Guyana flagCost of Living Guide

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses in Guyana

Guyana is significantly more expensive than most South American countries, with overall costs about 39% higher than the regional average, driven primarily by a booming oil and gas industry and rising housing demand. While still cheaper than major U.S. cities, expats should expect notably higher housing costs than neighboring South American nations, though groceries and dining remain relatively affordable. The country offers good value for those earning in USD or working in energy and professional sectors, but budget-conscious travelers may find better deals elsewhere in the region.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$800–$1,200 USD/month (single person living locally: modest housing in suburban areas $300–$500, local groceries $250–$350, public transport $100–$150, utilities $150–$200)
Comfortable
$2,000–$2,800 USD/month (single expat: mid-range furnished apartment in Georgetown $1,200–$1,500, mix of local and imported groceries $400–$500, dining out 2–3x weekly $300–$400, utilities and transport $300–$400)
Family of four
$3,500–$5,000+ USD/month (family of four: expat housing $1,500–$2,500, international school fees (if applicable) $1,000–$2,000, imported groceries and dining $800–$1,000, utilities and transport $400–$600, activities and contingencies $300–$500)

Guyana offers reasonable value for expats earning in USD, particularly those in energy, engineering, or professional sectors, but represents poor value compared to most other South American countries due to 39% higher overall costs and 72% higher rents. The country is best suited for those with dollar-denominated income or relocation packages, rather than budget-conscious digital nomads seeking regional bargains.

Economic & Living Costs in Guyana
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2000-8000 GYD
Avg: 5000 GYD

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

13500-20931.24 GYD
Avg: 17215.62 GYD

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

1800-1960 GYD
Avg: 1880 GYD

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

320-627.94 GYD
Avg: 473.97 GYD
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

80000-300000 GYD
Avg: 190000 GYD

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

60000-180000 GYD
Avg: 120000 GYD

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

250000-1187200 GYD
Avg: 718600 GYD

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

120000-500000 GYD
Avg: 310000 GYD
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

120-200 GYD
Avg: 160 GYD

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

560-3230.18 GYD
Avg: 1895.09 GYD

Monthly Transport Pass

6200 GYD
Avg: 6200 GYD

Gasoline (1L)

170-220 GYD
Avg: 195 GYD
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

15000-28000 GYD
Avg: 21500 GYD

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

8000-15698.43 GYD
Avg: 11849.22 GYD

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

3000-6000 GYD
Avg: 4500 GYD
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

500-1040 GYD
Avg: 770 GYD

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

365-1153.64 GYD
Avg: 759.32 GYD

Eggs (12)

418.62-1440 GYD
Avg: 929.31 GYD

Local Cheese (1kg)

1845.82-10000 GYD
Avg: 5922.91 GYD
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

6000-10000 GYD
Avg: 8000 GYD

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

3139.69 GYD
Avg: 1569.84 GYD

Cinema Ticket

1200-1500 GYD
Avg: 1350 GYD

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

190000-252919.19 GYD
Avg: 221459.59 GYD
Last updated: 2026-04-03