As of November 12, 2026, Guatemala is cheaper than El Salvador for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $72 in Guatemala against $77 in El Salvador, a gap of 6.1%. Over the past year El Salvador has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.1% after inflation, against +0.9%). El Salvador carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 3).
| Measure | El Salvador | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $77 | $72 |
| Lean day | $36 | $33 |
| Comfortable day | $164 | $166 |
| Real change, 12 months | +1.1% | +0.9% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | 0.0% | +0.2% |
| Versus 5-year average | +4.8% | 0.0% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 3.3 · Workable | 3.2 · Workable |
| Index score | 68 | 55 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | May, Oct | May, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The fastest safety turnaround in the hemisphere, and a surf coast priced in dollars.
The catchDollarized, so no currency upside for dollar earners. The security gains came with a prolonged state of emergency.
Volcanoes, a highland lake and Maya ruins on a backpacker budget.
The catchViolent crime is the reason for the elevated advisory. Use tourist shuttles, not chicken buses, and do not travel after dark.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.