Live or Retire in Guatemala's hidden Gem on $550 | Guatemala Cost of Living

[@adventurefreaksss]

================================= How to work with me: ================================= 😎 One-on-one Consulting for planning your move abroad: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/50min

[@Daughter0fYAH]

We lived in Antigua Guatemala as expats and did our border run to Belize via boat! We had to be out of the country for 3 days and we loved every minute of being in Belize , then came back to Guatemala.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Yes! That is part of the fun! Where are you living now?

[@Daughter0fYAH]

Back in the States, got a Master's degree, lived in Vegas but now in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri on 10 acres. But actually planning on moving back to Guatemala. I have family there and I obtained dual citizenship. We lived there from 2012 -2014. I turned 30 in Guatemala! But making plans to go back to the expat lifestyle in a few years. We miss it so much! ​@@adventurefreaksss

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@Daughter0fYAH It's a beautiful country:)

[@orlymarq6238]

Do you recommend any particular area/ hotel still affordable in Belize?

[@JoseMedina-ep5rc]

I would like to add the most important ones, we are also good people, we love our country, we are proud of our past, our culture, we are friendly, hard-working people and always willing to smile and help.🇬🇹❤️

[@orlymarq6238]

I agree 100 percent

[@Jose7Lavinge]

Thank you for visiting our country ❤ Welcome 🙏

[@Findingmyfee4]

Cada vez veo que más y más gente hace contenido de Guate 👌

[@chatwithjb5746]

I'm a Guatemalan living in New York City. My homeland is soooo beautiful. The weather is wonderful. Guatemala is called "la tierra de eterna primavera" or the land of eternal spring. 💕💕

[@adventurefreaksss]

Where in New York City do you live? Yes, it sounds like you have the best of both worlds:)

[@elioelias7267]

As a guatemalan guy who have lived in california and Alaska, i just can declare Guatemala is still super affordable compared to some places of Central America

[@axelfoley9993]

First-time viewer. Enjoyed the show! Started watching Scott when he was in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Love his channel. Very informative. He's on the ground giving you the ""cold hard facts" about the places they visit.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Thank you! He's a terrific guy!!

[@boink800]

Quetzaltenango is a very beautiful and safe city in Latin America. Being very high in elevation (2800 m / 8200 ft -- nearly the same as Mexico City and Bogotá) means there is that eternal spring climate every day. December and January there will be those cold and dry mornings and the rainy season hits from around May to late October.

[@destinationmax]

Indeed! I’m currently situated for the past year north of Mexico City at a pretty high altitude and the weather is exactly exactly like you described. Now I’m interested in visiting Guatemala for its own beauty.

[@boink800]

@@destinationmax Quezaltenango would be the city you want to visit. It's one very amazing city

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@boink800 I do know that Mexico City gets very hot and suffers from significant air pollution.

[@kmandutwo]

I’m in San Pedro la Laguna. What is the ‘bomba’ situation like there ?

[@alainbergeron4520]

Hello, thanks for sharing this insightful comments with us. Definitely it is now on my short list of possibilities to find my retirement Shangri-la.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@alainbergeron4520 glad you found it valuable!

[@BasedInBrazil]

Personally I'd get a heater and make sure my apartment / house has airtight windows and doors as it can drop below 0 C there though 45 F-55F ( Around 7-14 C ) is more common at night like here in South Brazil during July / August which are the coldest months. Like Guatamala the houses here are built with brick and concrete and probably have no insulation. Not bad on ☀️ days but during cloudy cooler days you will definitely feel the cold especially at night. Condominiums are gated housing communities here in Brazil as well.

[@LuciaMinca]

Definitely chilly. I used a heated blanket, to keep costs down

[@kaziasifmahmud4569]

Great videos man.

[@crjetpilot]

I haven’t been to Xela yet but I love what I’ve seen of Guatemala. A beautiful country, and beautiful people! I’m not sure how I’d feel though living well but seeing people in such poverty every time I walk down the street. I’m not a vegetarian but I eat mostly veggies. I’d be in heaven there!

[@adventurefreaksss]

It truly is a beautiful country with so much to do there! It offers everything from mountains, volcanos, ocean and ruins! Very special place!

[@crjetpilot]

@@adventurefreaksss your interview gave me the bug. 😂 I’m planning a trip now to go check out Quetzaltenango! Maybe early Nov.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@crjetpilot Lol, as I investigate places too I felt the same way after my chat with Scott. It's off the radar making it even that much more intriguing and a quick way to learn or strengthen your Spanish!

[@patriciaflaherty]

Great interview! I love Scott's channel. He makes me want to move to Xela! 😊

[@adventurefreaksss]

Thanks for checking us out!

