Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or San Pedro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Pedro or Guatemala City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Pedro or Guatemala City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: San Pedro or Guatemala City?
San Pedro
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.
-
San Pedro Prices
Belize PricesGuatemala City Prices
Guatemala Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Pedro $164Guatemala City $56
The average daily cost (per person) in San Pedro is $164, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 San Pedro and Guatemala City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Pedro $66Guatemala City $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Pedro $132Guatemala City $50
Compare Hotels in San Pedro and Guatemala City
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro or Guatemala City? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Pedro $34Guatemala City $6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
- Private Departure Transfer:Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport(GUA): $24
- Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $26
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City Airpot(GUA) to Antigua Guatemala: $29
- Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $30
- La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $32
- Private Transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua: $32
- Private Transfer from Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City ⇄ Antigua – One-Way: $40
- PRIVATE TRANSFER From Airport/Guate City to ANTIGUA or Vice-versa: $40
- San Salvadorz: Convenient bus transfer from/to Guatemala: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into San Pedro or Guatemala City?
Prices for flights to both Guatemala City and San Pedro 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 daySan Pedro $69Guatemala City $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.
- Overwater Fry Jacks Cooking Class at The Mayan: $39
- Overwater Ceviche Cooking Class at The Mayan: $39
- Fry Jacks Cooking Class at San Pedro Belize: $39
- Ceviche Cooking Class at San Pedro Belize: $39
- Belizean Bites Lunch Food Tour in San Pedro: $72
- Savor Belize Dinner Food Tour in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: $90
- Belizean Cooking Experience: $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
- Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Pedro $33Guatemala City $1.23
Tours and Activities in San Pedro
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:
- 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $59
- Snorkeling Tour at the Great Barrier Reef of Belize: $60
- Caye Caulker Marine Reserve 3 Stops Snorkeling Adventure: $65
- Belize Adventure Sailing Sunset: $65
- Caye Caulker Marine Reserve Half Day Snorkeling Adventure: $70
- Snorkeling Adventure at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve: $75
- Ambergris Caye Food and History Tour: $75
- Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling Tour: $79
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $85
- Belizean Food Experience: $89
- Mexico Rocks Snorkel Adventure from Ambergris Caye, San Pedro: $90
- Caye Caulker: Half Day Snorkeling Tour with Sunset Cruise: $95
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
- Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
- Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
- Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
- Walking Tour: $35
- Guatemala city walking tour only weekends. 2 persons and up: $39
- Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
- City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
- Historical and natural bike tour in Guatemala City: $50
- Heart of Guided with a local Tour Guide: $50
- Half Day Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $50
- Half Day Tour Of Guatemala City: $60
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Pedro $16Guatemala City $6.96
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Pedro and Guatemala City, we can see that San Pedro 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 San Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro 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 San Pedro Expensive? and Is Guatemala City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Pedro or Guatemala City?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of San Pedro and Guatemala City, 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.