Belize's Food Inflation: Rising Prices, Rising Concerns

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of approximately 400,000 people. It is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, and its inhabitants are primarily of mixed Mestizo, Creole, Mayan, and European descent. The country imports the vast majority of its goods, which results in higher prices for consumers. The price of food in Belize is fairly expensive and more in line with what one would pay in the US, rather than neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala. However, it is possible to save money on food by eating at street stalls or local restaurants instead of tourist-oriented restaurants, which tend to be very expensive.

The cost of eating out in Belize

Local Restaurants

At local restaurants, chicken is usually the main meat option, and meals typically involve red beans and rice. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall costs around $5-7. Mexican-style tamales cost a couple of dollars, and a traditional Belizean breakfast of fry jacks with cheese, refried beans, eggs, or cereal costs around $8-10.

Tourist Restaurants

Tourist restaurants tend to be more expensive, with prices similar to those in the US. A standard breakfast, such as sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito, costs around $10. For lunch or dinner, jerk chicken costs around $10, a burger costs $15, a shrimp curry costs $20, and a rack of ribs with sides costs $25.

Seafood

Seafood prices vary depending on the type of seafood and the location. A seafood BBQ in Caye Caulker can cost $15-20, while a lobster dinner in Hopkins is available for $10.

Drinks

The average person spends about $15 (BZ$30) on alcoholic beverages in Belize per day. Bottled water costs around $1.86 (BZ$3.75) per day, but the public water in Belize is safe to drink.

Tips

The average cost of tips in Belize is $4.12 (BZ$8.29) per day, with the usual tip amount being 5-15%.

The price of groceries in Belize

Belize is a small country that imports the majority of its goods, which can result in higher prices. Basic necessities and infrastructure are also harder to come by, making it difficult to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

A meal at a street stall will cost you around $5-7 for a simple but filling meal of rice, beans and some kind of protein. A couple of dollars will get you a Mexican-style tamale. A seafood BBQ will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices go up, often substantially depending on how fancy it is and what you order. Expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Prices for stuffed fryjacks (a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat) are usually $8-10 for a plateful. Later in the day, you’ll pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

It is important to note that some tourist-oriented restaurants can be very expensive, but there are also cheaper options available. Additionally, fruit is cheap and readily available in Belize, especially at local fruit stands.

For those looking to cook at home, chicken and pork are local and affordable options, while beef and lamb are not as good and seafood can be hard to find. Imported items like blueberries, apples, avocado, and mushrooms are expensive.

How to save money on food in Belize

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable food, accommodation, and transportation costs. However, it is one of the most expensive countries in Central America. Here are some tips to save money on food when visiting Belize:

• Eat at street food stalls rather than sit-down restaurants. You can find delicious and cheap local food, such as panades, pupusas, and barbeque food, for around $4-7 per meal.
• Buy food from local supermarkets and grocery stores instead of touristy areas. This includes buying bottled water, which is significantly cheaper at local shops.
• Cook your own meals if you are staying at an Airbnb or a condo-style hotel. This is a great way to save money, especially if you are travelling in a group.
• Eat out for lunch rather than dinner, as lunch menus tend to be cheaper.
• Eat at local restaurants that serve typical Belizean dishes such as rice and beans. These restaurants are usually cheaper than tourist restaurants and offer delicious, authentic food.
• Be cautious of menus without prices or where prices are not listed. This often means you will be charged the market price, which may be higher than expected.
• Look for free food opportunities by befriending locals. They may invite you to their homes or let you know about free food events.
• Take advantage of happy hours at bars and look for drink specials. Drinking at bars can be expensive, but you can minimise costs by taking advantage of promotions.
• Buy alcohol from grocery stores instead of bars. Stock up on local rum, which is delicious and affordable.
• Book accommodation with access to a kitchen so you can prepare some of your meals. This will help you save money on eating out.
• Visit Belize during the off-season (August to March) when tour and hotel prices are significantly lower. You can find discounts of up to 50%.
• Join a group tour to take advantage of lower prices. Many island expeditions require a minimum number of people, so joining a group can save you money.
• Research and plan your meals in advance. Look for restaurants with promotions and special deals, and follow them on social media for exclusive discounts.

