The True Cost Of Eating In Belize

The cost of food in Belize depends on the type of food and where you buy it. If you eat at a local restaurant, it will be cheaper than a hotel restaurant, where the price is about twice as much. A typical meal at a local restaurant costs around BZ $10.00 (US $5) for a plate of rice and beans. The cost of food in sit-down restaurants is often higher than fast food or street food. On average, a meal in Belize should cost around BZ $11 (US $5.50) per person.

If you want to eat like you do in the US, it will be more expensive, as you will have to go to Mexico to buy American products. However, if you shop locally, you can get fresh fish at good prices. A full salmon costs US $15 in Belize, whereas in Idaho, it would cost $20-30.

Belize has a variety of markets, including those for dry goods, fruit and vegetables, meat, and bread. The produce is more expensive than in Toronto, Canada, but it is non-GMO and locally grown, without heavy pesticides.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Belize costs around BZ $60 (US $30).

Local vs hotel restaurant prices

The cost of food in Belize varies depending on whether you opt for a local restaurant or a hotel restaurant.

Local Restaurants

In local restaurants, a simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall will cost you around $5-7. 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 increase, often substantially depending on how fancy the restaurant is and what you order. Expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Prices for stuffed fryjacks, a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat, are usually $8-10 for a plateful.

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

Hotel Restaurants

The average hotel room price in Belize, based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms, is $159.

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Belize is $46, and for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Belize is $93.

Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels in Belize include the Playa De Sala Boutique Hotel, which costs $500 a night, and the Las Terrazas Resort, which costs between $299 and $799 a night.

Budget Hotels

Budget hotel options include the Rumors Resort Hotel, which costs between $100 and $129 a night, and the Red Hut Inn, which costs between $26 and $68 a night.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range options include the Belize Beach Condos, which cost $350 a night, and the Sunbreeze Hotel, which costs between $146 and $235 a night.

Cost of eating like a local

The cost of eating in Belize depends on the type of food and the type of restaurant chosen. Generally, eating at a local restaurant will be cheaper than eating at a hotel restaurant. A typical meal at a local restaurant will cost around BZ $10 (about US $5) for a plate of rice and beans, while a hotel restaurant will charge twice this amount.

For those eating like a local, a nice meal can be purchased for around US $5 (BZ $10). This could include rice and beans with stewed chicken or beef and a drink.

For those eating on a budget, a whole salmon can be purchased for US $15, and a dozen eggs for around BZ $3.50 (US $1.75). A half-gallon of milk costs BZ $4.50 (US $2.50), and beer is BZ $2.50 (US $1.25).

For those looking for a quick, cheap meal, a McMeal at McDonald's costs around US $3.70 (BZ $7.40).

For a family of three or four, a weekly food budget of BZ $100-200 (US $50-100) will cover the basics.

Local produce

Belize has a variety of markets, including those for dry goods, fruit and vegetables, meat, and bread. The cost of food in Belize depends on what you want to eat. Local produce is cheaper than imported goods, which are subject to high tariffs.

For example, five bananas cost around 50 cents in Ambergris Caye, and eight bananas cost 50 cents on the mainland. In comparison, one small apple (not locally grown) costs around 50 cents.

Eating out

The cost of eating out in Belize can vary. A very hearty lunch at a local restaurant will cost US $5-10, and dinner will be around US $10-20. For those wanting to eat at a beachfront restaurant, a hamburger, steak, or lobster dinner will cost US $35-45.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks in Belize cost around US $15 (BZ $30) per day on average.

Cost of eating imported foods

Belize is a small country that imports most of its goods, resulting in higher prices for consumers. The country has high duties on imported goods to protect homegrown products, which makes eating and drinking imported products expensive.

The national currency in Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Belize dollar is fixed at a rate of two to the US dollar (1 USD = 2 BZD). US dollars are widely accepted and sometimes preferred as currency, which can create confusion when purchasing goods and services. It is important to clarify which currency is being quoted to avoid paying twice the expected price.

The cost of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you would pay in the US. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall costs around $5-7, while 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. 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.

Alcoholic beverages are also expensive in Belize, with the average person spending about $15 on alcohol per day. Beer at a bar typically costs around $2.50, while a bottle of wine in a mid-range restaurant can cost upwards of $45.

For those looking to save money on food, it is recommended to eat at local restaurants or street stalls instead of tourist restaurants, as the former offers the cheapest options and more authentic cuisine. Cooking your own meals with locally sourced produce is also a more affordable option.

Overall, while it is possible to find budget-friendly options, the cost of eating imported foods in Belize can be significantly higher than in neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala, making it challenging for budget-conscious travellers.

Cost of eating out vs eating in

Belize is a moderately priced destination for travellers. The cost of eating out at a restaurant in Belize is relatively inexpensive, with a typical fast-food meal costing around $3.70 USD, and a meal in a cheap restaurant costing around $6.10 USD. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $30 USD, with a bottle of wine adding another $45 USD. Breakfast is usually served from 7 am to 10 am and costs between $6 and $10 BZ. Lunch is an important meal in Belize and is usually eaten between noon and 1 pm. Dinner is typically served early, between 6 pm and 8 pm, and few restaurants stay open much later.

A typical Belizean meal consists of rice and beans cooked in coconut oil and served with stewed chicken, beef, or fried fish. This can cost as little as $5 USD in a pleasant restaurant. The basis of any Creole main meal is rice and beans, and this features heavily in smaller restaurants, where most meals run between $8 and $12 BZ. Seafood is also a popular choice in Belize and is usually excellent. Red snapper or grouper is a tasty and affordable option, and a big fillet can be grilled with lime juice for an even cheaper meal. In addition, Belize has a wide variety of Mexican dishes, including tamales, burritos, garnaches, and panades.

For those who prefer to eat in, food prices in supermarkets are lower than in the United States. A bottle of milk (1 litre) costs around $1.40 USD, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $1.30 USD, and a bottle of wine (mid-range) is $7.40 USD.

Overall, the cost of eating out in Belize is relatively affordable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Eating in is also a budget-friendly option, with supermarket prices being lower than in the United States.

Cost of food in Belize compared to the US

The cost of food in Belize is generally lower than in the US, although it can be more expensive than neighbouring countries such as Mexico and Guatemala. Basic goods and groceries in supermarkets are cheaper in Belize, but eating out in restaurants can be more expensive. A typical fast-food meal in Belize costs around $3.70, while a meal in a cheap restaurant can be had for $6.10. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will set you back around $30, and a burger or shrimp curry in a sit-down restaurant will cost around $15 and $20 respectively.

In comparison, a McDonald's Big Mac meal in the US costs around $5.70, and a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost upwards of $40. Groceries in the US are also generally more expensive than in Belize, with the exception of certain fresh produce items.

Belize is a small country and imports the majority of its goods, which results in higher prices for consumers. The country also has basic infrastructure, which can make it hard to justify the cost of certain items. However, for those coming from the US or Europe, Belize can still offer good value for money when it comes to accommodation and activities.

Saving Money on Food in Belize

To save money on food in Belize, it is recommended to eat at street stalls rather than sit-down restaurants. A simple meal of rice, beans and protein from a street vendor will cost around $5-7, and a Mexican-style tamale can be bought for a couple of dollars. For those who enjoy cooking their own meals, it is possible to find affordable fresh produce in local markets, with tortillas, for example, costing just $0.50 for five.

While the cost of food in Belize is generally lower than in the US, the country is still more expensive than its neighbouring countries. However, for those looking for a budget-friendly travel destination, Belize can offer good value for money when it comes to accommodation and activities, especially when compared to US prices.

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