Let me just start by saying: Antigua, Guatemala, spoiled us.

We’ve lived in over a dozen places across Latin America, but our time in Antigua felt like that one vacation house you accidentally fall in love with… even though you promised yourself you’d stick to your budget this time.

🏡 Rent: Splurging in the Mountains ($720)

We paid $720 for a private house tucked in the mountains just outside town. Yes, more than we usually spend. Yes, it was worth every cent. This was hands down the nicest Airbnb we’ve stayed in — complete with birdsong alarm clocks, dreamy views, and peace so deep it practically whispered, “stay forever.” If you’re looking to escape the noise without being too far from that perfect flat white in town, this spot nailed it.

(And good news — rent was split between two people, so realistically it came out to $360 each.)

🚗 Getting There: Airport Runs and Ubers ($100 airport, $127 local)

We opted for the $50 Uber from the Guatemala City airport to Antigua instead of the shared $20/person shuttle. Was it double the price? Yes. Was it triple the comfort and half the time? Also yes. Worth it when you’ve just survived airport security and questionable airplane coffee.

Around town, Ubers were about $4 a ride — not quite Colombia’s $2 rides, but still a deal. Especially when your legs are sore from volcano hikes or let’s be honest, pastry crawling from café to café.

🏋️ Gym Life: Not the Cheapest Flex ($37.50)

We found a solid gym for $37.50/month. On the higher end for the region, but Antigua doesn’t really do “cheap and basic.” You’ll pay a bit more for everything — but at least the dumbbells came with great volcano views.

🥬 Groceries: Veggie Heaven ($260)

Groceries were surprisingly good for vegetarians — shoutout to the tofu and organic aisle that made us feel seen. We spent about $260 on groceries, which felt like a bargain compared to the veggie hunt we had to go on in parts of Mexico.

☕ Food, Cafés, & Treats ($285)

Dining out averaged $8–$10 a meal — not crazy, but definitely not Colombian $3 menu del día cheap either (ah, memories). That said, the food scene in Antigua is top-tier. From Danish bakeries to Japanese ramen to Greek gyros, the diversity is real. And yes, I absolutely justified all my coffee and pastry runs in the name of “supporting local business.”

Total spent on eating out and sweet café moments: $285.

💸 Total Cost of Living: $1500/month

If you split rent and live like we did — cooking some, dining out often, and tossing in some Uber rides and gym time — the monthly total lands around $1260.

Add a volcano hike ($100), a trip to Lake Atitlán ($75), and a few other activities, and you’re comfortably at $1500/month.

Not bad for mountain views, international cuisine, friendly locals, and a peaceful lifestyle in one of the most charming towns in Central America.

🌋 Final Thoughts: Choose Antigua

We were honestly sad to leave. Antigua has a way of pulling you in with its cobblestone streets, kind people, and surprisingly luxe lifestyle (without the insane price tag). Compared to Merida or Cancun, I’d pick Antigua in a heartbeat.

If you’re deciding where to land next as a digital nomad and want somewhere beautiful, vegetarian-friendly, and full of character — don’t hesitate. Choose Antigua.