Living on Guam: Our Complete Insider’s Guide

To help you answer these questions—and more!—we’ve put together this insider’s guide to living on Guam. We’ll show you exactly what you need to know to live your best life on the island.

If you have more questions that aren’t answered here, you can always reach out to a member of our Tamuning-based team. They’ll be happy to get you the answers you need!

Fast Facts About Living In Guam

Population

153,836

Size

210 mi²

Official Languages

English & Chamorro

Time Zone

Chamorro Standard Time

Most Populated Village

Dededo

Housing Units

51,555

(Source)

The Pros & Cons of Living in Guam

Every place has its positives and negatives, and the island of Guam is no different. Before you make the move, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons so you can relocate to Guam with confidence.

Pro: It’s Easy for U.S. Citizens to Make the Move

Because Guam is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can live and work in Guam without any special paperwork. Additionally, the island operates on the U.S. dollar, so there’s no need to worry about currency exchange rates.

Con: Guam Residents Can’t Vote for President

Guam residents can elect local officials, and they’re also represented by a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. However, like residents of other U.S. territories, Guam does not have any electoral votes, so the residents of Guam don’t get the opportunity to vote in the U.S. presidential election.

Pro: A Gorgeous Climate Year-Round

If warm, tropical breezes and plenty of sunshine sound like your kind of weather, you’ll love living in Guam. No more winters, no more snow shovels, and no more heavy coats.

While you will experience a rainy season on Guam from July–November, the year-round temperatures very rarely dip lower than the 70s.

Con: The Cost of Living Is High

Island life is rarely cheap, and Guam is no exception. Very few things are made on Guam, so most everything has to be shipped in. Because Guam is an isolated island, all of those items travel long distances to get to Guam. As a result, the cost of living in Guam is significant. Before you make the move, get all the details on the cost of living on Guam so you can plan your budget.

Want More Pros and Cons of Life on Guam?

We’ll walk you through all the upsides of living on Guam—and share some of the downsides, too.

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What’s the Best Place to Live on Guam?

Guam is made up of 19 villages. Each village has its own unique features, as well as its own mayor and Catholic Church. As you do your research, make sure you look at a number of different villages so you can figure out the right fit for you—and any other family members you’ll be bringing with you.

Below, we’ll highlight a few to kick off your research:

Barrigada: This village’s central location, easy access to shopping amenities, four schools, and proximity to routes 8, 10 and, 16 make this residential area a popular one.

Tamuning: If you love being right in the center of activity, Tamuning could be the place for you. You’re practically minutes from restaurants, bars, shopping malls—even the airport. However, if you crave something a little quieter, consider…

Talo’fo’fo’ (formerly Talofofo): This village’s nickname, “God’s country,” will give you a good idea what to expect in this village: quiet days and nights, gorgeous scenery, and friendly neighbors. It might take you 30 minutes or more to get to work or run errands in Tamuning, but if you’re looking for a laid-back island lifestyle, Talofofo could be the right spot for you.

Sinajana: If you’re moving with your family, Sinajana is worth a look. Because you’re located right near Hagåtña, the island’s capital, you’re just minutes away from stores, restaurants, and other amenities. However, because you’re slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, you’ll still enjoy some peace and quiet, as well as two schools and the sports facilities at Sinajana Community Center.

Where Are the Best Places to Live in Guam?

We’ll give you our ten favorite spots on Guam so you can find the perfect spot for you. (Includes info on Dededo, Agaña Heights, Hagat, Piti, and more!)

[Read More]

Average Housing Costs on Guam

Housing prices on Guam can vary dramatically from village to village and property to property. Below, you’ll find the latest averages to give you an idea of what to expect, whether you’re buying or renting on Guam:

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to check out Guam’s most affordable places to live:

1. Hågat (Formerly Agat)
2. Malesso’ (Formerly Merizo)
3. Dededo
4. Inalåhan (Formerly Inarajan)
5. Yigo

Or, if you’ve got a pretty healthy budget, you might consider Guam’s pricier areas, including Asan-Maina, Barrigada, and Piti.

At the end of the day, the best place to live in Guam will depend on your personal preferences—and your budget.

