The Real Cost Of Paradise: Is San Pedro, Belize, Expensive?

San Pedro, Belize is one of the most expensive places in Central America, and the cost of living there is high. The average daily cost per person is $135, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. A couple can expect to spend around $2600 per month, including rent, if they live a simple lifestyle. However, this can quickly increase if they choose to eat out frequently, entertain regularly, or have their AC on most of the time.

When it comes to food and drinks, prices vary depending on the type of establishment. A beer in a regular bar costs around $3, while drinks like rum and coke are between $4-6. Eating local food, such as rice and beans or barbecue chicken, can be inexpensive, with meals costing around $10-14. On the other hand, resort restaurants and high-end tourist places will charge similar prices to those in the US.

Transportation costs can also add up, with water taxi rides and golf cart rentals being notable expenses.

Overall, while San Pedro offers a range of options for different budgets, it is generally considered an expensive destination.

Rent and accommodation

The cost of rent in San Pedro, Belize, can vary depending on location, season, and property type. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the rental market and accommodation options in this tropical destination.

Location and Seasonality

San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is one of the most expensive places in Central America due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The cost of rent can vary depending on the area you choose to live in. The high season for tourism typically lasts from mid-January through April, with the peak being the winter holidays around Christmas. During this period, accommodation prices tend to be at their highest.

On the other hand, the low season is the rest of the year, and the lowest prices can be found during the rainy season from June through November. This can be an excellent time to visit if you're looking for deals, as your money can go further during this period.

Types of Accommodation

San Pedro offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious.

• Budget Options: Backpackers and budget travellers can find cheap and basic one-star hotels in San Pedro. It is also possible to rent a small apartment or a very basic house for as little as $300 USD per month.
• Mid-Range Options: There is a range of pleasant hotels and villas available, with prices varying based on location, amenities, and season.
• Luxury Options: For those seeking a more luxurious experience, beachfront villas and high-end resorts are available, with prices ranging from a couple of thousand dollars per month upwards.

Utilities and Other Costs

When considering the cost of rent in San Pedro, it is essential to factor in additional expenses such as utilities, internet, and other services. Electricity and water can be expensive, especially if you are running air conditioning frequently. Internet costs can also be high, and you may need to budget for a cell phone plan as well.

Comparison with Other Areas

When comparing San Pedro to Belize City, the former is generally more expensive. According to one source, the average daily cost per person in San Pedro is $135, while it is $88 in Belize City. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

In conclusion, the cost of rent and accommodation in San Pedro, Belize, can vary significantly depending on your location, the time of year, and your chosen lifestyle. It is an expensive destination compared to other parts of Central America, but there are options available for those on a tighter budget if you are willing to be flexible and adapt to the local way of life.

Food and drink

San Pedro in Belize is known for its seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars along the beach, as well as in the town's main area.

Eating out

The average cost of food in San Pedro is $40 (BZ$80) per day, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. A meal in a cheap restaurant will cost around $9.50, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be around $30. A beer will cost you $2.50-$3.50, and a bottle of wine $27.

For cheap tacos, Lily's is recommended, where you can get three chicken tacos for 1 BZE dollar, or two pork tacos for 1 BZE dollar at the weekend. For seafood, Red Ginger is a good option, and they also do pizzas. Blue Water Grill is a good choice for sushi, and El Fogon is the place to go for authentic Belizean food. For Mexican food, Elvi's Kitchen is recommended, and for brunch, Estel's is the place to go.

Groceries

In the supermarket, a litre of milk will cost around $4.10, a loaf of bread $1.40, and a bottle of wine $27. A bottle of beer will be $3.10, and a sausage or cold cuts per kg will be $11.

Transport

The best way to get around Belize is by plane, taxi (including water taxis), shuttle, or car rental. The only international airport in Belize is Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. From there, you can either take a domestic flight to San Pedro or catch ground transportation, such as a taxi, shuttle, or car rental.

To get to the cayes from the mainland by water, you must first take a taxi or shuttle to a water taxi terminal. Belize City has water taxis to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye. Water taxis are the most affordable way to travel to these destinations. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, both offering daily departures. A direct water taxi ride from Belize City International Airport to Ambergris Caye takes about an hour.

