Guam is a US territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, about 3,700 miles southwest of Hawaii. It’s a popular destination for tourists and military personnel and is considered a great place to live. The weather is tropical, and the people are friendly, plus there’s plenty to do in this tropical paradise.
If you are considering moving to Guam, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part the world.
Quick Guam Facts:
- Population: 171,774 (2022)
- Official Language:The language spoken on Guam is English, although you may also hear some Chamorro (the native language of the island).
- Median Income: $55,950 USD (2023)
- Coral: Guam’s beaches are not sandy they are covered with coral. Coral, mixed with cement, is also used to pave the roads of Guam.
- Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of 2024, £1 = $1.30, €1 = $1.09, $1 CAD = $0.73, $1 AUD = $0.67
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Guam
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities in the US and around the world and shipping it to Guam:
| Origin City | 20FT | 40FT |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | $2,800 - $3,300 | $4,200 - $4,700 |
| Berlin | $5,000 - $5,500 | $7,500 - $8,000 |
| Chongqing | $2,800 - $3,300 | $4,200 - $4,700 |
| Chicago | $2,000 - $2,500 | $3,200 - $3,700 |
| Delhi | $3,200 - $3,700 | $4,800 - $5,300 |
| Dubai | $4,000 - $4,500 | $6,000 - $6,500 |
| Houston | $2,200 - $2,700 | $3,500 - $4,000 |
| London | $4,300 - $4,800 | $6,400 - $6,900 |
| Los Angeles | $1,000 - $1,200 | $1,600 - $1,800 |
| Madrid | $4,600 - $5,100 | $6,900 - $7,400 |
| New York City | $2,200 - $2,700 | $3,500 - $4,000 |
| Paris | $4,700 - $5,200 | $7,100 - $7,600 |
| Phoenix | $1,500 - $1,700 | $2,400 - $2,600 |
| Rome | $4,800 - $5,300 | $7,200 - $7,700 |
| Shanghai | $2,800 - $3,300 | $4,200 - $4,700 |
| Sydney | $3,000 - $3,500 | $4,500 - $5,000 |
| Toronto | $2,300 - $2,800 | $3,600 - $4,100 |
| Vancouver | $2,100 - $2,600 | $3,300 - $3,800 |
| Vienna | $5,000 - $5,500 | $7,500 - $8,000 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
You could also save money by comparing movers using the quote form below:
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2. Guam Housing Costs
There are many different housing options on Guam, from apartments and condos to houses and villas. The cost of living is relatively affordable, especially compared to other US territories.
Monthly Rental Prices in Guam
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: $800 – $2,450
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: $700 – $1,950
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: $2,200 – $3,500
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: $1,700 – $3,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $900 – $1,614
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $750 – $1,500
Guam Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Guam compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 29.3% cheaper
United States is 6.8% more expensive
Canada is 22.9% cheaper
Australia is 7.9% cheaper
Italy is 53.2% cheaper
France is 44.4% cheaper
Spain is 49.8% cheaper
Germany is 40% cheaper
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: iRoommates, Kangaroom and Roommates.
- Different areas – different prices. Guam has nineteen villages, each with its own character. Barrigada is popular with families as it has four good schools and great shops. Tamuning is for those who enjoy the bright lights. Talofofo is a quieter area with stunning views. Prices are high and fairly consistent throughout the island, depending largely on the type of property you choose to rent or buy.
3. Guam Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Food on Guam reflects its history, proximity to other countries and its indigenous culture. It’s influenced by Filipino, Spanish, Mexican, Japanese and American styles of cuisine which results in some extremely tasty dishes.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: $10 – $20
- Takeout Coffee: $3.50 – $7
- Bottle of Coke: $1.50 – $3.50
- 1L of milk: $1.87 – $3.70
- Loaf of Bread: $2.99 – $8
- 12 Eggs: $ – $1.79 – $4.69
- 1kg Chicken: $5.51- $14.53
- 1kg Beef: $10.41 – $26.46
- 1kg Apples: $3.28 – $14.02
- 1kg White Rice: $3 – $12
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- UK restaurants are 3.8% more expensive and groceries are 51.9% cheaper than Guam.
- US restaurants are 7.1% more expensive and groceries are 29.3% cheaper than Guam.
- Canadian restaurants are 3.3% cheaper and groceries are 35.4% cheaper than Guam.
- Australian restaurants are 6.7% more expensive and groceries are 24.6% cheaper than Guam.
- Italian restaurants are 6% cheaper and groceries are 48% cheaper than Guam.
- French restaurants are 1.9% more expensive and groceries are 335% cheaper than Guam.
- Spanish restaurants are 21.8% cheaper and groceries are 59% cheaper than Guam.
- German restaurants are 14.5% cheaper and groceries are 48.9% cheaper than Guam.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Guam has a good selection of supermarkets, grocers and local markets. The markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce. Some of the most popular supermarkets are; Guam Food Co-op, Pay-Less Supermarkets and Guam Farmers Market.
- Find Cheap Eats:Eating out in Guam is not cheap but restaurants often have early evening and early week specials which makes eating out more affordable. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Trip Advisor, Eat Cheaper Guam and The Guam Guide.
