Belize: Cost Of Living Dreams

Belize is an attractive prospect for expats, with a low cost of living, a warm climate, and a laid-back lifestyle. The cost of living in Belize is estimated to be 31% lower than in the US, with rent prices 75% cheaper. However, it is more expensive than other Central American countries.

The cost of living in Belize varies depending on location and lifestyle. A couple could live on $1000 a month, but this would be a stretch, and $2000 a month is a more realistic budget.

Housing is a significant expense, with prices increasing for beachfront properties or those closer to the town centre. A two-bedroom apartment in a desirable area could cost $1200 to $1500 per month.

Food is also a large expense, with the high cost of imported goods driving some to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala. Eating out in tourist areas can be expensive, but locals eat Belize's national dish of stewed chicken, rice, and beans for as little as $6 to $8 at a roadside stand.

Healthcare in Belize is affordable, with an urgent care trip costing around $25 and lab work around $200. However, the standard of care is lower than in the US, and for more advanced medical work, many choose to travel to Mexico.

Transport costs can be kept low, with many residents walking or using a golf cart to get around. However, gasoline is expensive, at over $7 a gallon, and import taxes on motor vehicles are high.

Overall, Belize offers a low-cost option for expats, but it is important to consider other factors such as crime and corruption before making the move.

Housing costs

The location of the property also plays a significant factor in the cost of housing. Popular expat and tourist communities like San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker tend to be more expensive, especially if the property is located near the beach or the town centre. For example, 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 contrast, a one-bedroom apartment on the water in Cayo, within walking distance to the town, may cost around $1,000 per month.

Outside of the tourist areas, housing costs can be significantly lower. In small towns, it is possible to rent a pleasant house near the sea for $300 to $800 per month, or even less. Land can be purchased for as little as $200 per acre, and building costs can range from $30 to $60 per square foot. Buying an existing modern home can cost anywhere from $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes are also relatively low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 per year, even for luxury homes.

Overall, Belize offers a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets, and it is possible to find suitable accommodation regardless of your financial situation.

Healthcare costs

Belize's healthcare system has been criticised for its lack of facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and equipment. The country has fewer than 400,000 residents, and so it does not have the tax revenue to fund a large number of public hospitals. However, the country's doctors are dedicated and caring, and medical attention is more personal. The standard of healthcare is low, and many expats opt for international health insurance to cover the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for emergency treatment.

The Ministry of Health in Belize is responsible for the healthcare sector and has implemented significant reforms to improve the standard of healthcare in the country. The healthcare sector comprises both publicly and privately run healthcare facilities, which are financed through public and local private health insurance schemes. The system provides all citizens and residents with free or low-cost healthcare services from public providers.

Public hospitals and clinics offer very low-cost or free healthcare services, but this often results in long waiting times. A Belize Health Information System (BHIS) card is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility, including expats.

Expats are liable to pay for all medical costs incurred for healthcare services at public or private facilities. Private healthcare providers in Belize City cater to expats and global citizens, but these facilities are expensive.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also two excellent private hospitals in the city: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expats prefer these private hospitals for their superior and more comprehensive care. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals.

There are no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins, but the public polyclinic on Ambergris Caye has expanded to offer 24-hour care with a doctor on call. In 2019, Ambergris Caye gained a rescue response team and ambulance called Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR).

The public hospitals provide basic medical specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics and OB-GYN. The cost of medical care in Belize is roughly half the cost of that in North America. A visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments costs around $70, including medication. An MRI averages $900.

Many locals and expats travel to Chetumal in Mexico or Melchor-Flores in Guatemala for more affordable medical and dental care.