[@Globetrotter5198]

Great interview! happy I found your channel

[@adventurefreaksss]

Happy you found us too! Thank you!!

[@lb9007]

Great interview. On a personal note, I've been to Antigua and the lake area and its too cold for me. I was freezing in the morning, specially taking that shower with those electric wires sticking out ro the shower head.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@lb9007 did you hike the volcano in Antigua? Such a beautiful coty!

[@griseldaoliva618]

Yes , I remember the mornings are cold, but at noon is warm.

[@Findingmyfee4]

jaja, Those Lorenzeti shower heads and their cables are classic. And it doesn´t even warm up much.

[@Daughter0fYAH]

I had fun on the chicken bus! I actually lived in Ciudad Vieja, just outside Antigua. Took the chicken bus all the time. It's so much fun

[@adventurefreaksss]

Very cool and I can relate! I took a chicken bus from Copan to San Salvador. What a wonderful experience!!

[@damienbates]

It’s been 25 years since I was in Guatemala but the medical wasn’t very modern then. I worked in a hospital as a volunteer and it was like I was in an old 1970 TV show. I hope things have improved significantly since then.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@carlaestrada8877]

Things have greatly changed. GT has a thriving medical & dental tourism industry. And 1st class treatment. And affordable.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@JessicaLibny Thank you for sharing this!

[@Jose7Lavinge]

Thank you very much for all the information you have provided about Guatemala 🇬🇹 God bless you and thanks for visiting us ❤

[@0GSoon]

Excelente, muchas gracias.

[@JohnHam-ge9kd]

27 years in panajachel at the lake,son born here ,grandchildren born here,i own 400 tree fruit orchard i planted by the WILL .i came to guatemala broke and wanted,im neither now,the weed, military grade firearms ,land titles, women,climate and coffee are the best in the world.6000ft here.its not dangerous here because everyone had guns and they lynched 418 people" criminals" in guatemala in 2017 very nasty no ropes only fire ,nobody steals

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@JohnHam-ge9kd wow thank you for this information. Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?

[@pauledson397]

Thank you! You did a nice, thorough set of questions to cover what the costs might be.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@awakenotwoke6930]

Scott is an amazing human being. He did Jiu Jitsu with us in Greenville, SC. Great podcast 🙌

[@adventurefreaksss]

Oh wow, he didn't share that . I"m not going to mess with him:). Thanks for viewing!!

[@awakenotwoke6930]

@@adventurefreaksss 😂 💪

[@debunkingthefundamentalist]

I'm here in Xela right now---maybe I'll see you on the street Scott

[@ClaudiaKimberlyJuárezSapón]

Bienvenidos ‼️ welcome. Xela‼️. ❤

[@Findingmyfee4]

Xela 🥰

[@hinthegroove9740]

Finally! A channel for me. New sub.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@hinthegroove9740 thank you!!

[@jonnatanorantes2302]

Condominio* is what you would call a gated community stateside.

[@larryfelder4404]

I have lived in Guatemala Guatemala for many years. This is one point of view. Antigua is the best.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Do you live in Guatemala City or Antigua? Yes, Antigua is such a beautiful place in Guatemala!

[@Findingmyfee4]

Antigua is still the best but It has changed a lot and keeps changing at a fast pace

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@Findingmyfee4 Thank you! What changes are you seeing in Antigua?

[@Findingmyfee4]

@@adventurefreaksss Unfortunately the town is growing too fast. Lots of construction projects, way more traffic and rent has gone way up. Having said that, I still love the town and community.

[@Findingmyfee4]

I enjoyed your video, new sub here

[@ritamenjivar9684]

Prices are a lot higher now. Food has doubled or tripled in the last year. Locals are having trouble surviving.

[@adventurefreaksss]

This interview was done a few months ago. Thank you for the update!

[@freakmagnet2737]

It's called gentrification, it's caused by the immigrants or as they call themselves "ex pats".

[@Findingmyfee4]

No sabía que Xela también. En la ciudad y Antigua, todo carísimo!

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

These communities can ban short-term rentals. Why don't they?

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@Findingmyfee4 Based on our latest info, nothing has changed in Xela. It's incredibly affordable but dealing with world wide inflation like all countries.

[@jamesakirk]

I studied in Xela and have friends there. Cost of living has risen sharply in recent years and my teachers struggled to continue living there. By advertising it as a place for expats you are contributing to that problem.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Thank you for your feedback. I understand your concerns about rising costs in Xela and their impact on the local community. Many people are moving abroad due to increasing living expenses in their current locations, and this trend affects global cost dynamics. My goal is to offer options for those seeking affordability, while also recognizing the broader implications for local areas. It’s important to discuss and understand these changes as communities and economies adapt. I appreciate your perspective and the opportunity to address these issues.

