Belize: Affordable Retirement Paradise

Belize is a small country in Central America with a population of around 400,000. The official language is English, and the Belize dollar is fixed at a rate of two to the US dollar. The cost of living in Belize is roughly 31% lower than in the US, and the average cost of rent is around 75% lower. However, the cost of living varies per area, and some imported goods can be very expensive due to import taxes.

Housing costs

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

Outside of 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 generally low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 per year, even for luxury homes.

Renting an unfurnished home in Belize typically costs between $450 and $600 per month, depending on location.

Overall, Belize offers a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Belize is largely dependent on your usage of electricity, which is quite expensive at $0.22 per KWh. However, other utilities such as water, cooking gas, phone services, and internet are considered more reasonably priced.

Phone plans are generally affordable, with unlimited talk and text plans with data ranging from 8GB to 66GB costing between $28 and $78 per month. Basic internet services start at around $25 per month for 20 Mbps, with higher speeds of up to 150 Mbps available for $100 per month.

Water costs vary across Belize, but it is generally abundant and cheap. In Placencia, for example, water can be drunk straight from the tap at a cost of $0.005 per gallon. However, in other areas, the cost can be higher, with some paying $60 for water usage.

Belize uses butane as the sole cooking gas, with prices regulated by the government. Expect to pay $3 or more per gallon, though prices may vary depending on the provider.

While the cost of utilities in Belize may be higher than what you are used to, there are ways to keep costs down. Conserving electricity, especially when it comes to air conditioning, can significantly reduce your bills. Additionally, taking advantage of local resources, such as rainwater collection for laundry and gardening, can help offset the cost of water.

Food and drink

The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the United States, and food is no exception. The national dish of Belize is affordable and filling: stewed chicken with rice and beans. This meal is a staple for many Belizeans, and it can be purchased for around $6 to $8 at roadside stands.

The cost of eating out varies depending on the location and type of restaurant. A meal in a cheap restaurant will cost around $6.80, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be around $30. A fast-food meal will set you back around $7.40, and a coffee around $1.60 to $3.20.

When it comes to groceries, buying local produce is key to keeping costs down. Imported goods can be very expensive due to high import taxes, which can be as much as 80% of the value of the product. A loaf of bread will cost around $1.30, a litre of milk $1.40, and a dozen eggs $2.20. For a wider selection of products, you can expect to pay more, and the added costs of shipping, customs duties, and taxes can increase the price by up to 100% of the original product price.

Alcohol is also subject to high taxes, with a bottle of wine costing around $7.40, a domestic beer $2.00, and an imported beer $2.70.

Overall, the cost of food and drink in Belize is relatively affordable, especially when purchasing local produce and eating at local restaurants. However, the cost of imported goods and eating out in tourist areas can quickly add up.

Transport

Belize has a good public transport system, which is the cheapest way to get around, especially for intercity travel. The bus network covers the whole country, with fares ranging from BZ$1 to BZ$15, depending on the distance travelled. Buses are usually old school buses from America, painted in bright colours, and playing music from a range of genres.

For shorter distances, taxis are available, with prices that need to be bargained for, or set fares within towns and cities. A taxi from the airport to Belize City costs around BZ$50, and within towns, the rate is usually fixed at BZ$5-10.

For those living along the coast or on the Cayes, transportation is different. Many people have their own boats, and water taxis are also available. These are big, fast vessels with outboard engines, costing BZ$10-15 one-way, depending on the destination. Water taxis also travel between the Cayes.

In places like Placencia Village and Hopkins, golf carts are the most common mode of transport, along with bicycles and walking. Cars are rarely seen in these areas.

For expats, walking to the local shops is the norm, and buying more than you can carry is unwise. Gas is expensive, at two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US, so expats with cars should combine trips to make the best use of their gas budget.

Import taxes on motor vehicles are very high, which is why most Belizeans drive used cars. Parts can be hard to come by, and finding a reliable mechanic can be challenging.

Healthcare

Belize has both public and private healthcare systems. The public system is operated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which is the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to most Belizeans with a focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The private health sector, on the other hand, serves a smaller portion of the population but offers similar low-cost, quality care.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Belize is available to all citizens at no direct cost. However, the system has faced challenges due to funding issues, equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management problems. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional public hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts. Together, these regional hospitals provide more services than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo District.

Belize also has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Many of these clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care.

Private Healthcare

The private sector has become an increasingly important player in healthcare delivery in Belize, providing services to approximately 15% of the population. There are three main private hospitals in the country: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. In total, Belize has 100 private hospital beds. The private healthcare sector is divided into nonprofit and for-profit facilities, with Belize Medical Associates and Universal Health Services being for-profit, and La Loma Luz Hospital being a non-profit institution.

In addition to the hospitals, there are over 50 for-profit clinics and four nonprofit clinics spread throughout Belize, with half of these private clinics located in Belize City. Private institutions also accept medical insurance plans, and Pay for Performance (P4P) contracts have been implemented via the National Health Insurance (NHI) program to improve quality care.

Quality of Healthcare

The quality of healthcare in Belize is generally considered to be lower than that of North America or the European Union. The country lacks a level one trauma centre, and specialised physicians and staff, as well as advanced medical equipment, are limited. However, the country has dedicated doctors who offer personal attention to their patients.

Cost of Healthcare

The cost of medical care in Belize is well below that of North America, with a visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments costing around $70, including medication. Ultrasounds cost around $75, while an MRI averages $900. Due to the relatively high cost of specialist care in the country, many locals and expats travel to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala for more affordable medical and dental treatment.

Frequently asked questions