Where to Shop on Guam

To its visitors, Guam is known as a shopping destination. You’ll find plenty of high-end options at the Plaza in Tamuning, including Coach, Gucci, and Rolex. If luxury splurges aren’t in your budget, there’s always the Guam Premier Outlets with more than 30 stores.

As a future resident of Guam, you’re probably less concerned with shopping as a sport and more interested in shopping for necessities. You’ll find what’s been touted as the busiest K-Mart in the worldii in Tamuning. It’s a great one-stop shop for a lot of your needs.

You’ll also find plenty of grocery stores on Guam, including larger stores—such as Pay-Less, IGA, and Cost-U-Less—all the way to smaller, locally-owned stores. The island also has a Home Depot, so you’re covered for most of your household needs.

We also encourage you to shop local and support the Guam-based businesses you’ll find on the island. A few of our favorites include:

• Twinkles: Located in the Guam Premier Outlets, Twinkles sells toys and educational items to help your kids learn and grow.
• Barefoot Bay: If you’re a quilter—or someone who likes to make their own fabric creations—this is the shop for you. Barefoot Bay also features a locally-designed line of 100% cotton Guam-themed fabrics.
• Dededo Flea Market: Saturdays and Sundays, head up to the Farmers Co-op in Dededo to squeeze in some early-morning shopping with local vendors (~6 am–10 am). Expect fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, barbecue, jewelry, and more.
  
• Pop’s Bake Shop: If you haven’t tried their cream cheese rolls yet, you’re missing out. Make sure you show up early, though! Rolls are made daily, and, when they’re gone, they’re gone.
• Chamorro Village: Although this market is open every day, it’s best known for its Wednesday Night Markets. Within the village, you’ll find fresh produce, plenty of food, and a number of artisans selling their own creations. Two we love: Coconut Villa‘s unique jewelry, made from coconuts, and the Guam Gallery of Art, which is filled to the gills with works by local artists.

One more note: If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally on Guam, make sure to check out our E-Ship program. We’ll help you get your online purchase to Guam, even if the store you’re ordering from doesn’t ship to Guam.

Where to Work on Guam

If you’re not moving to Guam with a job in hand, you might be curious what kind of work opportunities you’ll find on the island.

Tourism is so vital to Guam’s economy. The island welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2019 more than 10 times the population of the island! As a result, you might not be surprised that accommodation and food services and retail top the list of largest industries in Guam by job count.

Below, you’ll find a list of the top 10 industries on Guam, based on employment. iv If you’ll be job hunting on Guam, this list will give you a sense of where to start.

(Source)

Finally, we’ve got a job-searching tip for you: When you’re looking for a job on Guam, who you know can help you get a leg up. If you have friends or family on the island, ask if they know anyone who’s hiring. A recommendation from a friend or family member can give you an advantage in the application process.

For more job tips, make sure to check out our complete guide to finding a job on Guam.

How to Spend Your Days Off on Guam

You’ll find plenty of ways to spend your leisure time when you’re living in Guam, especially if you love being outdoors. Our Top 10 list of activities, attractions, and things to do on Guam will get you started.

We’ve also got a bunch more ideas to keep your days off filled with fun activities:

Soak up the sun at the seven best beaches on Guam. (One for every day of the week!)

Go “boonie stomping” (hiking) on one of Guam’s picturesque hiking trails.

Check out Guam’s best restaurants—and don’t forget to sample some traditional CHamoru/Chamorro food along the way!

Learning about Guam’s original inhabitants, the CHamoru. Scientists believe that the CHamoru have occupied the island for more than 4,000 years. , and tTheir traditions and practices have played a significant role in shaping Guam’s culture today.

Take in one of Guam’s famous sunsets (or the sunrise!) and take a moment to appreciate life on this gorgeous island.

Making the Leap to Living on Guam

Now that you’ve got an understanding of what it might be like to live on Guam, we’ve got just a few more tips for you.

We asked our team to offer their best advice for anyone moving to Guam. We compiled their answers in our article on the top nine things to know before moving to Guam. Check out their tips, tricks, and insights for additional perspectives on what it’s like to live in Guam.

Or, if you’re ready to make the move to Guam, we’d love to assist! Just reach out to our Tamuning-based team. We’d be happy to get you a complimentary quote—or answer any questions you have about living on Guam.