The cost of accommodation in Belize

When it comes to travelling to Belize, accommodation is likely to be your greatest expense. While properties in Belize are far pricier than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala, they still offer great value for money, especially if you’re travelling from the US or Europe.

Villa Boscardi, Belize City

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Belize City, Villa Boscardi is a great option. Located midway between the airport and the city, it’s in a very safe area, just steps away from the beach and close to some great restaurants. The property has a beautiful jacuzzi/swimming pool and includes a delicious breakfast, as well as a friendly owner who can call you a taxi, arrange sightseeing tours, or offer local travel recommendations. A standard double room costs $116 per night.

Bella Vita Casitas, Placencia

If you’re looking for mid-range accommodation in Placencia, Bella Vita Casitas is a perfect choice. It’s just a minute’s walk from the beach, and the owner, Kat, supplies kayaks, beach chairs, and towels. The self-contained villas are fully equipped, with extras like an oven, microwave, and fridge, plus there’s a supermarket just down the road. There’s also a BBQ, as well as bicycles for exploring the peninsula. A one-bedroom villa costs $131 per night.

Colinda Cabanas, Caye Caulker

Colinda Cabanas is the best-rated accommodation on the island. You’ll be staying in lovely bungalows with a beach view, a gorgeous balcony (with hammocks!), and peaceful surroundings. Rooms have air conditioning, free drinking water, consistently hot water showers, fast Wi-Fi, and Netflix on the TVs. Staying at Colinda’s also gives you access to complementary bicycles and kayaks. The owners are incredible and will even go shopping for you, stocking your fridge with food and snacks before you arrive. A large cabana that sleeps three costs $209 a night.

Other Options

If you’re on a tighter budget, there are cheaper options available. In Caye Caulker, for example, DreamCabanas costs $92 a night and is almost as well-rated as Colinda Cabanas. In San Ignacio, you can find a room for $10 a night, and there are camp sites in Belmopan for $10 and cabins in Hopkins for $30.

Overall Costs

The average price paid for accommodation in Belize is $46 (BZ$93) per person, per night, or $93 (BZ$186) for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room. The average hotel room price in Belize is $159 (in US dollars, before taxes and fees).

Comparison with Other Countries

While accommodation in Belize is good value for money for travellers from the US or Europe, it is far more expensive than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala. Within Central America, Belize is very expensive compared to other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the region for its travel costs.

The cost of activities in Belize

• Scuba diving: Belize is a popular destination for scuba diving, with vendors along Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker offering affordable options. A dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Shark Ray Alley typically costs around US$35. However, a dive at the Blue Hole will be significantly more expensive.
• Zip-lining: Zip-lining through the jungle is another popular activity in Belize, offering a thrilling experience. It can be expensive, but it is worth trying at least once.
• Old Belize: Located in Belize City, Old Belize is an attraction that takes visitors back in time to explore the country's history and culture. The entry fee is unknown.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This is a popular snorkelling and diving area accessible by boat. The cost of a boat charter or a dive trip to this area is not specified.
• ATM Cave Tour: A full-day tour of the ATM caves, including cave swimming, river fording, and learning about Mayan civilisation, costs around $120.
• Snorkelling on the Belize Barrier Reef: This activity costs around $95.
• Day trip to Tikal ruins in Guatemala: A day trip from San Ignacio to explore the ancient ruins costs around $150.
• Xunantunich ruins: The entrance fee to these ruins is $5.
• Cahal Pech ruins: The entrance fee is $5.
• Water taxi: The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi is a fun way to travel between cities, with tickets costing $45 for a return trip from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
• Public transportation: Buses are a cheap way to get around Belize, with tickets costing a few dollars for short distances. For example, a return bus trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich costs $3.
• Golf cart rental: In popular tourist destinations like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, golf carts are a common mode of transportation. The cost of renting a golf cart is not specified.

In addition to these specific activities, it is worth budgeting for general entertainment and activities. On average, entertainment and activities in Belize cost around $34 (BZ$69) per person per day, according to past travellers' spending.

Frequently asked questions