Damon Mcknight
San Pedro in Belize is an increasingly popular retirement destination, particularly for expats seeking a simpler life in a stunning location. The town is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, and is known for its beautiful beaches, colourful buildings, and laid-back atmosphere. The cost of living in San Pedro varies depending on lifestyle choices, but it is generally higher than in other parts of Belize due to its popularity with tourists.
For retirees, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) offers tax and duty-free benefits for a small initial cost. While property prices vary, renting in San Pedro can start from around $950 for a studio apartment, and a couple can live a simple life from $2,600 per month.
San Pedro offers a range of amenities, including reliable utilities, restaurants, bars, and social activities, as well as easy access to the natural wonders of the island and surrounding areas.
What You'll Learn
Renting in San Pedro
San Pedro, Belize, is an increasingly popular retirement destination, with its stunning turquoise seascapes, diverse outdoor activities, nightlife options, and active social life.
If you're considering renting in San Pedro, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cost of living in San Pedro is higher than in most other parts of Belize, except for the mainland beach villages of Placencia and Hopkins. This is because everything must be transported to the island, and it is the country's main tourism centre. However, you can still expect to pay less than in many parts of the U.S.
The rent in San Pedro can vary depending on the location and amenities. If you want to live on the beach, the cost for rent starts at around $950 a month for a studio apartment or one-bedroom unit in an older development. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in a beach development can start at around $1,100 a month.
For those seeking a more active and engaged retirement lifestyle, renting in San Pedro's bustling town may be ideal. The town has a lively, energetic downtown area with shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation, and the town has a unique golf cart culture.
If you prefer a more quiet and affordable location, consider looking for rentals south of San Pedro town. This area offers long-term rentals and a mix of local and North American culture. It has a more walkable feel compared to the tourist developments north of the town.
When it comes to finding a rental property in San Pedro, you have several options. Condos and apartments are popular choices, and you can find budget-friendly options starting at $58 per night. Vacation rentals are also available, with prices varying depending on the amenities and location.
Keep in mind that the weather in San Pedro can be a factor, with August being the hottest month and October the rainiest.
Overall, renting in San Pedro, Belize, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a stunning island location, a vibrant social life, and a range of outdoor activities. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Belize, but it still offers a more affordable retirement option compared to many parts of the U.S.
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Utilities
Water is more affordable, with a monthly cost of around $60 for two showers a day and three loads of laundry a week. However, the government-owned water company has been criticised for padding the system to increase profits. To save money, some residents collect rainwater in tanks.
The cost of purified water in Belize is also high. A 5-gallon bottle refill costs $5, while a half-liter bottle costs $1.
Internet access is a necessity for many, and the cheapest option is WiFi at $140 per month. There are several WiFi providers in Belize, but the phone companies offer faster 3G and 4G services, although these are more expensive.
The cost of a basic cell phone plan with 250 minutes of talk time and 30 SMS per month is $50. Unlimited talk and text with 8 GB of monthly data will cost around $28, while the largest data plan with 66 GB is $78.
Belize uses butane as its sole cooking gas, and the price is regulated by the government. Expect to pay $3 or more per gallon.
Cable TV is available for $45 per month, with a wide range of channels from around the world.
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Food
San Pedro, Belize, is an attractive retirement spot for many, with its stunning views of the aquamarine sea and the world's second-largest barrier reef. The cost of living in San Pedro, however, is higher than in most other districts of Belize, except for Placencia and Hopkins. This is largely due to the fact that goods have to be shipped to the island.
The cost of food in San Pedro, Belize, can vary significantly depending on one's lifestyle choices and preferences. Here is a detailed breakdown of the food expenses one can expect when retiring in San Pedro:
Groceries
Groceries in San Pedro can be expensive, especially for imported items. A box of American cereal, for instance, can cost around $12-18 BZD, and a bag of Doritos is about $10 BZD. It is more economical to eat like the locals, cooking with ingredients such as dried beans, rice, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Fresh produce is readily available at reasonable prices, especially at farmers' markets, which can be found in every town.
Eating Out
Eating out frequently can significantly increase one's food expenses. From $3 tacos to dinners at high-end restaurants, the prices vary widely. A couple who eats out regularly at upscale restaurants can easily spend over $3000 per month, including rent and other expenses.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages can also add to the food expenses. Wine, for example, tends to be overpriced on the island. Imported liquors are also more expensive, so some residents opt for local rum and beer, such as Belikin.
