The High Costs Of Paradise: A Look At Belize City's Pricey Pleasures

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries.

The average daily cost per person is $105 (BZ$212). This includes $29 (BZ$57) on meals, $21 (BZ$42) on local transportation, and $93 (BZ$186) on hotels. A one-week trip for two people costs, on average, $1,475 (BZ$2,966).

Accommodation is the greatest expense when visiting Belize. While properties are far pricier than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala, they still offer great value for money, especially for those coming from the US or Europe.

The cost of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you'd pay in the US. A meal at a street stall costs around $5-7, while a sit-down meal in a restaurant will cost substantially more, with prices often depending on how fancy the restaurant is.

The cost of transportation in Belize is relatively inexpensive. Public buses are the best and cheapest way to get around.

Food and drink are expensive, especially on the islands

Food and Drink in Belize City:

Belize is a small country that imports the vast majority of its goods, which results in higher prices. This is especially true on the islands, where food and drink are quite expensive. The country's basic infrastructure can also make it hard to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

The average price of a meal in Belize is $11, with a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein costing around $5-7 at a street stall. A Mexican-style tamale will cost a couple of dollars, and a seafood BBQ will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices go up, with standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito costing around $10. A local specialty, stuffed fryjacks (deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat), costs $8-10.

Later in the day, you can expect to pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

A one-week trip to Belize for two people costs, on average, $1,475, which includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. This works out to an average of $105 per person per day.

Examples of Food and Drink Prices in Belize:

• Cappuccino: BZD 5 / €2.20 / $2.50
• Kilo of bananas: BZD 3 / €1.30 / $1.50
• Kilo of apples: BZD 7 / €3.10 / $3.50
• Avocado: BZD 1.50 / €0.65 / $0.75
• Bottle of Coca-Cola (0.3L): BZD 1.50 / €0.65 / $0.75
• Yogurt (500ml): BZD 6 / €2.60 / $3
• Bread (2 people): BZD 5 / €2.20 / $2.50
• Bottle of water (3.3L): BZD 3 / €1.30 / $1.50
• Glass of wine: BZD 12 / €5.30 / $6
• Local beer: BZD 7 / €3.10 / $3.50
• Simple breakfast: BZD 22.80 / €10 / $11.40
• Simple lunch/dinner: BZD 34.20 / €15 / $17.10
• Lobster: BZD 20 / < €10 / <$10

Imported goods are costly

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit. It is about average with most other countries for travel costs. However, within Central America, Belize is very expensive compared to other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its travel costs.

Belize is a consumer country that relies heavily on imports. As a result, the country's trade imbalance continues to grow. Belize's gross imports for 2018 totalled $957.7 million, up from $913.2 million in 2017. The main imports were machinery and transportation equipment, fuels and lubricants, manufactured goods, food, and chemicals. These imports account for roughly 60% of all imports into Belize.

The United States is Belize's largest importing partner, accounting for 42.5% of overall imports. The country's second-largest export destination is the United Kingdom, with 23% of exports or $45.3 million. Other major trading partners for imports include China, Central America, and Mexico.

The two main duties applied to imported goods and products are the Import Duty and Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD). Import duties on industrial products average a rate of 20% but may be higher for products of national interest and protected for Belizean investment. Duties are calculated on the CIF Value of goods (Cost, Insurance, plus Freight).

Imported goods are also subject to other taxes, such as the General Sales Tax (GST) and Environmental Tax. GST is applied at a rate of 12.5%, based on the aggregate of the customs value and other duties. The Environmental Tax is charged at a rate of 3% on all imports, excluding some medicines and food items.

The high cost of imports in Belize contributes to the overall expense of the country. This is reflected in the prices of goods and services, making Belize a relatively expensive destination for travellers, especially when compared to neighbouring countries.

