Whether you are a member of the diaspora considering a move back home, a retiree evaluating your options, or someone drawn by Guyana's booming economy, the first question is always the same: how much does it actually cost to live there?
The short answer: significantly less than the US, Canada, or the UK — but it depends on your lifestyle. Guyana's cost of living is roughly 25-35% lower than the United States overall (local staples can be 40-50% cheaper, but imported goods cost the same or more), with rent being the biggest savings. However, imported goods, electricity, and certain services can surprise newcomers with their prices.
This guide uses real 2025-2026 data from Numbeo, Expatistan, and on-the-ground reporting to give you an honest picture of what life costs in Guyana.
Guyana vs. USA at a Glance
Overall cost of living: ~25-35% lower than USA
Rent: ~50-70% lower than USA
Groceries: ~10-15% lower overall (local staples significantly cheaper, imported items cost more)
Dining out: ~25-30% lower than USA
Imported goods: Same or higher than USA
Rent & Housing
Housing is the biggest expense for most people, and it is also where Guyana offers the most significant savings compared to Western countries. Prices vary dramatically depending on location, with central Georgetown commanding the highest rents.
| Housing Type | Georgetown | East Bank / Suburbs |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | US$400-600/mo | US$150-350/mo |
| 2-bedroom apartment | US$400-800/mo | US$250-500/mo |
| 3-bedroom house | US$600-1,500/mo | US$400-800/mo |
| Furnished expat house (Bel Air/Prashad Nagar) | US$1,000-2,500/mo | N/A |
For comparison: A 1-bedroom apartment in New York City averages US$3,000-4,000/month. In Toronto, CA$2,000-2,500 (US$1,450-1,800). In London, GBP 1,500-2,000 (US$1,900-2,500). A similar apartment in Georgetown costs a fraction of those prices.
Rental Tips
Most rentals in Guyana require 1-2 months' deposit plus first month's rent upfront. Leases are typically month-to-month or 1 year. Furnished apartments are common in expat-targeted areas. Always inspect properties in person before signing — photos can be misleading. Ask about water pressure, generator backup, and whether the landlord handles repairs.
Groceries & Food
This is where your shopping habits make the biggest difference. Local produce from Stabroek Market or Bourda Market is extremely affordable. Imported brands from the US and Europe carry significant markups due to shipping costs and import duties.
| Item | Guyana Price (US$) | US Price (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 dozen eggs | $3.50-4.50 | $3.50-5.00 |
| 1 kg chicken breast | $5.00-8.00 | $8.00-12.00 |
| 1 kg rice | $1.00-1.50 | $2.50-4.00 |
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1.00-1.80 | $3.00-4.00 |
| 1 kg apples (imported) | $5.00-8.00 | $3.50-5.00 |
| 1 liter milk (mostly imported UHT) | $2.50-4.00 | $1.00-1.50 |
| 1 kg cheddar cheese (imported) | $10.00-15.00 | $10.00-14.00 |
| 1.5L bottled water | $1.00-2.00 | $1.50-2.00 |
| Local beer (Banks, 330ml) | $1.00-1.50 | $2.00-3.00 (comparable) |
Monthly grocery budget: A single person eating mostly local food can manage on US$150-250/month. A family of four eating a mix of local and imported foods should budget US$400-700/month. If you shop primarily at Massy Stores or other supermarkets stocking imported goods, expect higher costs.
Where to Shop
Budget: Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, roadside vendors — cheapest fresh produce, meat, and fish. Mid-range: Massy Stores, Survival Supermarket, Guyana Stores — mix of local and imported goods. Premium: MovieTowne mall shops, specialty stores — imported brands at higher prices. Shopping at local markets can cut your grocery bill by 30-50% compared to supermarkets.
Utilities
Utilities in Guyana can be a mixed bag. Water is cheap, electricity is relatively expensive (especially if you use air conditioning), and internet quality has improved significantly in recent years.
| Utility | Monthly Cost (US$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity (with A/C, avg household) | $80-200 |
| Electricity (no A/C, fans only) | $30-60 |
| Water (GWI) | $5-15 |
| Internet (broadband, up to 300 Mbps via E-Networks ~$43/mo) | $30-45 |
| Internet (fiber, 50-100+ Mbps) | $60-100 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $10-30 |
| Cable TV | $15-30 |
| Cooking gas (LPG cylinder) | $5-8 |
Total monthly utilities: US$100-250 for a typical household. Electricity is by far the biggest cost. The government's gas-to-energy project, which will use natural gas from offshore fields to generate electricity, aims to reduce power costs by up to 50% when completed. For now, many homes and businesses use generators as backup during outages.
Internet Providers
ONE Communications (formerly GTT): The legacy provider with the widest coverage, including rural areas. Offers broadband and fiber in Georgetown. E-Networks: The newer competitor with faster fiber speeds in Georgetown and parts of the East Bank. Now offers up to 300 Mbps for ~$43/month. Digicel: Primarily mobile data. Good 4G coverage in urban areas.