Special Diets
Special dietary requirements or preferences can further increase food costs. For instance, a vegetarian or vegan diet may require purchasing more imported items, and gluten-free options are generally more expensive.
Entertainment
Entertainment costs can also be significant in San Pedro. The town offers a variety of entertainment options, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and festivals. While the price of entertainment may be considered low, these expenses can add up over time.
In conclusion, the cost of food in San Pedro, Belize, can vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle and dietary choices. While it is possible to find economical options by eating local food and shopping at farmers' markets, those who prefer imported items and frequent dining out will incur higher expenses.
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Transport
If you live in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, you may find that you don't need to budget for transport at all. The town is compact, and most amenities are within walking distance. However, if you want to explore the island or travel to the mainland, there are several transport options available.
The primary mode of transport on Ambergris Caye is by golf cart. The roads are designed for these smaller vehicles, and you can buy a golf cart for around $20,000 BZD. Bicycles are also a common mode of transport, and you can buy a bike for $300 BZD. Taxis are available, and a taxi ride into town from two miles south of San Pedro costs $7 BZD.
If you want to travel to the mainland, you can take a water taxi from San Pedro to Belize City for around $11, which takes 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly with one of Belize's domestic airlines, Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, for around $20, which takes 20 minutes.
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Entertainment
San Pedro, Belize, is known for its entertainment options, which include free live music and festivals, a wine and cheese bar, espresso cafes, yoga studios, restaurants, and beach cafes. The town also has a theatre north of the bridge.
The local population is described as friendly and helpful, making it easier for newcomers to fit in. The town's 20,000 residents include expats and locals who enjoy socialising, with plenty of social activities and events every night.
San Pedro is also known for its nightlife, with a lively, energetic downtown area that includes shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transport, and there is a unique golf cart culture in the town.
There are also plenty of health-oriented options, including health clubs, masseuses, yoga studios, and Pilates instructors. Many expats are also involved in church activities or volunteer work.
For those who enjoy sports, there are three golf courses to choose from. A premier course near San Pedro charges about $200 in green fees, while the other two 9-hole courses in Consejo Shores and Belmopan are more affordable, starting at $17.50.
Movie lovers can choose between two cinemas, one in Belize City and the other in San Pedro, with admission costing around $7.50. There are also small gaming establishments and an official casino in Belize City.
For a more low-key evening, it's common to relax at a bar, play pool, and enjoy a bottle of the local Belikin beer, which only costs a few dollars.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in San Pedro, Belize, can vary depending on lifestyle choices and expenses. A couple can live a simple lifestyle for around $2,500 to $2,900 per month, including rent. On the other hand, a couple who rents a two-bedroom condo on the beach, dines at high-end restaurants, entertains regularly, and uses air conditioning frequently can easily spend $3,000 or more per month.
Housing costs in San Pedro can vary depending on location and amenities. Beachfront studio apartments or one-bedroom units in older buildings start at around $950 per month. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom units in beach developments start at approximately $1,100 per month. Condos for sale typically range from the high $100,000s to the low $200,000s, with prices decreasing for properties outside the town center.
Food costs can vary depending on dining habits and preferences. Groceries for one person are estimated to be around $275 to $350 per month if cooking at home. Dining out is relatively affordable, with a McDonald's meal costing around $5, and a nice dinner for about $20 to $25 per person.
Utility costs can vary, with electricity being the most expensive. Electricity costs can range from $150 to $200 per month, while water costs about $2.50 per five-gallon jug as tap water is not safe to drink. Internet services can cost approximately $150 per month.
Healthcare costs in San Pedro, Belize, can vary. A doctor's visit typically costs around $35, and house calls are common. For more extensive medical care, expats often travel to Belize City, which is two hours away.
Additional Information:
- San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, and is a popular tourist and expat destination.
- The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) offers benefits to retirees over 45, such as duty-free importation of personal goods and reduced costs for relocating.
- Belize offers a back-to-basics approach to living, stunning natural beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and an English-speaking community. However, it may lack extensive services and infrastructure that some retirees might need.
