The Cost Of Paradise: Comparing The Expense Of Living In Belize And Wisconsin

Belize is a small country nestled in the corner of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is an English-speaking nation with a rich history, having been known as British Honduras until 1973 when it reclaimed its original name in preparation for independence from the United Kingdom. With its warm, subtropical climate and access to the Caribbean, it is a desirable place to live for many.

Compared to Wisconsin, a state in the Midwest region of the United States, Belize has a lower cost of living. According to sources, living in Belize is between 16% to 58.2% cheaper than in the United States, including Wisconsin. Specifically, rent prices in Belize are 75.9% lower, restaurant prices are 56.7% lower, and groceries are 36.1% to 58.2% lower.

However, there are challenges to living in Belize, such as a lack of advanced medical care, high crime rates in certain areas, and the high cost of food and imported items. Nevertheless, for those willing to adapt to the local lifestyle, Belize can offer a wonderful and affordable standard of living.

Cost of food and basic necessities

The cost of food and basic necessities in Belize is relatively high, driving some residents to shop across the border in Mexico and Guatemala. The country has kept up with the global increase in the cost of living, with staples such as sugar, beans, and corn flour becoming more expensive. In 2024, a family of four in Wisconsin can expect to spend an average of $9,058 on food for the year, while in Belize, a couple's monthly budget can be around $1,000.

The cost of food in Belize can be mitigated by eating like the locals. Belize's national dish is stewed chicken with rice and beans, a cheap and filling meal that can be prepared at home or purchased for $6 to $8 at roadside stands. Eating out at restaurants, especially in tourist areas, can be expensive, but locals direct residents to cheaper eateries.

In Wisconsin, groceries are around 2% lower than the national average, and the state has the eighth-lowest food costs among US states. However, Wisconsin residents have slightly higher incomes than the national average, and they are less likely to rely on government assistance to afford groceries.

In terms of clothing, Wisconsin also has costs that are 2% lower than the national average.

Housing options and costs

The cost of living in Wisconsin is 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs 11% lower. However, healthcare services are 12% higher than the national average. The priciest city in Wisconsin is Madison, where the cost of living is 10% higher than the state average and 6% higher than the rest of the US. The cheapest major city in Wisconsin is Green Bay, with a cost of living 6% lower than the state average and 9% lower than the national average.

In Belize, housing is a significant expense in any budget, but the country offers a wide range of housing options for all budgets. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option. These houses are typically smaller, with one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen and seating area. They usually don't have air conditioning and often have shutters over screened windows without glass. More recently, concrete homes have become a popular option, as the cost of building with concrete is similar to that of wood. Concrete homes are available in a broader range of sizes and tend to offer more conveniences, like air conditioning.

The location is another critical factor in housing costs in Belize. If you want to live in one of the popular expat or tourist communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, you will pay a premium. Rental prices in these areas can vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre. For example, in San Pedro, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning located a few miles from town can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. In Placencia, a similar two-bedroom apartment near the beach can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. In Cayo, a one-bedroom apartment on the water with air conditioning and within walking distance to town is around $1,000 per month.

In smaller towns, it is possible to rent a pleasant house near the sea for $300 to $800 per month, or even less. Land in larger tracts can be purchased for $200 per acre or less. Outside of high-cost tourist areas, building costs are approximately $30 to $60 per square foot, and an attractive, modern home can be purchased for $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes are also low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 annually, even for a luxury home.

Overall, while housing costs in Wisconsin are generally lower than the national average, Belize offers a range of housing options to suit different budgets. With the right location and style choices, it is possible to find affordable housing options in Belize that fit within your financial plan.

Utilities and vehicles

The cost of utilities and vehicles in Belize and Wisconsin varies across the board.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Belize is largely dependent on electricity usage. Electricity is expensive, at $0.22 per kWh, but other utilities such as water, cooking gas, phone, and internet are more reasonably priced. Water prices and quality vary but are generally very good. In Placencia, for example, water can be drunk straight from the tap and costs $0.005 per gallon.

Phone plans are affordable, with unlimited talk and text plans with 8GB of data costing around $28 per month, and the largest data plan of 66GB costing $78 per month. Basic 20 Mbps internet services are available for $25 per month, with faster speeds of 40, 80, and 150 Mbps also available, the latter costing $100 per month.

In comparison, Wisconsin has a range of utility companies and plans to choose from. For example, Wisconsin-based utility company WEC Energy Group offers a monthly budget plan for electricity and natural gas, with the average residential customer paying $96 per month for electricity and $63 per month for natural gas.

Vehicles

Import taxes on motor vehicles in Belize are high, which is why most residents drive used cars imported from the US. There is also a market for accident and salvage motor vehicles. Public transport operates on retired American school buses, which are at least 25 years old.