In San Pedro, getting around is relatively inexpensive. The small island is walkable, especially in the town center. For longer distances, golf cart rentals are popular and cost around $25 to $75 per day. Taxis are also an option, with fares of around $10 BZE within the city and $40 USD for a ride to Secret Beach.

Buses are another affordable option for transportation in Belize, but they can be slow and crowded. They run on major highways and will stop whenever passengers request a stop or when the driver sees someone on the roadside.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in San Pedro, Belize, can vary depending on the area of the city and the type of housing. Here is a breakdown of the different utilities and their costs:

Electricity

Electricity in San Pedro is supplied by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and is relatively reliable in the city centre and on Ambergris Caye. The cost of electricity is around $0.17 to $0.22 per kWh, which is comparable to prices in the US, Canada, and the UK. However, areas like Secret Beach are "off-grid" and rely on solar power and generators, which can be more expensive.

Water and Sewerage

Water and sewerage services are provided by Belize Water Services (BWS) and are also reliable in the city centre and on Ambergris Caye. The water is desalinated and treated through reverse osmosis, making it safe to drink. The cost of water depends on consumption and is billed in blocks, with prices ranging from $12.80 for 0 to 1,000 gallons to $31.96 for 8,001+ gallons.

Some areas, such as north of the bridge and Secret Beach, are not connected to the municipal water supply and rely on cisterns and septic systems.

Internet and Phone Services

San Pedro has some of the fastest internet speeds in the region, with fibre optic connections available in certain areas. The main internet providers are Digi and Smart, offering high-speed and reliable connections. Cell service is also widely available across the city.

Transportation

Transportation costs can vary depending on the mode of transport chosen. For example, a water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro can cost around $205 round trip. Golf cart rental is also available, with prices varying by company and duration.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider when living in or visiting San Pedro include food and drink, which can be expensive, especially at tourist-oriented restaurants. Groceries can also be pricier, especially for imported items.

Overall, San Pedro's utility costs can vary depending on the area and the type of accommodation. The city centre and Ambergris Caye have reliable access to municipal utilities, while more remote areas may rely on alternative sources, such as solar power and cisterns.

Entertainment

San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination in Belize. The town offers a wide range of entertainment options for visitors, from cultural experiences to live music and adventurous activities.

Cultural Entertainment

The Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center is a highly-rated attraction that showcases local Belizean culture, specifically the dynamic Garifuna culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional Garifuna food, drumming, dancing, music, and a historical video. The center is owned and operated by a local Belizean Garifuna family, who offer a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Live Music and Nightlife

San Pedro's nightlife and entertainment scene cater to a diverse range of tastes. Over-water bars and restaurants come alive in the evenings with live DJs and musicians. Alaia Belize offers an exclusive experience with live Cuban entertainment on Havana Nights and jazz nights at their Piano Bar. Elvi's Kitchen, a fine dining establishment, features jazz nights and acoustic guitar performances. Palapa Bar and Grill, a popular over-water bar and restaurant, offers live entertainment daily, with a different band or singer each night.

For a unique experience, Wahoo's Lounge hosts a 'Chicken Drop' event every Thursday, where people bet on chicken poop, accompanied by a DJ. Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill hosts beach nights on weekends with live DJs and musicians, including live Reggae Jam music on Mondays. Wayo's, another over-water bar, features live entertainment from Thursday through the weekend, with local musicians and DJs.

Adventurous Activities

San Pedro also offers a range of adventurous activities for thrill-seekers. Deep-sea fishing, cave tubing, and zip-lining are popular choices. Exploring the Great Blue Hole and discovering mystical Mayan ruins are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Snorkelling trips are also abundant, with many companies offering similar 3-stop snorkelling adventures.

Tours

Various tours are available in San Pedro, providing a more structured exploration of the area. The Best of San Pedro Town walking tour, the 3-Hour Barrier Reef Tour, and the Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour are just a few examples.

With its diverse range of entertainment options, San Pedro, Belize, has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for visitors.

Frequently asked questions