Belizean Dream: Uncovering The True Cost Of A Nice Home In Belize

Belize is an attractive prospect for those looking to relocate, with its Caribbean lifestyle, tropical climate and pristine beaches. The cost of living is generally considered lower than in the US, although food and fuel prices are high.

The price of a home in Belize varies depending on style and location. A basic, traditional Belizean wooden house is the most economical option, while concrete homes are becoming increasingly popular and tend to be larger, with added conveniences like air conditioning.

In popular expat communities such as San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker, rental prices can vary depending on proximity to the beach or town centre. A two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia, for example, would cost around $1,200 to $1,500 per month.

For those looking to buy, there are plenty of options. A 5-bedroom beachfront home in the quiet North Plantation neighbourhood on the Placencia Peninsula is currently on the market, as is a 3-bedroom beach house on Maya Beach, also on the Placencia Peninsula. In Ambergris Caye, a 9-bedroom beachfront property comprising two homes on 1.7 acres of land is available, as well as an 8-bedroom luxury beachfront home.

Beachfront properties in Belize

Belize is a beautiful country with a range of beachfront properties available for those looking for a slice of paradise. From the Placencia Peninsula to Ambergris Caye, there are many options for prospective buyers.

For those seeking a more tranquil setting, the Placencia Peninsula offers a quiet escape with sandy beaches and a range of properties. You can find anything from a cosy 2-bedroom beach house in the North Plantation neighbourhood to a spacious 5-bedroom beachfront home. The nearby Maya Beach also offers a 3-bedroom beach house with a proven rental history, perfect for those looking for an investment opportunity.

If you're seeking a larger property or even a resort-style setting, Ambergris Caye has several options. One listing boasts a 9-bedroom beachfront property comprising two homes on 1.7 acres, complete with 150 feet of beachfront and a pier. For luxury seekers, there is a superbly positioned 8-bedroom luxury beachfront home just 3.5 miles south of San Pedro. And for those who want to be closer to the action, a 3-bedroom beachfront home is available in the Margaritaville area of San Pedro itself.

In addition to these, there are also investment opportunities in beachfront land. One such opportunity is located just 5 minutes north of Secret Beach in Ambergris Caye, offering 60 feet of beachfront and crystal clear waters.

For those seeking a more remote island experience, there are also options available. One listing offers a stunning 6.5-acre private island on the Turneffe Atoll Rim in the Grassy Caye Range, providing the ultimate in privacy and seclusion.

With a variety of locations and property types to choose from, there is something for everyone seeking a beachfront property in Belize. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a luxurious retreat, or an investment opportunity, Belize has much to offer.

Cost of utilities in Belize

The cost of utilities in Belize varies depending on usage and location, but it is generally considered expensive compared to North America and Europe. Here is a breakdown of the cost of utilities for a couple living in a 2-bedroom home in Belize:

Electricity: The residential rate for electricity is $0.45 to $0.52 per kWh, which is significantly higher than the rates in North America and Europe. A couple living without an air conditioner can expect to pay around $50 per month for electricity. However, running air conditioners at night or throughout the day can increase the bill to an average of $150 or more per month.

Water: City water in Belize is relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per month for a couple. Rain catchment is also a common alternative, and some people use water tanks to catch rainwater to 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. Fiber-to-the-home connections are available in many developed areas, with basic 20 Mbps services starting at around $25 per month.

Cable TV: Cable TV in Belize typically costs $30 to $45 per month and offers a wide range of channels, including HBO, Food Network, CNN, Fox News, and various sports channels.

Phone: Most people in Belize rely on cell phones, and an unlimited talk and text plan with 8 GB of monthly data costs around $28 per month. The largest data plan, offering 66 GB, is priced at $78 per month.

Overall, the cost of utilities in Belize can be a significant expense, especially when compared to North American and European prices. It's important to note that the usage patterns and specific location within Belize will also impact the total cost of utilities.

Cost of renting in Belize

The cost of renting in Belize varies depending on the style and location of the property. Basic, Belizean-style wooden homes tend to be the most economical option, with concrete homes being more expensive.

Location is another key factor. In popular expat and tourist communities such as San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker, rental prices can vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In Cayo, a one-bedroom apartment on the water and within walking distance to the town centre costs around $1,000 per month.

In small towns, it is possible to rent a pleasant house near the sea for $300 to $800 per month, or even less.

The cost of living in Belize is generally considered to be lower than in the United States, although it may not be the cheapest option when compared to other Caribbean countries.

