The Cost Of Paradise: Uncovering The True Expense Of Living In Belize

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with the cost of food, accommodation, and transportation all fairly reasonable. However, it is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its travel costs. The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is hard pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted and sometimes even preferred as currency, and credit cards are gaining popularity.

The cost of living in Belize varies depending on your lifestyle. If you live like a local, eating locally produced food, using public transport, and living in a Belizean-style home, you can get by on a few hundred dollars per month. However, if you want to live in a high-cost tourist area and maintain a more luxurious lifestyle, the cost of living can be higher than in the US.

For example, a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Belize can cost around $30, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 per month. On the other hand, basic necessities like healthcare, renting or buying a home, personal and auto insurance, property taxes, and household labour are all less expensive in Belize than in the US.

Overall, Belize can be an affordable place to live, but it's important to do your research and plan your budget accordingly.

Cost of food and basic necessities

The cost of food and basic necessities in Belize is considered high compared to neighbouring countries such as Mexico and Guatemala. This is due to the country importing the vast majority of its goods. However, the cost of living in Belize is still lower than in the US.

The national dish of Belize is stewed chicken, rice, and beans, which is a cheap and filling meal. It can be purchased for around $6 to $8 at roadside stands. However, eating at sit-down restaurants will cost more, with standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito costing around $10. A simple meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall will cost around $5-7, while a seafood BBQ will be around $15-20. In a restaurant, prices go up depending on how fancy the establishment is and what you order. For example, 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 couple can expect to spend around $115 per day on food, accommodation, transportation, and activities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around $29, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will be approximately $57. Basic items such as milk, bread, and chicken are affordable, but imported goods are expensive due to import taxes.

Public transportation is inexpensive, with bus rides costing around $10, and water taxis offering another affordable option for getting around the country.

Overall, while the cost of food and basic necessities in Belize is higher than in neighbouring countries, it is still possible to find affordable options, especially when eating local food and using public transportation.

Cost of accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Belize varies depending on location, style, and property size. Basic, traditional Belizean-style wooden homes are the most economical option, typically featuring one or two bedrooms, a simple kitchen, and no air conditioning. These can be found for as little as $250 per month in some areas.

In contrast, concrete homes are becoming an increasingly popular option, offering more space and modern conveniences like air conditioning. These homes will generally be more expensive.

For those seeking short-term accommodation, prices vary depending on location and amenities. In Belize City, a standard double room at Villa Boscardi costs $116 per night, while a one-bedroom villa in Placencia at Bella Vita Casitas is $131 per night. For those seeking a beachfront location, prices can be much higher, with some properties in Placencia charging $250 or more per night.

For longer-term rentals, a two-bedroom apartment in San Pedro or Placencia with air conditioning and beach access can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. A one-bedroom apartment on the water in Cayo with air conditioning is around $1,000 per month.

For those looking to purchase property, prices vary depending on location and amenities. Outside of tourist hotspots, modern homes can be purchased for $75,000 to $200,000. In premium city locations, prices can range from $300,000 to $400,000 for a home with all the amenities.

Overall, while accommodation prices in Belize can vary significantly, there are options available for a range of budgets.

Cost of travel

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is hard-pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This means that US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and many prices are on par with costs in the US. However, it is important to note that change will usually be given in the local currency, and US coins cannot be used.

Belize is considered an expensive travel destination, particularly for budget travellers, and is one of the most expensive countries in Central America. However, it is still possible to explore the country on a backpacker's budget.

Accommodation

Hostels in Belize typically charge around $10-12 US per night for a dorm bed, while a private room for two people will cost $25-30 US. Camping is also an option, with rates of $5-10 US per night per person.

Food

Food in Belize is generally more expensive than in neighbouring countries like Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. Street food and local restaurants are cheaper options, with meals costing around $5-10 BZD. In tourist restaurants, an average meal will cost around $11 BZD.

Transportation

Local buses in Belize are a cheap and fun way to get around, with most bus journeys costing between $2-10 BZD. The water taxi is another affordable option for travelling between cities.

Activities

Outdoor adventure activities, day tours, and snorkelling or diving trips can be very costly in Belize. Visiting Mayan ruins and exploring caves or cave systems are also popular but expensive activities.

