Living Comfortably In Belize On A $2500 Monthly Budget

Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction with an established offshore financial services sector. The cost of living in Belize is at least 50% cheaper than in the USA. However, it is more expensive than other Central American countries like Costa Rica.

The cost of living in Belize depends on your lifestyle and location. A couple from North America can survive on $1000 per month, but $1500 would be more reasonable. A single person can live in Belize for $2000 a month, but this will depend on their lifestyle.

The key to maintaining a low cost of living in Belize is to get to know the local vendors, farmers, and suppliers. Buying locally grown foods is far cheaper than buying imported goods.

The most significant expense in any personal budget is housing. Belize offers a wide range of housing options, from basic wooden homes to modern apartments. The cost of renting a home in Belize ranges from $250 to $1500 per month.

Other costs to consider include utilities, vehicle expenses, and food. Utilities such as electricity are quite expensive in Belize, but water is inexpensive. Vehicle fuel is also expensive, costing between $5 and $7 per gallon.

Healthcare in Belize is affordable, with an urgent care trip costing around $25 and advanced lab work costing around $200.

Overall, Belize can be a very affordable place to live, but it is important to consider all expenses and plan accordingly.

Housing: $600-$1500/month for renting; $75,000-$200,000 to buy

Housing is one of the most significant expenses in any personal budget. In Belize, the cost of renting or buying a home varies depending on the style and location of the property.

A basic, Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option. These houses are typically smaller, with one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen and seating area. They usually don't have air conditioning and often have shutters over screened windows instead of glass. These "no-frills" options are easy on the budget, with rents ranging from $600 to $1,000 per month.

Concrete homes are a more recent and increasingly popular option, as the cost of building with concrete is now similar to that of wood. Concrete homes are available in a broader range of sizes and tend to offer more conveniences, like air conditioning. They are more expensive than wooden homes, with rents ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

Location also plays a crucial factor in housing costs. Properties in popular expat or tourist communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, command higher prices. Rental prices can vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre, with beachfront properties or those close to the "town centre" being more expensive.

For example, in San Pedro, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning located a few miles from the town can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. Similarly, in Placencia, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning can cost around $1,200 to $1,500 per month.

Outside of the high-cost tourist areas, purchasing a home is more affordable. You can find attractive, modern homes for $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes are also low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 annually, even for luxury homes.

In conclusion, the housing options in Belize cater to a range of budgets, and with careful consideration of style and location, one can find suitable accommodation within the given budget constraints.

Utilities: $20-$50/month for water; $25-$80/month for internet

Utilities are one of the most important things to consider when moving to a new country, and Belize is no exception. The good news is that, compared to the US, utilities in Belize are generally much more affordable.

Water is abundant and cheap in Belize, though the government-owned water company is thought to "pad the system in order to milk it". The cost of water varies depending on location. In Placencia, for example, you can drink the water straight from the tap at a cost of $0.005 per gallon. In other areas, the cost is higher, at around $60 per month. However, many people in Belize use water tanks to catch rainwater and lower their water bill.

Internet access is also affordable in Belize, with basic 20 Mbps services costing around $25 per month. There are also faster options available, with 40, 80, and 150 Mbps plans ranging from $25 to $100 per month.

When it comes to phone plans, most people in Belize rely on cell phones rather than landlines. An unlimited talk and text plan with 8 GB of monthly data will cost around $28 per month, while the largest data plan with 66 GB is $78 per month.

Cooking gas is another utility to consider. Belize uses butane as its sole cooking gas, and the price is regulated by the government. However, local providers don't always stick to the guideline, so it's a good idea to shop around for the best rates. Expect to pay $3 or more per gallon.

Overall, utilities in Belize are relatively affordable, especially when compared to prices in the US. By choosing basic plans and being mindful of usage, it's possible to keep utility costs in the range of $20-$50 per month for water and $25-$80 per month for internet.

Food: $6-$8 for a meal at a roadside stand; $15-$25 for dinner at a restaurant

Belize's food costs are relatively high compared to its neighbouring countries, such as Mexico and Guatemala. This is partly due to the country's reliance on imports. However, it is still possible to find affordable meals, especially if you're willing to eat like a local.

Belize's national meal, stewed chicken with rice and beans, can be found at most roadside stands for $6 to $8. A simple meal of rice, beans and some form of protein from a street stall will typically cost between $5 and $7, while a Mexican-style tamale will set you back a couple of dollars. If you're looking for something more substantial, a seafood BBQ will cost around $15 to $20.

Dining out in sit-down restaurants will be more expensive. A standard breakfast, such as sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito, will typically cost around $10. For a local specialty, try the stuffed fryjacks—deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese and meat—which usually cost between $8 and $10. Later in the day, prices increase, with jerk chicken costing around $10, a burger $15, a shrimp curry $20, and a rack of ribs and sides $25. It's worth noting that some restaurants don't list prices on their menus, which often means you'll be charged the market price, which may be higher than expected.

If you're looking to save money on food, it's best to avoid the tourist hotspots, such as Placencia, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, and opt for street food or local restaurants instead.

Transport: $1-$15 for bus travel; $5-$7/gallon for gasoline

Belize has a public transport system, which is the cheapest way to get around, especially for intercity travel. The cost of riding the bus varies based on your destination and can range from $1 to $15.

Taxis are also available and are affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, regular taxis have no fixed meter rate or consistent look, so it is advisable to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

Water taxis are the best mode of transportation to access Belize's numerous cayes (small, low-lying islands). Water taxi services, including the San Pedro Belize Express, operate daily shuttle services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye. One-way tickets typically cost between $21 and $31.

Gasoline is expensive in Belize, at around $5 to $7 per gallon. This is higher than in the US and can affect the cost of travelling by taxi. If you own a vehicle, it is advisable to combine trips to make the best use of your gas budget.

Healthcare: $25 for an urgent care trip; $200 for advanced lab work

Belize has a dual-track healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare available. The public system is underfunded, with long wait times and a lack of specialised physicians and staff, while the private system offers better care but is more expensive.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is significantly lower than in the US, to the point where insurance is unnecessary for some. A local "urgent care" trip might cost $25, while more advanced lab work will cost around $200. For more advanced medical work, many people travel to Mexico, where the standard of care is higher and costs are still low compared to the US.

Doctors in Belize are dedicated and attentive, and it is common for them to give out their cell phone numbers and make house calls. However, the country could benefit from more healthcare facilities, better equipment, and more specialised medical staff.

Most emergencies and common illnesses can be treated by doctors at public clinics or Red Cross emergency stations, found throughout the country. Several of the towns have 24-hour hospitals, but their selection of medical services is limited compared to the hospitals in Belize City. There are no hospitals on the islands (known as cayes) or in Placencia or Hopkins.

Many expats opt for international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for emergency treatment. Premiums vary widely and increase substantially for those over 60. Evacuation coverage is particularly important, as an ambulance flight can cost $15,000.

Pharmacies in Belize are generally well-stocked with generic medications and sell many medicines over the counter that would require a prescription in the US.

Frequently asked questions