[@RobertBrown876]

​@@adventurefreaksssEl then stop promoting it. Let them figure it out for themselves.... There are people who have away less you greedy fk.

[@destinationmax]

Agree. Globally people are needing to migrate because for example, Europe, Canada and the states is becoming an affordable or livable for the average person. Yes, it is a big 🌎 global problem. Expats are people expatriating due to issues or unhappiness in their own country. Same for the folks exiting their countries to go to the USA for survival from war, corruption, violence, etc.

[@boohoo4962]

Immigration is a 2 lane hwy.

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

If the community was committed to slow growth, it would ban short-term rentals like Airbnb.

[@patrickglennon7058]

Would the lake be just as cheap?? 400 euros can be done in pai n. Thailand, been to lake atitlan many times.

[@circusbarpanajachel7782]

Gentrification is very advenced around the Lake and Antigua, rentals are expensive, inflation is high. Guatemala is not exactly a cheap country, if you want a certain standard, like eating cheese and a decent home .

[@LuciaMinca]

I lived in Xela (Quetzaltenango) for over 2 years in Peace Corps. Awesome city 💜💜💜

[@blueangel9746]

8 been dating a PEACE Corp. Guy. When in ANTIGUA. , HANDSOME......

[@erbalumkan369]

What about altitude sickness?

[@NashLaoShi]

I live at the same altitude, but elsewhere in the country. For healthy people, it shouldn't be a problem.

[@pauledson397]

Did the gentleman mention why he chose to live in "Xela" and not Antigua? I'm curious because I have been thinking of Antigua.

[@adventurefreaksss]

He did mention that they prefer areas away from tourism. Thank you for checking us out!

[@robertgulfshores4463]

This was really good, thank you! I learned a lot, and now ... I'm interested. I'm just now, at 54, learning that maybe a person can go to Central America. We've been told everything down there is too dangerous, but I think it's just propaganda. I've considered Panama, Costa Rica, but now I'm even considering visiting Chiapas, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala ... the beauty is incredible.

[@adventurefreaksss]

Glad you enjoyed and thank you for supporting the channel!

[@griseldaoliva618]

Antigua, Guatemala one of the 30 beautiful cities in the world. The eternal spring weather, great coffee, fresh produce.El Salvador is safe now, but is expensive. The produce from El Salvador comes from Guatemala. I know Guatemala is cheaper than El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@griseldaoliva618 greaat info!! Thank you for sharing this!

[@adventurefreaksss]

Where do you currently live?

[@griseldaoliva618]

@@adventurefreaksssI live here in the US. I have family in El Salvador.

[@Antonio-RC]

Just to clarify, expat = immigrant. Americans don’t like the term immigrant so, they came up with expat as it has a negative connotation.

[@adventurefreaksss]

An expat typically refers to someone who temporarily resides in a foreign country, although some expats eventually decide to stay long-term. On the other hand, an immigrant is usually someone who moves to another country with the intention of making it their permanent home.

[@kevinadams9468]

Kind of like illegals and migrants, eh?

[@Daughter0fYAH]

Expatriates / expatriation.

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

There's no negative connotation to "expat" in the U.S.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What happens if you leave your home for the border run and for some reason they refuse to give a new 3 month tourist visa???

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@dovygoodguy1296 ive heard some stories like that in mexico but not anywhere in central america

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@adventurefreaksss I thought that Panama or Costa Rica were planning to crack down.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@dovygoodguy1296 i haven’t heard anything about that. If you do, let me know!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@misterniceguy67 Sounds logical to me . Thanks.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@misterniceguy67 Great info! Thank you!

[@kykyjoy9390]

What about personal security? Is it dangerous?

[@boink800]

No, it's not "dangerous". It's very safe.

[@BrisLS1]

Seems like a bargain to afford living there, but wow, the internet gives a lot of different takes on safety. And how far back in history do you look? I guess, stop reading at the 1990's and it looks good. Heck, for some viewers, that is their entire lifetime.

[@boink800]

@@BrisLS1 Why don't you go there yourself instead of relying on sensational internet comments

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Scott has his own KZbin channel. He's mentioned multiple times that he and his wife feel very secure in Xela.

[@ParisianThinker]

Why no information on healthcare which is a very important consideration?

[@jonnatanorantes2302]

they did talk about healthcare cost as well as quality. you may have missed it. it was towards de end part of the video.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@ParisianThinker thanks for viewing. We did discuss healthcare!

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Scott has his own channel also if you have any specific questions.

[@carlaestrada8877]

I've given an overview further down. Both private national & international coverage are available.