Diving is expensive but worthwhile

Diving in Belize is an expensive activity, but it is also a worthwhile experience. Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and the country's crystal-clear turquoise waters offer an abundance of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, dolphins, reef sharks, and whale sharks.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching over 190 miles in length and boasting 400 cayes, 3 atolls, and 7 marine reserve areas. The most famous dive site is the Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole over 400ft deep and 1,000ft wide. While there isn't a lot to see in terms of marine life, it is still a bucket-list dive for many, offering the opportunity to explore stalactites and experience a sudden temperature drop at a depth of 140ft.

Other top dive sites in Belize include Half Moon Caye, Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Atoll, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. At these sites, divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, such as nurse sharks, eagle rays, toadfish, barracudas, groupers, slipper lobsters, jawfish, eels, trumpetfish, turtles, tarpon, and reef sharks.

In addition to its impressive underwater world, Belize offers a wide array of topside activities, making it a great destination for divers and non-divers alike. These activities include rainforest walks, cave exploring, visiting Mayan temples, bird watching, snorkelling, and enjoying the lively nightlife and restaurants in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

While diving in Belize may be expensive, with costs for a 2-tank dive ranging from $55 to $100 USD, it is an unforgettable experience that is hard to match. The diverse marine life, stunning coral formations, and unique dive sites like the Great Blue Hole make it a worthwhile investment for diving enthusiasts.

Cost Breakdown

To give you an idea of the costs involved, here is a breakdown of expenses you can expect when planning a diving trip to Belize:

• Accommodation: Ranges from $93 BZD ($46 USD) per person for a standard double room to $209 BZD ($104.50 USD) per night for a large cabana that sleeps three.
• Transportation: Local transportation is relatively inexpensive, with bus trips costing around $10 BZD ($5 USD) and ferry tickets from Belize City to Caye Caulker at $45 BZD ($22.50 USD).
• Food: Street food is a more affordable option, with simple meals costing around $5-7 BZD ($2.50-3.50 USD). Sit-down restaurants are more expensive, with prices ranging from $10 BZD ($5 USD) for breakfast to $25 BZD ($12.50 USD) for a rack of ribs and sides.
• Diving: A 2-tank dive can cost around $75-100 BZD ($37.50-50 USD) or more, depending on the location.

So, while Belize may be more expensive than neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala, the diving experience it offers is truly unique and memorable.

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Belize is pricier than neighbouring countries

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, and beaches. However, it is a small country that imports most of its goods, which results in higher prices. Basic infrastructure also makes it hard to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

Belize is more expensive than neighbouring countries such as Mexico and Guatemala. For example, a meal at a restaurant in Belize will cost around $15-28 per person, whereas in Mexico or Guatemala, you can find delicious street food for a fraction of the price.

Accommodation in Belize is also pricier than in neighbouring countries. A standard double room in Belize City can cost around $116 per night, while similar accommodation in Mexico or Guatemala can be found for less.

Even activities in Belize can be more expensive. For example, a snorkelling trip can cost around $75 for a half-day, while a tour of the ATM caves is $120.

Overall, while Belize has much to offer in terms of natural beauty and culture, it is more expensive than neighbouring countries, and you may not feel like you are getting good value for your money.

Public transport is cheap

Belize City is a relatively expensive place to visit, but one way to save money is by using the local public transport system. Buses are the best and cheapest way to get around Belize. They are fun to travel on, often being former US school buses that are well-decorated. They are also a great way to experience the local culture.

The bus is a very affordable way to get around, but it can be slow and buses are often jam-packed. They run on the major highways and will stop whenever someone wants to get off, or the driver sees someone who wants to be picked up. You can buy tickets at the bus stations or hail one from the roadside. There is no standard bus system in Belize City, and prices vary depending on the distance, company and type of service.

Water taxis are another cheap and fun way to get around the country. They are the best mode of transport to access the numerous cayes (small, low-lying islands). You can pick up a water taxi in Belize City, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are multiple water taxi services, with one-way tickets costing between $21 and $31.

Taxis are also 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's important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

Frequently asked questions