How to Retire In Central America

And Discover Paradise in
Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala Waterfall



Retire in Central America and watch how far your money goes. Choose Antigua, Guatemala as your retirement spot and discover the perfect retirement escape for under $1500 a month.

Antigua is the place for paradise in a cheap retirement location. It is a charming colonial city, bursting with flowers and cobblestone streets.

The weather here is Spring-like all the time. No need for air conditioning or heating. Humidity is non-existent.



Antigua, Guatemala is one of the best preserved colonial cities in the world. Thanks to its charm and beauty, Antigua has earned the prestige of being a World Heritage Site. No buildings over three stories high are found here. With only 25 miles from the capital of Guatemala City, Antigua is the elite spot to live and retire in Guatemala.


Before Retiring Overseas


  • Take extra passport pictures along before you retire in Central America. Other important overseas retirement preparations include getting the recommended vaccinations. Most diseases can be avoided with a simple vaccine.
  • Use simple strategies for traveling cheaply like staying at hostels instead of hotels. It's an affordable way to see the area before deciding where to retire in Central America, South America or Europe.
  • When living or retiring in a foreign country, the amount you actually pay in taxes will depend on your circumstances and where you retire. What if you receive a social security check? Do you still have to pay taxes? Avoid unexpected surprises by finding out what costs are involved first.
  • Choosing a retirement location should be simple and straightforward. Create detailed budgets. Ask yourself if the climate is one you can live with. Ask yourself a few basic questions when retiring overseas.


Cost of Living In Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral

Venture through the streets in a tuk-tuk. It is three-wheeled taxi that will take you anywhere in the city for under $2.00.

The place to go for deals is Parque Central, the Downtown of Antigua. Here, you can find just about anything...Including a Subway, a Burger King, and a McDonalds.

Can't find what you want here? Then you will probably find it in Guatemala City. Hire a private taxi driver who will escort you and negotiate discounts for whatever you need in case your Spanish is not up to par.


Establishing Residency
Even if you retire in Central America and establish residency overseas you still continue to be a citizen of your own country, even though you are no longer a resident there.


Rental Properties
A three bedroom home, fully furnished is about $800. A one-bedroom apartment with stunning views is less than $500. And many rentals may come with perks such as Internet and maid service. If you are searching for a cheap retirement location, this is it.


Antigua Guatemala Parque

Utility And Monthly Expenses
Expect to spend under $200 a month for all your utilities--Including electricity, cell phone, landline, and Internet service.

A month of groceries for two will cost around $145. Maid service is under $1.50 an hour. Standard.

Parking is at a minimum in Antigua, especially at night. So buy yourself some comfortable walking shoes and get ready to be amazed.



Health Care in Guatemala

A visit to a private hospital is approximately $90 for an emergency. This includes exam, lab work, and medications. Non-emergencies are less than half that. Use an international carrier for health care overseas with a high deductible for true emergencies. This is the most affordable health care option if you really want to retire in Central America.


Dazzling Towns near Antigua, Guatemala
Two hours from Antigua is Lake Atitlan. Here you will discover a town bordered by sapphire waters and flanked by three volcanoes. Lake Atitlan sits in the western highlands of Guatemala, surrounded by sparkling beaches and coves. It is considered the most beautiful lake in the world.

Panajachel is the largest town in Lake Atitlan and home to a good number of expats from all over. A one bedroom home in Panajachel is about $500 and two-bedroom condo is under $300.


Retirement Tips

  • Apply simple retirement planning tips to increase the money that goes into your pocket. Take control of your retirement and learn how to cut your spending without affecting your quality of life.
  • Learn how to save for retirement by diversifying. Open a savings account and certificates of deposit. Find out what interest your neighborhood banks are paying. Make that dream to retire in Antigua, Guatemala a reality.
  • When investing during retirement search for a stable government and signs of foreign investment. It's a smart idea to search for spots where tourists are regular visitors. Find out more about these and other strategies here.
  • Create target retirement funds so you can decide when to retire not the government. This will reveal how much you need to retire comfortably.
  • Extend your boundaries and discover the wonders of a new shore. Retiring overseas can be much more affordable than you can imagine. It all depends on where you choose to live.


Other Cheap Places to Retire



Retire in Ecuador
You can retire in Ecuador for less than $1000 a month, including household help. This is the land of eternal spring, tranquil beaches and the snow-capped mountains of the Andes.


Retire in Chile
Living and retiring in Chile means enjoying the Mediterranean temperature of the central region and a resort-style coolness in the South. Here you will discover some of the the best beaches, ski resorts and wines anywhere on earth...all at a fraction of the cost.


Retire in Panama
The cost of Retirement in Panama depends on where you choose to live. Panama City will cost you more than the beautiful colonial town of Las Tables where you can retire and live comfortably for about $1200 a month.


Return to Cheap Places to Retire


Antigua Guatemala Mountains


The villages of San Marcos and San Pedro are near Antigua. And the views of the lake and volcanoes are spectacular.

Looking for paradise in a cheap retirement location? Retire in Central America and savor perfect weather, stunning views, and simple living in Antigua, Guatemala.

Where do you plan to spend your retirement years?



Return to Home from Retire in Central America





"A year from now, you'll wish you had started today."
~B.C. Forbes

© Copyright 2009-2018 Your-Retirement-Paradise.com