Money-Saving Tips

• It is not necessary to exchange money when arriving in Belize with USD, as the exchange rate will be worse than the 2:1 rate.
• Smaller US bills are more widely accepted, especially in villages or boutique shops and restaurants.
• Always assume that prices are quoted in Belize dollars, which are half the value of US dollars.
• Eating at local restaurants rather than tourist restaurants will save money.
• Using local buses instead of express or private transport can significantly reduce transportation costs.

Cost of utilities

The cost of utilities in Belize varies depending on usage and location.

Electricity

Electricity is considered expensive in Belize, with a residential rate of $0.45 to $0.52 per kWh. A couple living in a 2-bedroom home without an air conditioner may pay around $50 per month, while those using air conditioning in both bedrooms can expect their bill to average around $150 per month. Running air conditioners all day can quickly increase electricity costs.

Water

Water is inexpensive in Belize, with city water costing a couple anywhere from $20 to $50 per month. Rain catchment is a great alternative, with some locals using water tanks to catch rainwater and lower their water bill.

Internet

Internet costs in Belize range from $25 to $80 per month, providing speeds sufficient for emailing, streaming news, and using Netflix.

Cable TV

Cable TV is available for $30 to $45 per month, offering a wide range of channels, including HBO, Food Network, CNN, Fox News, and sports channels.

Phone

Most people in Belize rely on cell phones rather than landlines. An unlimited talk and text plan with 8 GB of monthly data costs around $28 per month, while the largest data plan with 66 GB is $78 per month.

Cooking Gas

Belize uses butane as its sole cooking gas, with prices regulated by the government. Expect to pay $3 or more per gallon.

Transportation

Gasoline for vehicles is relatively expensive in Belize, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon, while diesel tends to be cheaper. Public transportation is also an option, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance travelled.

Cost of healthcare

Belize's healthcare system is provided through both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is available to all residents and visitors, and treatments are either free or very inexpensive (usually under $20 for a doctor's visit). However, the public system is often underfunded, understaffed, and undersupplied, which can result in long waiting times. The private healthcare system in Belize, on the other hand, offers more modern facilities and shorter wait times, but at a higher cost.

Public Healthcare Costs

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Belize manages the public healthcare sector and provides affordable care to the majority of Belizeans. While the public system is generally underfunded, it still offers free or low-cost healthcare services. A visit to the doctor for basic ailments typically costs around $15 to $20, and a day in a public hospital room costs under $250, compared to $500 per day in a local private hospital.

Public healthcare in Belize is funded by tax revenues, but with a small population of around 400,000, the country struggles to collect enough revenue to fund a large number of public hospitals. As a result, most of the funding goes to Belize City and the country's top-ranking public hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). There are also around 60 state clinics and seven other state-run hospitals in Belize.

Private Healthcare Costs

The private healthcare sector in Belize is generally of higher quality, especially for specialized care. However, not everyone can afford it as the costs are significantly higher than the public system. Private hospitals offer more modern facilities and shorter wait times, but the coverage is more comprehensive. A day in a private hospital can cost around $200, and surgeries can range from $500 to $5,000.

The private health sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and it offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. The acquisition of international private health insurance has also increased, with companies like Cigna Global and Allianz International offering competitive rates.

Insurance and Other Considerations

Expats in Belize are advised to opt for comprehensive international health insurance before arriving in the country, including coverage for repatriation and air ambulance services. While the public system covers basic healthcare needs, more specialized or complex treatments may require travel to neighbouring countries like Mexico or Guatemala, or even further afield to the US.

For those with serious or chronic health conditions, it is important to consider evacuation coverage, as an ambulance flight can cost $15,000 or more. Additionally, some expats choose to return to their home countries periodically to take advantage of their existing health coverage, such as Medicare in the US.

Pharmacies in Belize are generally well-stocked with common medications, and prices are typically lower than in the US. However, for specialized medications, it may be necessary to purchase them in advance or source them from other countries.

The cost of healthcare in Belize varies depending on whether one uses the public or private system. The public system offers free or very low-cost treatments but is often under-resourced. The private system provides better facilities and shorter wait times but at a significantly higher cost. As such, it is important for individuals to consider their healthcare needs and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage before relocating to Belize.

Frequently asked questions