The True Cost Of Buying A Slice Of Paradise: Exploring The Price Tag Of Buy Belize

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with the cost of travel sitting somewhere in the middle when compared to the rest of the world. However, within Central America, Belize is very expensive compared to other countries in the region.

The average daily cost per person is around $105, with accommodation costing $46, local transportation $21, and food $29. A one-week trip for two people costs, on average, $1,474. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

The cost of living in Belize is also relatively high compared to other Caribbean countries, although it is still well below that of the US. The cost of food and basic necessities is high, with many Belizeans and expats choosing to shop across the border in Mexico and Guatemala. The price of utilities and vehicles is also high, with import taxes on motor vehicles being particularly exorbitant.

However, there are ways to save money when visiting Belize. Eating from street vendors and shopping like a local will help to reduce costs, as will taking the bus or ferry instead of renting a car.

The average daily cost of a trip to Belize is $105

Visiting Belize on a Budget

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it can be an expensive place to visit, especially for those who are budget travellers. The country is small and 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.

Accommodation

Accommodation is typically a traveller's greatest expense when visiting Belize. Properties are far pricier than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala, but they still offer great value for money, especially for those coming from the US or Europe.

• Belize City: Villa Boscardi ($116 per night for a standard double room)
• Placencia: Bella Vita Casitas ($131 per night for a one-bedroom villa)
• Caye Caulker: Colinda Cabanas ($209 a night for a large cabana that sleeps three)

Transportation

Public transportation in Belize is inexpensive, and it is recommended to take the local buses instead of hiring a scooter or car for safety reasons and to save money. Distances are short, but travel days can still be long and sweaty due to the country's small size.

• Bus from Cancun to Belize City: $66
• Bus from Belize City to San Ignacio: $10
• Return bus trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich: $3
• Return ferry ticket from Belize City to Caye Caulker: $45

Food

The price of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you would pay in the US, rather than in neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala. However, it is possible to save money by eating at street stalls instead of sit-down meals in restaurants.

• $5-7 for a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall
• A couple of dollars for a Mexican-style tamale
• $15-20 for a seafood BBQ
• $10 for standard breakfast options like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito
• $8-10 for a plate of stuffed fryjacks (a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat)
• $10 for jerk chicken
• $15 for a burger
• $20 for a shrimp curry
• $25 for a rack of ribs and sides

Activities

One of the cheapest activities in Belize is exploring the ruins. Other popular activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and cave exploration.

• Entrance fee for Xunantunich: $5
• Entrance fee for Cahal Pech: $5
• Tour of the ATM caves: $120
• Snorkelling on the Belize Barrier Reef: $95
• Day trip from San Ignacio to the Tikal ruins in Guatemala: $150

Belize is a moderately priced destination

The cost of accommodation in Belize varies depending on location and style. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home without air conditioning is the most economical option, while concrete homes tend to be larger and more expensive. In popular expat communities such as San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker, rental prices can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In smaller towns, pleasant houses near the sea can be rented for $300 to $800 per month.

The cost of food in Belize is relatively high compared to its neighbouring countries, due to the country's reliance on imports. A simple meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall costs around $5-7, while a sit-down restaurant meal can cost upwards of $10. Belize's national dish of stewed chicken, rice, and beans can be found for $6-8 at roadside stands.

Transportation costs in Belize are relatively low, with local buses being the cheapest option. A bus ride within Belize costs around $1, while a return bus trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich costs $3. Taxis are significantly more expensive, with rides costing around $21 per person, per day.

The cost of utilities in Belize is primarily driven by electrical usage, which is quite expensive. Other utilities such as cooking gas, phone plans, and internet are more reasonably priced.

Entertainment and activities in Belize can be pricey, with snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing trips ranging from $65 to $100 per person.

Overall, Belize offers a range of options for travellers and expats, from budget-friendly local options to more expensive tourist-oriented choices.

The Belize dollar is fixed at a rate of two to the US dollar

The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of two Belize dollars to one US dollar. This means that the currencies are "hard pegged", so one US dollar will always be worth two Belize dollars.

The Belize dollar is often abbreviated to BZD in the foreign exchange market and is presented locally with the symbol BZ$. The Belize dollar has been the country's official currency since 1974, when it replaced the British Honduras dollar. The country gained independence in 1981.

The Belize dollar is tied to the US dollar by law, and this has been the case since at least 2003. In practice, the Belize dollar is accepted at a slight fluctuation, usually $2.0175 BZ for one US dollar. This is particularly relevant when purchasing a bank draft, for example.

The Central Bank of Belize issues the currency and manages the nation's foreign reserves. Belize's inflation rate is low, at 0.6% as of 2019, and its GDP grew at a rate of 2.5%.

Belize is expensive compared to nearby countries

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it is known to be expensive compared to nearby countries, such as Mexico and Guatemala. This is partly due to its small size and heavy reliance on imports, which results in higher prices for goods. Additionally, its basic infrastructure can make it challenging to justify the cost of certain experiences.

When it comes to accommodation, Belize offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront properties. While prices vary depending on location and amenities, travellers can expect to pay more in popular tourist destinations like San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker.

Transportation in Belize is generally inexpensive, with local buses being a popular and affordable option for getting around the country. However, renting a car or scooter can be costly, with rental cars often costing over $100 per day.

Food in Belize can also be expensive, with prices comparable to those in the United States. Eating at street stalls or local restaurants is a more budget-friendly option, with meals typically ranging from $5 to $7. In contrast, dining at sit-down restaurants can be significantly more expensive, with prices similar to those in the US.

Activities and excursions in Belize can also add up quickly. While there are some free activities, such as lounging on the beach, most experiences come with a fee. Popular activities like scuba diving and snorkelling can cost upwards of $150 per day.

Overall, while Belize has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences, it is important to be prepared for the higher costs compared to neighbouring countries. The average daily cost per person is around $100 to $115, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

The cost of living in Belize is tempered by the low cost of fresh produce

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it can be an expensive place to visit or live, especially when compared to its neighbouring countries of Mexico and Guatemala. The country imports most of its goods, which results in higher prices. Basic infrastructure can also make it hard to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

The cost of living in Belize is relatively high compared to other desirable retirement countries in the region. However, this is tempered by the low cost of fresh produce, which is locally grown by Belizean farmers.

Belize's national meal is stewed chicken, rice, and beans, which locals often eat because it's cheap to prepare and filling. You can find this meal at roadside stands for $6 to $8. Eating like a local and shopping at local markets can help keep food costs down.

If you want to eat out, it's best to avoid the tourist spots. A simple meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall will cost around $5-7, while a sit-down meal in a restaurant will cost substantially more. Expect to pay around $10 for a standard breakfast and $10-25 for lunch or dinner, depending on the type of food and the restaurant.

Belize offers a wide range of housing options, from basic wooden homes to more expensive concrete properties. The cost of accommodation depends on the style and location. A basic, Belizean-style wood home without air conditioning is the most economical option. Concrete homes tend to be larger and include conveniences like air conditioning, but they are more expensive.

In popular expat or tourist communities such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices vary depending on proximity to the beach or the town centre. A two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia costs around $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In Cayo, a one-bedroom apartment on the water within walking distance of the town centre is around $1,000 per month.

Outside of the tourist hotspots, real estate is more affordable. You can find modern homes for $75,000 to $200,000, or build for $30-$60 per square foot. In small towns, pleasant houses near the sea can be rented for $300 to $800 per month.

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