Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Guatemala.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $44Antigua Guatemala $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $44, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $63. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $24Antigua Guatemala $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $48Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.18Antigua Guatemala $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- San Salvadorz: Convenient bus transfer from/to Guatemala: $99,999
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
- From Panajachel: Transfer to Guatemala City: $240
- Transfer: From Guatemala City to El Paredon Beach: $240
- From One Way Private Transfers to Panajachel: $210
- Guatemala Airport to San Felipe de Lara RoundTrip PrivateTransfer: $155
- Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $150
- Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
- Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $80
- Guatemala City Airport GUA to San Felipe de Lara-Arrival Transfer: $78
- Transfer from Guatemala City hotel to INTL Airport La Aurora: $75
- Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Puerto Quetzal Port: $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $23
- Guatemala City: One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
- Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $25
- Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $28
- One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $31
- One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $45
- Private Transfer From Antigua to Guatemala City / Airport: $50
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $54
- One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce: $59
- One way private transfer to GuatemalaCity: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala?
Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayGuatemala City $15Antigua Guatemala $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Cooking class/Pepian Workshop: $35
- Cooking and class with Private Guatemalan Chef : $72
- Taste Antigua Guatemala Walking Food Tour : $75
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $178
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $180
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
-
Lunch$3.23
-
Lunch$7.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Experience with Locals: $60
- Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
- Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Foodie & street food tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.21Antigua Guatemala $15
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- 2-Day Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City or Antigua: $265
- 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $117
- 3-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South: $55
- 4-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South Center: $65
- Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure from Guatemala City : $300
- Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $75
- Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $58
- Antigua walking tour from Guatemala City : $90
- Chichicastenango - Panajachel collective tour: $150
- Chichicastenango Market Tour: $124
- City Tour - Test Fly by Escuela de Flight S.A: $158
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- Artisan Shoemaking & Leather Craft Tour: $10
- Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala : $20
- Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
- Express tour in Antigua: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $20
- Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $20
- La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $20
- Antigua walking tour: Highlights, history, cultural.: $23
- Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $25
- Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $25
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $25
- Chocolate workshop; gastronomic experience of cocoa.: $28
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.85Antigua Guatemala $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala than you might in Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.