Antigua

GuatemalaGMT-6

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

58.3/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

250+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,501/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

15Mbps

About Antigua

Antigua Guatemala, nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala, is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and breathtaking natural surroundings. Once the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala until earthquakes in 1773 led to its partial abandonment, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and proximity to three majestic volcanoes—Volcán de Agua, Volcán de Fuego, and Volcán Acatenango—draw both tourists and digital nomads seeking a blend of history and beauty.

For digital nomads and expats, Antigua offers an appealing mix of cultural richness and modern conveniences. The city hosts a growing community of remote workers, supported by coworking spaces like Impact Hub, Selina, and La Creativa. Internet connectivity is reliable, with speeds averaging 13 Mbps in apartments and 10-15 Mbps in cafes, sufficient for most remote work needs. The cost of living is generally affordable compared to Western cities, making it an attractive base for those balancing work and exploration.

Life in Antigua revolves around its walkable streets and vibrant cultural scene. The city comes alive during festivals like Semana Santa, featuring elaborate processions and intricate street carpets. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike nearby volcanoes or unwind in cafes with stunning volcano views. The temperate climate, with average temperatures between 16°C and 19°C year-round, ensures comfort for daily activities and adventures, enhancing the city’s appeal for long-term stays.

Practically, Antigua is accessible, about an hour’s drive from Guatemala City’s international airport. Local transportation includes taxis, Uber, shuttles, and buses, making navigation easy. Many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days, with options for longer stays through temporary residence permits, though these require local sponsorship. The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the currency, and while ATMs are plentiful, using them during daylight is advised for safety.

Demographics

Population46,054
LanguagesSpanish, Mayan languages

Location

CountryGuatemala
TimezoneGMT-6
Airport to City60 minutes
TransportTaxi, Uber, Shuttle, Bus

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$1,501
/mo
15.5% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Antigua, Guatemala is $1,501, which is 15.5% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$800
53.3% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$131
8.7% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$250
16.7% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$70
4.7% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$100
6.7% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$150
10.0% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Antigua Guatemala offers reliable internet with average speeds of 13 Mbps in apartments and 10-15 Mbps in cafes, suitable for digital nomads. Major providers like Tigo, Claro, and Movistar ensure 4G mobile data coverage. While speeds may occasionally vary, the infrastructure supports remote work effectively.

Antigua Guatemala hosts a vibrant digital nomad community, with an estimated 250 remote workers. Coworking spaces like Impact Hub, Selina, La Creativa, Serve Hope Café, and others cater to professionals. Regular meetups and events foster networking and socializing, creating a supportive environment for nomads.

15Mbps
4G
3providers
250
Nomads
5+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Antigua Guatemala enjoys a temperate climate with distinct wet (May-October) and dry (November-April) seasons. The dry season offers clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities. The wet season brings heavier rain and overcast skies but lush scenery. Year-round temperatures average 16°C to 19°C, providing a comfortable environment.
Temperature Range
17°C - 19°C
Avg: 18°C
Annual Rainfall
1630mm
Monthly Avg: 136mm
Jan
01
17°C
☀️
10 mm
Feb
02
17°C
☀️
10 mm
Mar
03
18°C
☀️
20 mm
Apr
04
19°C
☀️
60 mm
May
05
19°C
☀️
190 mm
💧
Jun
06
19°C
☀️
230 mm
💧
Jul
07
18°C
☀️
230 mm
💧
Aug
08
18°C
☀️
230 mm
💧
Sep
09
18°C
☀️
330 mm
💧
Oct
10
18°C
☀️
230 mm
💧
Nov
11
18°C
☀️
80 mm
Dec
12
17°C
☀️
10 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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