%, and families around 20% to 25%, with students and budget renters filling the rest.

Young professionals seek modern one-bedrooms in Zona 4 or Zona 10, corporate tenants prefer furnished two-bedrooms in Zona 10 or Zona 14, and families look for three-bedrooms in Zona 15 or Zona 16.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Guatemala City.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Guatemala City?

In Guatemala City, roughly 60% to 65% of long-term tenants prefer unfurnished apartments, while 35% to 40% seek furnished units, with furnished demand concentrated in expat zones.

The typical furnished premium ranges from Q1,000 to Q2,500 per month, roughly US$130 to US$325 or €120 to €300.

Tenants preferring furnished rentals include expats on short-to-medium assignments, corporate relocations, diplomats, and professionals valuing move-in-ready convenience.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Guatemala City?

The top five rent-increasing amenities in Guatemala City are 24/7 security with controlled access, on-site parking, gym and social areas, pool or rooftop terrace, and backup generators.

Security adds Q800 to Q1,500 per month, parking Q500 to Q1,000, gym/social areas Q400 to Q800, pool Q500 to Q1,200, and generator Q300 to Q600, translating to US$40 to US$195 per amenity.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Guatemala City?

The top five ROI renovations in Guatemala City are kitchen refreshes, bathroom updates, modern lighting with fresh paint, appliance packages, and closet improvements.

A kitchen refresh costs Q8,000 to Q20,000 and adds Q300 to Q700 monthly; bathroom updates cost Q5,000 to Q12,000 adding Q200 to Q500; paint/lighting cost Q3,000 to Q6,000 adding Q150 to Q300; appliances cost Q6,000 to Q15,000 adding Q250 to Q600; closets cost Q2,000 to Q5,000 adding Q100 to Q250.

Poor-ROI renovations to avoid include luxury finishes exceeding neighborhood standards, structural changes not adding bedrooms, and over-customized designs limiting tenant appeal.

How strong is rental demand in Guatemala City as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the vacancy rate for rentals in Guatemala City sits between 8% and 10% citywide, varying significantly by neighborhood and property type.

Premium zones like Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 15 see vacancy rates of 5% to 7%, while price-sensitive areas and older stock often run 10% or higher.

Current vacancy is roughly in line with historical averages, as strong urban migration and housing deficit keep demand steady even as new supply comes online.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rental in Guatemala City stays listed 25 to 45 days, depending on pricing, location, and condition.

Well-priced one-bedrooms in Zona 4, Zona 10, or Zona 14 often rent within 15 to 30 days, while overpriced or large units can sit 45 to 90 days or longer.

Current days-on-market is similar to one year ago, as the market remains balanced with steady demand absorbing new listings at a consistent pace.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Guatemala City?

Peak tenant demand in Guatemala City occurs January through March and July through September, when job changes, corporate relocations, and mid-year moves drive highest inquiry volume.

Driving factors include business year start in January, corporate fiscal cycles, school transitions, and landlords re-pricing units after year-end.

Lowest demand months are typically April through June and November through December, when holidays and slower corporate activity reduce active searchers.

What will my monthly costs be in Guatemala City as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, landlords in Guatemala City should expect annual property taxes (IUSI) of Q2,000 to Q9,000 for a typical rental apartment, roughly US$260 to US$1,175 or €240 to €1,080.

The range depends on cadastral value, with rates from 0.2% for lower-value properties to 0.9% for higher-value ones, so a Q1,000,000 property might owe Q2,000 to Q9,000 annually.

Property taxes are calculated on official assessed value, with progressive brackets set by IUSI law (Decreto 15-98), and the municipal government handles billing.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Guatemala City right now?

A realistic annual maintenance budget in Guatemala City ranges from Q6,000 to Q15,000, roughly US$785 to US$1,960 or €720 to €1,800, depending on property age and condition.

The range spans 1% of property value for newer buildings to 2% or more for older properties requiring frequent repairs.

Landlords typically set aside 8% to 15% of annual rental income for maintenance, often working out to one to two months of rent per year.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Guatemala City right now?