[@ernestoroldan8786]

so..what is the cost of living there? you did not tell nothing about

[@adventurefreaksss]

The cost of living is covered throughout the video. Please watch again and at the end of all videos is a basic cost of living breakdown. Thanks for viewing!

[@sarahm3614]

I have 4 dogs and would like to relocate, but I don't know how and what to do to take them with me.

[@jayajaya788]

I would say speak to someone who has traveled with pets!!! Perhaps call the Airlines they should definitely give you some insight on traveling with pets...it can be done...don't worry!!

[@cellolessons6381]

@@jayajaya788 You can drive to Mexico.

[@jayajaya788]

@@cellolessons6381 True...I would have to ship my items because I'm a designer and it would be too crazy to try and get on an Airplane with all of my material...the cost for luggage would probably be close to the shipping cost...I live in new York

[@YourMomTastesGreat]

​@@jayajaya788call the airline 10x...get 10 different answers

[@jackbaldwin3649]

There's a ton of valuable information online and Facebook that covers traveling and moving with pets. Likely, there is an expat group for whatever city/country you are considering and someone there can tell you exactly what that particular country requires. Vet care is also SO much cheaper outside the US in general. Good luck!

[@OutoftheFog-sc2rq]

condominium sounds like gated community

[@adventurefreaksss]

Yea, I think so. With pools, gym and everything you need for 130k isn't bad!

[@Virginia.ruth.guides]

Don't tell everyone 😅😂

[@adventurefreaksss]

Thank you for watching!

[@aristomavro936]

How about your blood pressure?

[@aristomavro936]

Elevation is your worst enemy...

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@aristomavro936 i am considering providing video on medications and retiring abroad. With high blood pressure you would have to be careful when picking a destination. There are however plenty of amazing places around the globe for you to live in!

[@relicofgold]

Once you become a resident, they tax you on worldwide income so your retirement and social security is taxed.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@relicofgold do you live in guatemala?

[@relicofgold]

@@adventurefreaksss My place of residence doesn't affect their tax law. If you doubt what I say, there's always Google, or a tax attorney.

[@adventurefreaksss]

@@relicofgold i asked to see if you know this information first hand. We often develop reports from expats that live in locales and provide this detailed info. We also consult tax attorneys as well. Google however is not a reliable resource. Thank you for viewing!

[@relicofgold]

@@adventurefreaksss Google has to be questioned, but several sources agree that you are taxed on WW income in Guatemala. Plus they tax wealth as well. It's there. CPA's for expats agree.

[@Antiguanian]

Only 2 countries tax ww income. The US and China. Look it up.

[@kaleeysmith8801]

never heard of Guatemala, is this a legit country? how are you on safety? can tourists walk alone from the bar after 2am?

[@ocelotjazzz]

It’s a legit country 😂 I’ve been a bar owner in Antigua Guatemala for 18 years. Not safe for women to walk home after 10pm on their own.

[@carlaestrada8877]

Oxymoron. A woman walking home alone from a bar. Guess you weren't in attendance when geography of the world was taught. Also guess you don't read labels for country of origin when shopping for food or clothing either

[@blueangel9746]

If you never Heard of GUATEMALA. your education was Not that .....Complete? But. Never. Late to Learn. , and. Is. The Greatest Economy in all Area

[@boohoo4962]

You must be 14 -15 years old and not studied world geography yet so you won't be allowed in bars anyway.

[@kaleeysmith8801]

@@blueangel9746 i'm from united states buddy, we THE BEST in the world. we don't put 3rd worlders on par with us.

[@PascualLopez-h1n]

Haha if trump report guatemaltecos you have leave buddy 😂

[@Quetzal0te]

Xela is a great place for ex pats, it's still not too crowded as Antigua, Atitlan, Guatemala City etc but it is a very comfy, modern city with anything and everything you may want or need from the states or similar to the states (feels and looks like South Oregon or Northern California) but much more affordable and accessible, not to say cheap but a lot more reasonable. You are still very close to the Guatemalan Caribbean, the Central America pacific coast, beautiful volcanos, forests, jungles, Mayan and Colonial Spanish cultural , colorful towns, diverse climates and a wide variety of fun outdoor and explortion activities amidst natural and historical Wonders (like Precolumbian sites, unesco colonial and natural world heritage sites etc near) plus Guatemala borders 4 other very interesting countries to explore: México, Belice, Honduras and El Salvador (Nicaragua is also not far) so you are sort of in the hub and middle of all the best tourist and attractions in ancient Mesoamerica with plenty of good modernity and convenient comforts to meet most of your needs at very reasonable prices. 🌲🌴🌳🌋🦈🥑🐆🐓🩵🤍🇬🇹

[@adventurefreaksss]

This is a great advertisement for Xela! Thank you!!