Belize Living Costs: Paradise On A Budget?

Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction with an established offshore financial services sector. The cost of living in Belize depends on the lifestyle you want to lead. For example, a couple can live in Corozal or San Ignacio for less than $2,000 a month, while a single person in Belize City will spend around BZ$3,804 a month.

The cost of living in Belize is at least 50% cheaper than in the USA, according to expats. However, it is more expensive than other Central American countries like Costa Rica.

The key to keeping costs down is to live like a local. Eating the national dish of stewed chicken, rice and beans, which costs $6-$8, and shopping at local markets will help to keep food costs down.

Housing is the most significant expense in any budget. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home will be the most economical option, but prices increase for properties near the beach or in popular expat communities.

Other costs include utilities, transportation and healthcare.

Housing Costs

The cost of living in Belize is significantly lower than in the US, with expats reporting that it is at least 50% cheaper. However, the cost of living in Belize is higher compared to other desirable retirement countries in the region.

The cost of housing 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 homes are usually smaller and described as "no-frills".

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

Concrete homes are another option, offering more conveniences like air conditioning and a broader range of sizes. They tend to be more expensive than wooden homes.

In popular expat and tourist communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices can vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia, with air conditioning, can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month.

In smaller towns, it is possible to rent a pleasant house near the sea for $300 to $800 per month. Outside of high-cost tourist areas, it is possible to build for $30 to $60 per square foot or purchase an attractive, modern home for $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes are also low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 annually, even for luxury homes.

Additionally, it is worth noting that import taxes on motor vehicles in Belize are extremely high, making it more affordable to rely on public transportation or purchase used cars.

Healthcare Costs

Belize's healthcare system has been criticised for its lack of facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and equipment. However, the country has dedicated doctors who offer personal care and are easily reachable. In recent years, the government has invested in building new clinics and medical services, but much of the specialist healthcare is centred in Belmopan and Belize City.

Public healthcare in Belize is free or very inexpensive for Belizeans, but expats are expected to pay for all medical costs incurred. Public clinics operate on a donation basis, while treatment at a public hospital incurs a small fee. Private doctors and clinics charge higher fees but have shorter wait times and better facilities.

The cost of medical treatment in Belize is significantly lower than in the US, and some expats choose to self-insure. For example, hernia surgery typically costs under $2,500, and cataract surgery can cost up to $2,500 per eye.

However, the lack of advanced medical care is a common reason for expats to leave Belize, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. Many expats opt for international health insurance that covers emergency treatment and evacuation to the US or another country with better healthcare facilities.

Pharmacies in Belize are generally well-stocked and offer many medications over the counter that would require a prescription in the US. However, it is recommended to bring prescriptions to Belize, especially for specialised medications.

Dental care in Belize is of excellent quality and reasonably priced.

Food Costs

The cost of food in Belize is relatively high compared to neighbouring countries, and more in line with what you would expect to pay in the US. However, there are ways to save money on food. Eating at street stalls instead of restaurants is one way to do this, with a simple meal of rice, beans and protein costing around $5-7, and Mexican-style tamales costing a couple of dollars. A seafood BBQ, by comparison, will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices rise, with standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito costing around $10. A local specialty, stuffed fryjacks (deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese and meat), usually costs $8-10 a plate. 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 there is no menu or no price on the menu, be aware that you may be charged the market price, which could be higher than expected.

One way to save money is to shop like a local, relying on local items and produce rather than imported goods. For example, replacing Doritos, Lays or Pringles with locally-made tortilla chips or fried plantain chips. It is also worth shopping around at the various vegetable stands to find the freshest options.

For those living in Belize, the national meal of stewed chicken, rice and beans is a cheap and filling option, costing $6-8 at roadside stands.

The cost of living in Belize is also offset by the low cost of fresh produce, which is locally grown by Belizean farmers.

Import taxes are a primary source of government revenue and can be as high as 80% of the value of imported goods, so it is worth buying local produce where possible.

Transportation Costs

The cost of transportation in Belize varies depending on the mode of transport and the distance travelled. Here is a breakdown of the different transportation options and their associated costs:

Buses

Buses are the cheapest way to travel long distances in Belize, with tickets costing as little as BZ$1 to BZ$15 for longer trips. There are several bus companies operating along the Northern, Western, Hummingbird, and Southern highways, including Autotransportes De Oriente (ADO) and James Bus. However, buses tend to be run-down and routes can be difficult to navigate. In addition, buses in Belize do not have roof racks for bicycles, as is common in Guatemala.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient option for getting around Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately US$5 to US$7.50). It is important to note that regular taxis do not have fixed meter rates or a consistent look, so it is recommended to agree on a price before getting into the taxi. On Caye Caulker, chauffeured golf carts replace taxis, and can be rented for daily or weekly fees.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are readily available near Belize City's two major airports and are a good option for visiting outlying Maya sites. However, an international driving permit is required to drive in Belize. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, as some roads to the Maya sites can be rustic and challenging during rainy weather. Gasoline is expensive in Belize, costing about two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's numerous cayes (small, low-elevation islands). Tickets typically cost between BZ$21 and BZ$31 one-way. Multiple water taxi services, such as the San Pedro Belize Express, operate daily shuttle services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye.

Commuter Airlines

Commuter airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer daily flights from Belize City to popular destinations within the country. Prices vary depending on the route, airline, and season. Flights are a faster alternative to buses, especially for destinations that are not easily accessible by road.

Utilities Costs

Electricity in Belize is quite expensive, with a residential rate of around $0.45 to $0.52 per kWh, which is significantly higher than the $0.10 rate typically found in North America and Europe. A couple living in a 2-bedroom home without an air conditioner may pay around $50 per month, while those running air conditioning units can expect a bill of $150 or more per month.

Water is generally inexpensive in Belize, with city water costing as little as $20-$50 per month for a couple. Rain catchment is also a common alternative, with some residents using water tanks to collect rainwater and reduce their water bills.

Internet services in Belize are reasonably priced, with basic packages starting at around $25 per month, suitable for emailing and streaming. Higher-speed options are available for up to $100 per month.

Cable TV is available for $30 to $45 per month, offering a wide range of channels, including HBO, Food Network, CNN, Fox News, and various sports channels.

For mobile phone plans, unlimited talk and text plans with data can be purchased for around $28 to $78 per month, depending on the data allowance.

Overall, while some utilities like electricity and cable TV are more expensive in Belize compared to North America or Europe, others, such as water, internet, and mobile phone plans, are relatively affordable.

Frequently asked questions