The High Cost Of Paradise: San Pedro, Belize's Pricey Paradise

San Pedro in Belize is one of the most expensive places in Central America, although it is considered a bargain compared to many Caribbean islands. The cost of living in San Pedro is lower than in the United States, but it is still relatively high for the region.

The average daily cost per person is around $135, including $40 for meals, $34 for local transportation, and $133 for hotels. A meal in a cheap restaurant will cost around $9.50, while a beer is approximately $3.10.

However, there are ways to save money in San Pedro. For example, eating local food such as rice and beans or barbecue chicken from street stands can be inexpensive, and opting for local shops and restaurants instead of resort prices can also reduce costs. Additionally, visiting during the low season from June to November can result in lower prices for accommodation.

Overall, while San Pedro may be more expensive than other Central American destinations, it offers a range of options for travellers with different budgets.

Eating and drinking at resorts or high-end restaurants can be twice as expensive as in the US

San Pedro, Belize, is a relatively expensive destination, especially compared to other places in Central America. While it is not as pricey as high-end Caribbean destinations, food and drink in San Pedro can be costly, especially at resorts and high-end restaurants.

Eating and drinking at resorts or high-end restaurants in San Pedro can be twice as expensive as in the US. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in San Pedro will cost around $30, and a bottle of water or wine will cost $1.50 and $82, respectively. A dinner for two at a popular restaurant can cost around $63.

There are cheaper options available, such as simple restaurants where locals dine, or places that cater specifically to locals. For example, the local Belize lager, Belikin, is served ice-cold and is fairly cheap in most establishments.

Some resorts in San Pedro offer all-inclusive packages, which may help to keep costs down. However, it is worth noting that groceries and alcohol in San Pedro are also expensive, so self-catering may not be significantly cheaper.

Overall, travellers to San Pedro should expect to pay a premium for food and drink, especially at resorts and high-end restaurants.

Local food and drinks are much cheaper

San Pedro, Belize, is one of the most expensive places in Central America. However, local food and drinks are much cheaper.

The average daily cost of meals in San Pedro is $40 (BZ$80), with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $9.50. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $30, excluding drinks. A bottle of beer from a known brand will cost around $3.10, and a bottle of mid-range wine will cost around $27.

There are plenty of local spots serving inexpensive food, including:

• El Fogon, which serves authentic Belizean food on a budget
• Robin's Kitchen, which serves delicious jerk chicken BBQ at affordable prices
• Waruguma, which is popular for its pupusas and lobster burritos
• Wild Mangos, which offers superb seafood dining in a casual atmosphere
• Estel's Dine by the Sea, which is recommended for breakfast and has beautiful beach views
• Elvi's Kitchen, one of the oldest local restaurants in San Pedro, serving delicious garlic butter red snapper
• Lily's Treasure Chest, which serves fresh, tasty, and affordable food
• The Belize Chocolate Company, which offers artisanal chocolates, coffee, baked goods, and chocolate-making classes
• Pupuseria Salvadoreno, which serves authentic Salvadorian cuisine, including fresh pupusas and ceviche, at modest prices

In addition to these local spots, there are also some inexpensive international options, such as:

• Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and steak, with a variety of tapas and praised paella
• Izzy's Smoothies Snacks & Juice Bar, which offers local Belizean flavours, including fresh smoothies, traditional meals, and homemade juices
• Maxie's Restaurant & Lounge, which serves an eclectic menu, from handmade steak tacos and fresh seafood to vegan-friendly fare, with a range of cocktails
• ZZ's Beach (Bar and Grill), which serves a seafood-centric menu, including octopus ceviche, conch, and whole snapper, with outdoor seating and live music

Basic one-star hotels are available for backpackers and low-budget travellers

San Pedro in Belize is one of the most expensive places in Central America, and while it is cheaper than many Caribbean islands, backpackers and low-budget travellers may prefer to head to Caye Caulker. However, there are a few cheap and basic one-star hotels in San Pedro.

For example, the Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant, located at 7 Boca Del Rio Drive, is a good option for backpackers. The cheapest price for a room in San Pedro found in the last 7 days is $44/night at the Ambergris Sunset Hotel, a 2-star hotel. The Drift Inn San Pedro is another budget option, with rooms priced at $70.20 per night. The Belize Budget Suites are also a good choice, with rooms priced at $85 per night.

The cheapest month to visit San Pedro is June, when prices are 24% lower than average. Thursday is the cheapest day to book a hotel, while Tuesday is the most expensive. The average price of a hotel in San Pedro is $328 per night, while the average cost of a hostel or a 2-star hotel is $18 per person, per night.

The average daily cost per person is $135

San Pedro, Belize, is a reasonably priced travel destination, with hotels, food, and sightseeing within a normal price range. However, within Central America, San Pedro is considered one of the most expensive places to visit.

For example, a couple can expect to spend around $1,884 on a one-week trip, including accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing. This works out to about $269 per day for two people, which is very close to the average daily cost per person.

When it comes to food, a meal in a cheap restaurant will cost around $9.50, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be approximately $30. A beer will cost you about $3, and a bottle of wine is around $27. Groceries are also affordable, with a litre of milk costing $4.10 and a loaf of bread $1.40.

Transportation costs can vary depending on your choices. A taxi ride will be more expensive, with an average of $34 per person per day, while a water taxi from Belize City is $18 for a round trip. If you prefer to rent a golf cart, that will cost you $45 per day.

Accommodation options range from cheap and basic one-star hotels to pleasant hotels and resort villas. A studio apartment or one-bedroom unit in an older development on the beach starts at $950 per month, while a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit starts at $1,100 per month.

So, while San Pedro may be more expensive compared to other Central American destinations, it is still possible to visit on a budget by making careful choices regarding transportation, accommodation, and dining options.

The average hotel price is 1.79 times bigger than the average price in the US

San Pedro, Belize, is one of the most expensive places in Central America, and it can be more expensive than other nearby places such as Caye Caulker. However, compared to many Caribbean islands, it's considered affordable.

The average hotel price in San Pedro is 1.79 times bigger than the average price in the US. While the average daily rate (ADR) of hotels in the US was $148.83 in 2022, the average hotel price in San Pedro is $266 for a double room.

There are a variety of accommodation options in San Pedro, ranging from cheap and basic one-star hotels to pleasant hotels and resort villas. The cost of a hotel room in San Pedro depends on factors such as location, date, season, and level of luxury. The peak season in San Pedro is during the winter holidays around Christmas, with high season lasting from mid-January through April. The low season is the rest of the year, with the lowest prices during the rainy season from June through November.

In addition to accommodation costs, other expenses to consider when visiting San Pedro include food, drinks, transportation, and activities. Food and drinks can be pricey, especially at high-end restaurants and resorts. However, there are also cheaper options at local restaurants and bars. Transportation costs can vary depending on the mode of transport chosen, such as water taxis, golf carts, or bike rentals. Activities such as snorkelling trips and scuba diving can also add to the overall cost of the trip.

Overall, while San Pedro offers a range of accommodation options, the average hotel price is higher than the average price in the US, contributing to the relatively high cost of visiting this popular tourist destination in Belize.

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