Landlords in Guatemala City most commonly pay condominium/maintenance fees and sometimes water, while electricity is almost always tenant-paid.

Condo fees typically run Q500 to Q2,000 monthly (US$65 to US$260), water costs Q50 to Q200 when owner-billed, and electricity runs Q200 to Q600 but is usually tenant responsibility.

Common practice has landlords covering building maintenance and sometimes water, while tenants pay electricity, internet, and cable, though furnished corporate rentals may bundle utilities with caps.

How is rental income taxed in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rental income in Guatemala City is subject to income tax (ISR), with typical effective rates of 5% to 7% of gross rental income for simplified regimes.

Main deductions landlords can claim include maintenance, repairs, property management fees, building charges, and depreciation, depending on registration and regime.

Common tax mistakes to avoid include failing to register with SAT as a rental earner, not issuing proper invoices when required, and underreporting income while claiming deductions.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Guatemala City.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Guatemala versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Guatemala City, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and don't throw out numbers at random.

We aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained our methods.

Source	Why It's Authoritative	How We Used It
INE - CPI	Official producer of Guatemala's Consumer Price Index and housing cost data.	We anchored rent changes to official inflation and housing cost dynamics. We cross-checked market estimates against CPI trends.
INE - Censo 2018	Official census portal with housing stock and occupancy data.	We grounded vacancy estimates in dwelling counts. We triangulated with current listings to estimate rental vacancy.
Banco de Guatemala - Inflation Expectations	Central bank's published expectations survey and inflation outlook.	We set credible ceilings for rent growth expectations. We cross-checked rent outlook against these expectations.
Banco de Guatemala - Portal	Central bank's official portal for macro indicators and exchange rates.	We translated rents between GTQ and USD using official rates. We kept assumptions consistent with macro conditions.
CNEE - Tariff Resolution	Formal electricity regulator publishing official tariff resolutions.	We anchored electricity costs in regulated tariff mechanics. We converted to practical monthly budget ranges.
EMPAGUA - Water Tariffs	Municipal water utility announcing official tariff changes.	We estimated water costs landlords may face. We translated into monthly utilities budget lines.
Municipalidad - EMPAGUA Overview	City government page describing official water utility's role.	We confirmed EMPAGUA's scope for Guatemala City. We cross-checked utility responsibility assumptions.
MINFIN - IUSI Law	Official legal text for Guatemala's property tax.	We explained how IUSI is structured and calculated. We translated brackets into practical annual ranges.
CEPAL - IUSI Overview	International organization summarizing legal instruments.	We cross-checked IUSI framing against official decree. We sanity-checked definitions in plain language.
MINFIN - ISR Law	Government-hosted legal text for income tax framework.	We grounded rental taxation in actual ISR legal basis. We explained landlord compliance requirements.
SAT - Tax Portal	Official tax authority for administration and compliance.	We framed compliance in practical terms. We kept guidance aligned with SAT administration.
Encuentra24 - Rentals	Large marketplace with thousands of current rental listings.	We estimated market asking rents by type and zone. We cross-checked with other sources to avoid overfitting.
Encuentra24 - Zona 10	Deep inventory for one of the most expensive zones.	We calibrated top-of-market rent levels. We set realistic ranges for high-rent neighborhoods.
Encuentra24 - Zona 14	Premium zone inventory avoiding single-zone reliance.	We cross-checked Zona 10 pricing with Zona 14. We averaged signals to reduce outlier bias.
Numbeo - Cost of Living	Long-running benchmark dataset for global cost of living.	We sanity-checked our listing-based estimates. We kept it when aligned with marketplace evidence.
World Bank - Housing Report	Major institution providing urbanization and housing stress context.	We supported demand driver narrative behind rents. We used for structural context only, not prices.
Cities Alliance - Housing Report	International policy body compiling housing and planning analysis.	We explained why well-located rentals stay in demand. We used as qualitative backing for absorption.
Quorum - EMPAGUA Guide	Local journalism explainer pointing to official tariff changes.	We translated tariff changes into bill context. We kept EMPAGUA's notice as primary reference.