Food costs

The cost of food in Belize is generally considered to be high, especially when compared to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala. This is partly due to the country's small size, which means that it imports the vast majority of its goods. Basic infrastructure can also make it hard to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

However, there are ways to save money on food in Belize. Eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants can be much cheaper. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans and some kind of protein from a street stall typically costs around $5-7, while a couple of dollars will buy you a Mexican-style tamale. In a sit-down restaurant, prices go up, with standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito costing around $10. Be sure to try the local specialty, stuffed fryjacks (deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat), which usually cost $8-10 for a plateful. Later in the day, you’ll 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 you want to eat like a local, the national dish of Belize is stewed chicken with rice and beans, which will fill you up for $6 to $8 at roadside stands.

For those on a budget, it's worth noting that some people find it hard to get excited about the food in Belize, with one source commenting that they felt they were receiving poor value for their money.

Transportation costs

The cost of transportation in Belize will depend on the mode of transport you choose and the distance you wish to travel.

The country has three major highways: the Northern, Western, and Southern highways. The Northern and Western highways are the easiest to navigate, while the Southern highway can be more challenging. The country is well-served by public transport, with buses being the cheapest and most efficient way to travel. The longest trip in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, takes between 5 and 7 hours and costs BZ$25. Commuter buses are available to transport passengers to popular attractions, but these buses are typically run-down and routes can be difficult to navigate.

For villages off the main highways, you'll need to rely on slower local services, often with just one bus a day running from Monday to Saturday. These buses are usually recycled North American school buses, which will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the roadside. Tickets are purchased from the conductor. In the most remote parts of the country, bus services may only operate once a day or not at all, and hitchhiking may be the only option.

Taxis are also available in Belize and are licensed and identified by their green license plates. They operate from special ranks in the centre of all mainland towns. There are no meters, so it's important to establish your fare in advance. Within towns, a BZ$8-10 fixed rate should apply. You can also negotiate taxi rides between cities, but this option can be quite expensive, typically costing at least US$60-100 per person for a three-hour ride.

Water taxis are the best mode of transportation to access Belize's numerous cayes (small, low-elevation islands). Water taxi tickets usually cost between BZ$25-45 and cannot be purchased in advance. Several companies operate daily shuttle services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye.

If you prefer to drive yourself, rental cars are available near the country's two major airports: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) and Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). However, you'll need to acquire an international driving permit, and it's recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle as some roads can be rustic and challenging to navigate. Gas is expensive in Belize, typically costing two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US.

For those looking to travel by air, commuter airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer daily transport from the country's airports to popular destinations. Prices vary depending on the route, airline, and season.

Utilities and vehicles

The cost of utilities in Belize is largely dependent on electricity usage, as electricity is quite expensive at $0.52 per KWh. An average monthly electricity bill can range from $200 to $400, depending on usage and the size of the residence. Water, on the other hand, is abundant and relatively inexpensive, with prices varying based on location. In Placencia, for example, water can be consumed straight from the tap at a cost of $0.005 per gallon.

For communication services, Belize offers a range of options. Cell phone plans with unlimited talk and text, along with data, can be purchased for around $28 to $78 per month. Internet services are also available, with basic 20 Mbps plans costing about $25 per month, and higher-speed plans of up to 150 Mbps available for $100 per month. Combo plans for phone and internet services can help reduce costs.

When it comes to vehicles in Belize, there are a few options to consider. Golf carts are a popular choice, especially in areas like Ambergris Caye, and typically cost around $10,000. For those seeking a more traditional vehicle, the cost of purchasing a car in Belize is significantly higher due to import duties, which can range from 30% to 90% for luxury vehicles. A decent 10-year-old, 4-cylinder SUV can cost between $5,000 to $10,000. New cars from dealerships can cost twice as much as they would in the US.

Alternatively, renting a car in Belize is an option, with daily rates starting from $79 to $94 on average. Car rental companies can be found at the airport and in various locations throughout the country. It is important to note that traffic congestion and toll roads may impact travel times, especially during rush hour.

Overall, the cost of utilities and vehicles in Belize can vary, but with careful planning and consideration, one can find ways to manage their budget effectively.

Frequently asked questions