Belize's Beachfront Bargain: Apartment Living On The Caribbean Coast

The cost of renting an apartment in Belize varies depending on location and style. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option, typically featuring one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and no air conditioning. These can be found for as little as $600 per month in inland areas like San Ignacio. In contrast, a one-bedroom condo on the coast or islands such as Placencia, Hopkins, or Ambergris Caye, can cost upwards of $1,200 per month. Concrete homes, which are becoming increasingly popular, tend to be larger and offer amenities like air conditioning, but they also come with a higher price tag.

For those seeking to purchase property, the Cayo District offers 2-3 bedroom homes with gardens for under $150,000.

Renting a home in Belize

The cost of renting a home in Belize varies depending on location and style. A basic, traditional Belizean wooden home is the most economical option, typically featuring one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen. These homes usually don't have air conditioning and often have shutters over screened windows instead of glass.

For example, in San Ignacio, a two-bedroom home can be rented for as little as $600 per month. In contrast, a one-bedroom condo on the coast in Placencia, Hopkins, or Ambergris Caye will cost at least $1,200 per month.

If you prefer a more modern concrete home, which often includes conveniences like air conditioning, prices will be higher. For instance, in popular expat communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment near the beach.

It's important to note that rental prices are influenced by proximity to the beach or the town center, with properties closer to these areas commanding higher rents.

Additionally, utilities such as electricity and water should be considered when budgeting for a rental home in Belize. Electricity rates are relatively high, at $0.45 per kWh, and can significantly impact your monthly expenses, especially if you use air conditioning.

Overall, Belize offers a wide range of rental options to suit different budgets and preferences, allowing you to find a suitable home in this tropical paradise.

Utilities as a cost of living in Belize

Utilities are a significant cost of living in Belize, and prices can vary depending on usage and location. Here is a breakdown of the costs of various utilities for those considering relocating to Belize.

Electricity

Electricity costs in Belize are relatively high and can significantly impact your monthly expenses. The residential rate is $0.45 per kWh, and an average couple's electricity bill can range from $50 to $150 per month, depending on their usage of air conditioning. To put this into perspective, electricity costs in North America and Europe are typically around $0.10 per kWh. Conserving electricity, especially when it comes to air conditioning, can help keep costs down.

Water

Water costs in Belize are generally inexpensive, and city water is affordable. Rain catchment systems are also a popular alternative, with some residents using water tanks to collect rainwater and reduce their water bills. The price of water varies, with rates in Placencia, known for its "pipe water," being $0.005 per gallon. In other areas, water costs can be higher, with some reporting costs of $60 per month.

Internet

Internet access is an essential utility for many, and the cost of internet services in Belize ranges from $25 to $80 per month. These plans offer speeds suitable for emailing, streaming news, and using Netflix. Fiber-to-the-home connections are available in developed areas, providing faster and more reliable internet access.

Phone

Cell phone plans in Belize are reasonably priced. An unlimited talk and text plan with 8 GB of monthly data costs around $28 per month. For heavier data users, larger plans are available, with 66 GB plans costing approximately $78 per month. Landlines are less common, and most people rely solely on their cell phones.

Cable TV

Cable TV is available in Belize and costs around $30-$45 per month. This provides access to a wide range of channels, including HBO, Food Network, CNN, Fox News, and various sports channels. Additionally, major sporting and entertainment events, such as boxing matches, the NFL, and the NBA finals, are often included at no extra cost.

In summary, while some utilities in Belize may be more expensive than in other countries, there are also opportunities to save, especially by conserving electricity and utilising rainwater catchment systems. The availability of affordable cell phone and internet plans also helps offset some of the higher utility costs.

Vehicle insurance, license, and fuel

Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in Belize and can result in serious consequences for drivers caught without it. The minimum insurance coverage required by law is the Third Party Act Private Use, which covers third-party injury, death, or property damage, as well as the costs associated with a claim, including legal fees. Other types of insurance policies available in Belize include Third Party Standard and Third Party, Fire and Theft, as well as comprehensive insurance policies that cover natural disasters.