Cost of buying in Belize

The cost of buying a property in Belize varies depending on the style, location, and amenities. While it may not offer the lowest cost of living compared to other Caribbean countries, it is still significantly cheaper than many other countries.

Style

A basic, traditional Belizean wooden house is the most economical option. These typically don't have air conditioning and often feature shutters over screened windows, with no glass. They are usually smaller, with one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen and seating area.

Concrete homes, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive to build, but they offer a broader range of sizes and conveniences, like air conditioning.

Location

Location is a significant factor in property prices in Belize. If you want to live in popular expat or tourist communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, you'll pay a premium. Even within these areas, prices vary depending on how close you are to the beach or the town centre.

For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia, with air conditioning and located a few miles from the town, would cost around $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In Cayo, a similar apartment on the water and within walking distance to the town would be around $1,000 per month.

Outside of these high-cost tourist areas, it is possible to build a home for $30 to $60 per square foot or purchase an attractive, modern home for $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes are also relatively low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 annually, even for luxury homes.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, beachfront properties or those with ocean views naturally command a higher price. For instance, a 9-bedroom beachfront property on Ambergris Caye, comprising two homes on 1.7 acres with 150 feet of beachfront and a pier, is available for an undisclosed amount. Similarly, a 5-bedroom beachfront home in the quiet North Plantation neighbourhood on the Placencia Peninsula is also on the market.

For those seeking luxury and privacy, there are options like the Belize Secret Beach House on Ambergris Caye, or the Caribbean Cove, which offers 400 feet of beachfront on 4.4 acres, also on Ambergris Caye.

Cost of Living

It's important to consider the cost of living when purchasing a property in Belize. While certain expenses like public transportation, healthcare, and utilities like water and internet are relatively affordable, other costs like food, fuel, and electricity can be high.

The cost of food in Belize is driven by the reliance on imported goods, which can be subject to high import taxes. As a result, many residents choose to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala, where prices are lower.

Additionally, the cost of utilities, particularly electricity, can be high. However, this can be mitigated by conserving energy and opting for alternative cooling methods like ceiling fans and natural breezes.

Overall, the cost of living in Belize can be managed by adopting a more local lifestyle, including eating locally produced foods, using public transportation, and living in Belizean-style homes.

Cost of building in Belize

Building a house in Belize is generally cheaper than buying one, but it can be a hassle. Construction costs vary depending on factors such as the cost of labour and materials, and the location of the build.

Labour Costs

Labour in Belize is less expensive than in the US, with carpenters and masons typically earning around $25 to $40 a day, and unskilled construction workers making $15 to $20 a day. However, construction jobs tend to take longer in Belize, as workers may lack knowledge about building in American or European styles. Outside of urban areas, it can be difficult to find qualified craftspeople such as electricians and plumbers.

Material Costs

Building materials in Belize are mostly no cheaper than in the US, except for locally produced items such as tropical hardwoods. The cost of materials can be reduced by buying in bulk, and by choosing local and regional materials such as natural thatch, Belizean hardwoods, and Mexican tile or stone.

Location

Construction costs are higher on the coast and cayes, as buildings need to be hurricane-resistant. In the case of the cayes, it costs extra to transport building materials out to the islands by barge or boat. Building costs are also higher in southern Belize than in the north, as inexpensive building materials are more readily available in the north, where they can be imported from Chetumal, Mexico.

Overall Costs

Building costs in Belize range from around $30 to $150 per square foot, not including the cost of land. A simple Belizean-style concrete block bungalow or frame construction will be at the lower end of this range, while high-quality concrete construction with hardwood floors and custom details will be at the higher end. Most commonly, you can expect to pay around $50 to $90 per square foot, so a 1,500 square foot home would cost $75,000 to $135,000 to build, not including land.

Alternative Methods

An alternative to traditional building methods is earthbag construction, which is extremely cost-effective, with building costs ranging from $20 to $50 per square foot, or as little as $12 per square foot for a basic structure. Earthbag buildings are also very durable, insect-proof, rodent-proof, rot-proof, and fireproof.

Additional Costs

There are several additional costs to consider when building a house in Belize. These include the cost of underground foundations, pilings, cisterns, and septic tanks, which can be significant, especially in rural areas or on the coast. The cost of utilities such as electricity, cooking gas, phone, and internet should also be factored in, with electricity being particularly expensive.

Frequently asked questions