Transportation
Getting around Guyana depends on whether you own a vehicle or rely on public transport.
| Transport | Cost (US$) |
|---|---|
| Minibus ride (within Georgetown) | $0.50-1.00 (GYD 100-200) |
| Taxi (short ride within Georgetown) | $3-5 |
| Taxi (Georgetown to airport) | $20-30 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $0.80-1.00 |
| Monthly car costs (fuel + insurance + maintenance) | $200-400 |
| Used car (Toyota Allion/Premio) | $8,000-15,000 |
Minibuses are the backbone of public transport, running fixed routes with conductors calling out destinations. They are cheap but crowded, especially during rush hours. Ride-hailing apps have not fully taken off in Guyana, so taxis are booked by phone or flagged down. Always agree on a fare before getting in.
If you plan to drive, note that Guyana drives on the left side of the road. Japanese right-hand-drive vehicles are the most common. For information on importing a vehicle, see our Vehicle Importation Guide.
Dining Out
Eating out in Guyana is remarkably affordable, especially at local restaurants and street food vendors. International restaurants and hotel dining rooms charge more, but still less than comparable venues in the US or Canada.
| Dining | Cost (US$) |
|---|---|
| Street food (pholourie, egg ball, chow mein) | $0.50-2.00 |
| Local restaurant meal (cook shops $3-6, sit-down $8-12) | $5-10 |
| Mid-range restaurant (per person) | $20-35 |
| Upscale restaurant (per person) | $25-50 |
| Fast food combo (KFC, Popeyes) | $5-8 |
| Coffee (cafe) | $2-4 |
| Beer at a bar (Banks) | $1.50-3.00 |
Georgetown has a growing restaurant scene, particularly along Vlissengen Road, in Kitty, and in the Pegasus Hotel area. For the best value, eat where locals eat — small restaurants serving cook-up rice, dhal and rice, chow mein, and fried chicken at prices that would be unthinkable in New York or Toronto.
Healthcare Costs
Public healthcare in Guyana is free for citizens and residents at government hospitals and health centers. Private healthcare is affordable by Western standards but represents a significant cost locally.
| Healthcare Service | Cost (US$) |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private clinic) | $15-40 |
| Specialist consultation | $30-75 |
| Dental cleaning | $20-50 |
| Prescription medication (common) | $5-30 |
| Private health insurance (basic) | $50-150/month |
| Emergency room (private hospital) | $50-200 |
For comparison, a basic doctor visit in the US costs $150-300 without insurance. Dental cleaning runs $100-200. The savings on healthcare alone can be substantial for retirees and self-employed individuals.
Monthly Budget Summary
Here is what a realistic monthly budget looks like for different lifestyles in Georgetown:
| Expense | Budget (US$) | Comfortable (US$) | Premium (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 300-400 | 500-800 | 1,200-2,000 |
| Groceries | 150-200 | 250-400 | 500-700 |
| Utilities | 60-100 | 100-180 | 180-300 |
| Transport | 30-50 | 100-200 | 250-400 |
| Dining/Entertainment | 50-100 | 150-300 | 400-800 |
| Healthcare | 0-30 | 50-100 | 100-200 |
| Total (single person) | $590-880 | $1,150-1,980 | $2,630-4,400 |
Money-Saving Tips
Shop at markets: Stabroek and Bourda markets save 30-50% on produce vs. supermarkets. Cook at home: Local ingredients are cheap — learn to make dhal, cook-up, and curry. Use fans over A/C: Ceiling fans and cross-ventilation can slash your electricity bill in half. Buy local: Guyanese-made products (Banks beer, local rum, DDL dairy) are much cheaper than imports. Negotiate rent: Especially for longer leases, landlords are often willing to drop prices 10-15%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Guyana per month?
A single person can live comfortably in Georgetown for US$1,000-1,500/month including rent. A family of four should budget US$2,000-3,500/month. Living outside Georgetown reduces costs by 30-40%.
How much is rent in Georgetown, Guyana?
A 1-bedroom apartment in central Georgetown runs US$400-600/month. A 2-bedroom in Campbellville or Kitty costs US$400-800/month. Premium areas like Bel Air can reach US$1,000-2,000/month for a furnished house. Rent is roughly 50-70% cheaper than comparable US cities.
Is Guyana cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Overall cost of living is approximately 25-35% lower. Local staples can be 40-50% cheaper, but imported goods cost the same or more. Rent is about 50-70% cheaper. However, imported goods can cost the same or more due to import duties.
How much do groceries cost in Guyana?
A dozen eggs costs US$3.50-4.50, chicken breast around US$5-8/kg, bread US$1-2 per loaf, and rice US$1-1.50/kg. Fresh produce from local markets is extremely affordable — you can fill a bag for US$5-10. Imported items like cheese, milk, and apples cost significantly more.
How much is electricity in Guyana?
Electricity from GPL runs US$80-200/month with air conditioning, or US$30-60/month without. The gas-to-energy project aims to reduce costs significantly in coming years.
How much does internet cost in Guyana?
Basic broadband starts at US$30-45/month. E-Networks now offers up to 300 Mbps for ~US$43/month. Higher-speed fiber plans reach US$60-100/month. Mobile data plans range from US$5-30/month.
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Browse All GuidesLast updated: April 2026. Prices are based on Numbeo, Expatistan, and local market data from late 2025 through early 2026. Prices fluctuate with the GYD/USD exchange rate (approximately GYD $208-210 = US$1 as of April 2026).