Shipping a car to Belize is not cheap, with quotes ranging from $600 to $3,500. Driving a car from the US to Belize is an option, but it is recommended to stay on toll roads and sleep at name-brand hotels with secure parking. Gas is expensive in Belize, at over $7 per gallon in 2024, which is two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US.

In Wisconsin, vehicle registration fees vary depending on the type of vehicle, its weight, and the county of registration. For example, in Dane County, registration for a passenger vehicle under 4,500 lbs is $75 annually, while a vehicle between 4,501 and 8,000 lbs costs $94 annually.

Overall, while the cost of utilities in Belize may be higher than in Wisconsin, the overall cost of living is lower, especially when compared to tourist areas in the US.

Healthcare

Belize has both public and private healthcare systems. The public system is financed through public and local private health insurance schemes, and offers free or low-cost healthcare services to citizens and residents. However, public healthcare facilities are often underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied, resulting in long waiting times. A Belize Health Information System card (BHIS) is required to receive treatment in a public healthcare facility.

Private healthcare facilities in Belize are more expensive but provide shorter wait times and better facilities. However, medical procedures are still limited, and the standard of healthcare is generally low across the country. Private healthcare is often used by expats, who are liable to pay for all medical costs incurred in the country.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is much lower than in the US, to the point where insurance is deemed unnecessary. A visit to urgent care might cost $25, while advanced lab work will cost around $200. More advanced medical work is often done in Mexico, where the standard of care is higher and costs are still low.

The cost of medicines and pharmacies in Belize is also low, and pharmacists are knowledgeable and helpful. They may provide medications that are only available with a prescription in other countries.

Entertainment and sports

Belize

Belize has a wide variety of entertainment and sports options. The country has a growing number of stadiums, arenas, and sports facilities that host events and accommodate athletes and enthusiasts from all over.

Football is a popular sport in Belize, with kids growing up appreciating the skills and conditioning required to play. Competitive soccer at the university level serves as a gateway for serious athletes, and the enthusiasm for the sport can reach a fever pitch. Venues for football extend beyond the typical to include sandy beaches and empty fields.

Track and field is another sport that is gaining traction in Belize, with the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City being a testament to this. The country's native-born track and field superstar, Marion Jones, has brought fame and enthusiasm to the sport.

Basketball is also widely enjoyed, with leagues for all ages. Both Central American and Caribbean regional games are staged in Belize, drawing crowds, especially when U.S. basketball pros play exhibition games.

Other popular sports in Belize include softball, cycling, canoeing, cricket, boxing, and tennis.

Belize also offers a range of entertainment options beyond sports. The country has several popular attractions, including:

• Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River
• San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
• The Belize Sign Monument
• Caye Caulker Water Taxi
• Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
• St John's Cathedral
• Mesoamerican Reef
• Billy Barquiedier National Park
• Ocean Ferry Belize
• Bannister Island

Additionally, Belize has a rich history and culture that can be explored through attractions such as museums, archaeological sites, and nature and wildlife tours.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its vibrant sports culture, with a mix of professional and collegiate teams that provide year-round excitement for fans and visitors alike.

The state is home to several notable professional sports teams, including:

• Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
• Green Bay Packers (NFL)
• Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
• Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

Wisconsin also boasts state-of-the-art sports arenas and stadiums, such as the Fiserv Forum, Lambeau Field, and American Family Field, which not only host thrilling sporting events but also offer tours and showcase the rich history of their respective teams.

In addition to professional sports, Wisconsin has a strong collegiate sports presence, with the University of Wisconsin in Madison being a notable example. The Wisconsin Badgers, a member of the Big Ten Conference, often pack Camp Randall Stadium with enthusiastic fans.

The state also has several minor league teams, such as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (baseball), the Janesville Jets (hockey), and the Beloit Sky Carp, Eau Claire Express, and the La Crosse Loggers (baseball).

Wisconsin is also a top golf destination, having hosted prestigious events such as the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships, and the U.S. Open.

When it comes to entertainment beyond sports, Wisconsin offers a range of options. The state has several notable attractions, including:

• Deer District in Milwaukee: A vibrant area with trendy restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
• Packers Hall of Fame: Located inside Lambeau Field, it showcases the rich history of the Green Bay Packers.
• American Family Field: A ball game venue that offers a traditional American experience with tons of bratwurst.
• University of Wisconsin in Madison: A vibrant college town with a lively atmosphere and a range of entertainment options.

Wisconsin also offers a variety of performing arts and cultural experiences, as well as natural attractions and outdoor activities that cater to different interests and preferences.

Frequently asked questions