To obtain a Belizean driver's license, you must pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers topics such as yield streets, right of way at junctions, vehicle parts, and their functions. If you have a valid US driver's license, you can simply present it and obtain a Belizean license by completing an eye exam. An annual renewal of the Belizean driver's license costs $60 BZ.

Fuel prices in Belize have increased in recent years, with unleaded gas available at around US$7 per gallon (BZ$14 in 2024). The country's gas stations were rebranded in 2012, and fuel began to be imported from Venezuela, which led to higher prices. Local gas stations accept Belize or US dollars and sometimes credit cards.

Residency or Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP)

Belize offers three ways to obtain extended stays in the country: the Visitor Extension Permit, the Visitor Long Stay Permit, and the Qualified Retired Person (QRP) Program. The QRP is a Permanent Tourist status that grants qualified retirees exemption from taxes on income derived from outside Belize. The program was created to help individuals who meet the retirement criteria to reside and retire in Belize.

To be eligible for the QRP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: 45 years or older (soon to be reduced to 40 years).
• Citizenship: Citizen or legal resident of a commonwealth country, excluding Belize.
• Income: Beneficial recipient of a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000 or $24,000 annually from a source outside Belize in approved foreign currencies (US dollars, Pound Sterling, Euros, or Canadian dollars).
• Deposit: Provide a written statement to deposit the required amount in a bank, society, credit union, or licensed bank in Belize.
• Criminal History: Pass a background check by the Ministry of National Security of Belize.
• Stay Duration: Stay in Belize for a consecutive period of at least 30 days per year.

The application process for the QRP involves submitting the required documents to the Belize Tourism Board office in Belize City. The application form can be found on the official website of the Belize Tourism Board under the "Programs & Events" section. The required documents include:

• Completed and signed application form.
• Notarized or certified copies of a valid passport, including blank pages.
• Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photographs from the front and four from the back, with specific format requirements.
• Birth certificate: Notarized or certified copy for the applicant and each dependent.
• Marriage certificate: Notarized copy if applicable.
• Police clearance certificate: Original police report issued no older than six months from the last place of residence.
• Proof of income: Certificate or document showing receipt of passive income of at least $2,000 per month or $24,000 per year. This can include a bank statement or a written statement of Deposit to a Financial Institution in Belize.
• Medical report: Completed physical medical examination report, including HIV test results, no older than three months.

The fees for the QRP include a non-refundable application fee of US$150 and additional fees for dependents. The benefits of the QRP include:

• QRP Resident Card: Allows multiple entries into Belize for as long as the individual remains in the program.
• Duty Exemptions: Within the first year of participation, exemption from duties and taxes on the import of household and personal items, personal transportation (motor vehicle, light aircraft, boat), and other items.
• Tax Exemptions: Exemption from taxes on income from outside Belize, capital gains tax, and low taxes on land and property.
• Dependent Benefits: Dependents can carry on business, trade, or profession within Belize if conducted with individuals residing outside the country.

It is important to note that the QRP status does not grant permanent residency in Belize. To apply for permanent residency, individuals must live in the country for at least one year, excluding the time spent in the retirement program. Additionally, the QRP does not permit the holder to seek employment in Belize, neither full-time nor part-time.

Food budget

The cost of food in Belize can be high, with prices comparable to those in the US. The country imports the majority of its goods, which results in higher prices. However, there are ways to save money on food. Eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants can be significantly cheaper. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall typically costs between $5-7, while a couple of dollars will buy a Mexican-style tamale. A seafood BBQ, on the other hand, will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices increase, often substantially, depending on how fancy the establishment is and what you order. A standard breakfast, such as sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito, will cost around $10. Fry jacks, a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat, typically costs $8-10 for a plateful. 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. If a price isn't listed on the menu, or there is no menu at all, it often means you'll be charged the market price, which may be higher than expected.

For groceries, prices are much higher than in the USA—typically two to three times the price for many items.

If you're looking to save money on food in Belize, it's best to eat like a local. Locally-produced foods, such as fresh produce from Belizean farmers, are much more affordable.

Frequently asked questions