Quetzaltenango: the vibe
Videos from people who went, played right here, with what viewers said underneath. Not part of the score.
The verdict
Liked · 68Commenters who have lived in Xela are warm about its charm and affordability, with cost and climate as the main caveats; overall a positive but thin picture.
- affordable cost of living
- charming highland city
- friendly locals and community
- no car needed
- good value for retirees
- Antigua and lake day trips
- cold highland weather
- air quality concerns
- limited retiree-focused info
- inflation worries on fixed income
- thin negative commentary
- Xela suits retirees on a budget
- Cold nights are the main drawback
- Many comments are fans planning visits
- Air quality is a question worth checking
- Less negative chatter than positive, so caution advised
Read from 8 videos, 38 comments and 0 posts on 2026-11-08; the summary is written by a language model and can misread sarcasm.
Cost of living in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala 2025 #xela
There has to be something Moore ! · 6K views · 2025
What viewers said
“Here is something I find so very interesting. We have both done "Cost of Living" videos recently. We obviously spend more than you. A big part of that is where we choose to live of course and our food bill is higher. But my point is, there ”
♥ 8 likes
“You've inspired me to come and check out Guatemala!!!”
♥ 7 likes
“I am happy to have found your vidoes. I was considering Panama, but will come to check out Guatemala before my final decision. Thank you for sharing and making things easier for me!”
“Thank you for this! Subbed”
♥ 1 likes
“love these videos!”
♥ 1 likes
“Great video. Thank you! I lived in xela for 2 years in the early 2000s and it’s always been in the back of my mind to retire there. I used to eat at a big Chinese restaurant there but can’t remember the name.”
“Thanks for this! I’m currently happily living in Panama, but checked out Guatemala over Christmas, in case Panama gets taken over by you-know-who. Xela was a little cold for me, but I thought Panajachel felt just about right. I kept my U.S.”
♥ 1 likes
“Thanks fellow Vegan!!”
♥ 1 likes
“Great Information. I’m only 30 but already have my eyes on Guatemala for my retirement. I’ve been to Xela before and I absolutely love it there!”
♥ 1 likes
“Subbed”
♥ 1 likes
Found with a YouTube search for the city and “digital nomad”, fetched 2026-11-08; titles, descriptions and comments belong to their authors and link to the originals.