“Times they are a changing” as the old song goes, and by the looks of it, it’s not for the better, and probably won’t be for some time to come. The bad news just seems to keep coming.

High unemployment, little job security, layoffs, benefits running out, retirement funds are depleted, investments holdings cut in half, homes sales and foreclosures at an all time high, and no relief in sight.

How depressing can it get? What are the options for a continued quality lifestyle moving forward?

Maybe it’s time to consider your options.

Antigua is located in Guatemala, a small Central American country with everything any one could want.

The weather is perfect. The average temperature is in the mid 70’s all year round, so therefore there is no air conditioning, and no central heating to contend with.

Heating/Air conditioning:

The US average for heating in 2010 is $1051.00.

Air condition on average to maintain a home at 72 degrees is $6.24 a day. For 6 months a year, that works out to $1123.20 annually. Neither of these items includes maintenance if required, so throw in another $300.00 a year to keep the equipment operating. Total average yearly cost: $2474.20

Automobile:

In the area of Antigua, Guatemala, which is the favored retirement area in Guatemala, you can walk anywhere in the city. No car required. If you have a car, you can park free of charge. There are no traffic jams to contend with as well. If you live on the edge of town, and want to use your car to drive into Antigua for shopping or whatever else, the drive is, at the most 5 to 6 minutes and possibly 2 miles. In that case, your gasoline bill is next to nothing, your maintenance and operating cost on average in the US is .56 cents per mile, including depreciation. Parking on a daily basis in most US cities averages $15.96 per day. That’s a whopping $4150.00 a year if you park 5 days a week for 52 weeks. Here, it’s free!

I have found that my average annual mileage is 5200, and that includes some trips for things other than business. If I were to keep my car for 100,000 miles, I can drive it for 19 years.

Insurance for your car is comparable to the US, or, in most cases, less expensive. For full coverage, my cost is currently under $700.00.

All that said and done, you don’t need a car, so take a look at how much that will save you.

Local transportation to downtown if you don’t want to walk or drive is .12 cents.

To the Capital (28 miles from Antigua) is .75 cents.

Food:

Guatemala is a country that produces some of the best produce in the world. They are picked fresh in the morning and in the local market the same day, it’s a vegetarian’s paradise. For $25.00 a week for a family of 3, you can fill your fridge, and enjoy fresh produce every day.

Chicken is one of the staple items in Guatemala, and for boneless chicken breast, its $3.25 a lb.

Accommodation:

You have 2 choices. You can rent, or buy a home. If you choose to rent, you can find a fully furnished 3 bedroom home, with a large yard for around $600.00 to $700.00 a month.

To purchase a home, the average for a 2500 Sq. Ft. home in a nice, secure location is under $200,000.00.

Average annual property taxes are $200.00 to $250.00.

Communication:

In Guatemala, you have all the services that you may have in the US. Telephone, cellular phones, cable with ample English channels, High Speed internet connection and so on.

Average monthly cost is $48.00 for all these services.

Electricity:

In Guatemala, the electricity is 110 for house hold, and 220 for dryers and stoves. Your average cost of electricity, if used with common sense, is $31.00 a month.

Healthcare and Dental Care:

This is a point that astounds most foreigners. A visit to the Doctor for a full check up averages $15.00. Medical plans for full coverage is available locally, and the cost varies on age, but for a 50 year old, the cost averages $1400.00 annually, and payable monthly.

Language:

In Guatemala, the official language is Spanish. In Antigua, English is spoken in most places that cater to tourists, and Antigua is a tourist town. If you don’t speak Spanish, but would like to learn the language, you can hire a personal teacher for as little as $3.00 an hour, or attend one of the several language schools for a 4 hour daily class, 5 days a week, for $65.00

Residency:

Guatemala will allow a person to obtain permanent residency with a monthly income of $1200.00 a month, and for a couple, $1500.00 a month total. The income needs to be verified, and the other main requirement is a background check with the local police in your current country of residence.

If you don’t qualify for the income, you can also live in Guatemala by having a tourist status with your passport. Your passport allows you to stay for 90 days, and then you can renew for another 90 days, and so on. Basically, you can stay here for the rest of your life by simply renewing you tourist permit.

Stress:

There isn’t any! Your healthier, happier, and stress free. It’s a bit of a manaña attitude, so just lay back and enjoy.

Now, take a pencil and paper, write down your current monthly costs, and make the comparison.

I think you will be amazed at how inexpensive it is to live life, and enjoy doing it.

We look forward to seeing you in Guatemala, the land of the eternal spring.