4. Guam Alcohol Costs
There are around 7,000 US soldiers and their families living in Guam and they are served by a great selection of well stocked bars, restaurants and clubs. Like all things on Guam, alcohol tends to be expensive.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.00 – $4.50
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00 – $6.50
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.00 – $2.84
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.50 – $4.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $16.00 – $26.99
How to drink for less in Guam
- Have a look online and look through local papers or flyers for bars, clubs or restaurants that are advertising cheap drinks.
- Many bars, clubs and restaurants have early evening happy hours. Have a look at the following sites to see where to go for happy hour near you – Yelp, Guam PDN and Guam Stripes.
5. Guam Transportation Fares
Guam has a good transport system, with buses and taxis available to get around the island. There is also a ferry service that runs between the island of Guam and the nearby island of Rota. Most military personnel drive their own vehicles but cars are also available for hire.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single – $1.25
- One day ticket – $2.50
- Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $40
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a weekly ticket – $15 for 7 days of unlimited travel
- Buy a bike. Cycling is popular on the island.
- Walk
6. Cost of Internet in Guam
There are many options for internet and phone service on Guam. You can get a data plan with your phone, or you can get a broadband internet connection. Check out the following service providers while in Guam.
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The weather in Guam consists of a dry season from January to May and a wet season from July to November. The dry season is accompanied by low rainfall and sunny, warm weather, with temperatures between 28C and 32C.
During the wet season there of heavy rainfalls and occasional typhoons. The weather is hot and humid during this time of year, with temperatures averaging 28C. The average annual rainfall in Guam is around 2,500mm and August is the country’s wettest month.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: $25 – $55
- Summer Dress: $30 – $60
- Running Shoes (Trainers): $65 – $100
- Business Shoes: $50 – $150
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): $102
- Deodorant: $4.37
- Shampoo: $5.08
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $5.01
- Gym membership: $95 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: $19
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Guam
Anyone can purchase a car in Guam. It’s an easy process and there are plenty of second hand vehicles for sale. Just remember that servicing and maintaining a vehicle is expensive as all parts are imported. Importing your own vehicle is a very expensive option, due to high shipping costs.
You must have an International Driving Licence to drive in Guam and, after 30 days, you’ll need to replace this with a Guam driving licence from the Guam DMV.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Guam:
- Volkswagen Golf:$19,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):$1.32
- Other fees (if any):The average monthly cost of owning a car in Guam is $550.
Source: Numbeo
Ways to save money driving in Guam
- Carpooling is a great way to reduce of travelling.
- Take public transport – Guam’s public bus system is reliable.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Guam? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Guam
VAT is Guam is 2%. Personal tax for residents in Guam starts at 1.92% and goes up to a maximum of 35% for anyone earning over $3,498,600.12 per annum. For non-residents, tax is 15% on an annual income of between $125,900.01 and $1,000,000 and over one million the tax rate is 30%.
Property tax rates are 0.5% of the land value and 1% of the value of the property. See Guam Tax for detailed information on the Guam tax system.
10. Flight Costs from Guam
If you do make the move to Guam, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- London: $925
- New York: $1,599
- Toronto: $1,560
- Sydney: $977
- Paris: $932
- Berlin: $941
- Rome: $907
- Madrid: $937
Other Guam Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Guam but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Guam Alone
Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. The relatively laid back atmosphere in Guam and the welcoming people will help you ease into your new life. Here are a few tips on settling in Guam.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Guam, especially on the army base and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration- TripAdvisor, Klook and Travel Lens.
- Meetup: Meetup groups are a great way to meet people who enjoy the same activities as you. If you can’t find an activity on Meetup in Guam that appeals to you, then you can start a group of your own.
12. Moving to Guam with a Family
Moving to another country with a family is challenging. The large expat community in Guam will make settling down relatively easy. There’s also lots to keep kiddies entertained.
- New parents (or parents to be): Check out New Parent Guide and Facebook for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
- Live in a family friendly area: Dededo is very popular with families. It’s away from the noise, house prices are lower and it’s a quiet neighbourhood.
- Find things to do with the kids: Guam has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Visit Guam and com.
13. Moving to Guam for Work
Moving to a new county for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Tourism and defence are the biggest employers in Guam. There are jobs available in tourism, hospitality, education, sales, healthcare, engineering, construction and trades (electricians and plumbers in particular).
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Guam, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Indeed, Simply Hired, and Hire Guam. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Guam from Australia
There is a small Aussie contingent living in Guam. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Guam, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:If you look at the population of Guam and compare it with cities in Australia, it is slightly bigger than Cairns.
- Join expat groups:Meetup, Dribbble and Facebook offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Guam.
15. Moving to Guam from Canada
There are a small number of Canadians living in Guam. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:If you compare the population size of Guam with a city in Canada, then it would be slightly bigger than Oshawa.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Facebook and Meetup.
16. Moving to Guam from the United Kingdom
There’s a small group of Brits living and working in Guam. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: Looking at the size of the population of Guam, it’s around the same as Warrington in the UK.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go Facebook and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Guam you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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