Belize's Low-Cost Living Areas

Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction with an established offshore financial services sector. The cost of living in Belize is dependent on your lifestyle and location. It is generally 50% cheaper than in the USA, with a couple from North America able to survive on $1000 per month, although $1500 would be more reasonable.

The key to a low cost of living in Belize is to live like a local. This means buying locally grown foods, which are far cheaper than imported goods, and using public transport or walking.

The cost of living in Belize is also dependent on the type of housing you choose. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option, with concrete homes being more expensive. The price of housing also depends on location, with properties closer to the beach or town centre costing more.

Healthcare in Belize is affordable, although not as efficient as in neighbouring countries. The public and private healthcare systems are available to both locals and expats, with the government investing in new clinics and medical services.

Housing costs

Housing is one of the most significant expenses in any personal budget, and Belize offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets. The style and location of your home will be the primary factors influencing the cost of housing in Belize. Basic, traditional Belizean wooden homes are the most economical option, typically featuring one or two bedrooms, a simple kitchen, and a seating area. These homes usually don't have air conditioning and often have shutters over screened windows instead of glass. Concrete homes, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive but offer more conveniences and are available in a broader range of sizes.

The location of your home will also impact the cost. If you choose to live in popular expat or tourist communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, you can expect to pay higher rents, especially if you want to live close to the beach or the town centre. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month. On the other hand, in inland Belize, you can find more affordable options, such as a two-bedroom home in San Ignacio for as low as $600 per month.

If you prefer to buy a home, the Cayo District offers an affordable option, with two or three-bedroom homes with gardens available for less than $150,000. Outside of high-cost tourist areas, it is also possible to build your own home for $30 to $60 per square foot or purchase a modern home for $75,000 to $200,000. Property taxes in Belize are relatively low, rarely exceeding $100 to $400 per year, even for luxury homes.

Overall, the cost of housing in Belize is flexible and adaptable to your budget, with options available to suit a range of lifestyles and preferences.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Belize is generally lower than in Western countries such as the US. However, electricity is a notable exception and is quite expensive.

Electricity

The residential rate for electricity is $0.45 per kWh, which is significantly higher than the rate in North America and Europe, which is typically around $0.10 per kWh. As a result, electricity can be a major expense for those who use air conditioning. To save money, many people in Belize use ceiling fans and rely on the cooling breezes.

A couple living in a 2-bedroom home without an air conditioner may pay around $50 per month for electricity. In contrast, a couple running air conditioning units in both bedrooms at night could see their bill average around $150 per month.

Water

Water is inexpensive in Belize, with city water costing a couple anywhere from $20 to $50 per month. Rain catchment is also a common alternative, with many people using water tanks to collect rainwater and reduce their water bill.

Internet

Internet costs in Belize are reasonable, with basic 20 Mbps service available for around $25 per month. Faster speeds are also available, with 80 Mbps costing around $60 per month and 150 Mbps costing $100 per month.

Phone

Most people in Belize rely on cell phones rather than landlines. An unlimited talk and text plan with 8 GB of monthly data costs around $28 per month, while a larger plan with 66 GB of data is $78 per month.

Cooking Gas

Belize uses butane as its sole cooking gas, with the price regulated by the government. Expect to pay $3 or more per gallon.

Overall, while the cost of utilities in Belize is generally lower than in Western countries, electricity can be a significant expense, especially for those who use air conditioning. By conserving electricity and taking advantage of the country's natural cooling methods, it is possible to keep utility costs relatively low.

Food costs

The cost of food in Belize is generally considered to be high, especially when compared to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala. The country imports the vast majority of its goods, which results in higher prices. Basic necessities and imported items are particularly expensive.

However, the cost of food in Belize varies depending on location and lifestyle. For example, in tourist areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, eating out will be more expensive. In these areas, a meal at a sit-down restaurant can cost around $10 for breakfast, $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

To save money, it is recommended to eat like a local. Belize's national dish is stewed chicken, rice, and beans, which locals may eat daily as it is cheap to prepare and filling. This meal can be found for $6 to $8 at roadside stands.

In local shops, a simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall can cost around $5-7, while a couple of dollars will buy a Mexican-style tamale. A seafood BBQ will cost around $15-20.

Fresh produce is also readily available at reasonable prices, especially at farmers' markets, which can be found in every city and town.

Sample Food Costs in Belize

• Wheat Flour – $0.60/lb
• White Flour – $0.60/lb
• White Rice – $0.50/lb
• Whole chicken – $1.25/lb
• Breakfast Links – $6/pack
• A gallon of Milk – $3.50
• Coke – $2.50/litre
• Dr. Pepper – $1.25/can
• A loaf of Wheat Bread – $2.50
• Mozzarella/Cheddar Cheese (locally produced) – $8.00/lb
• Pork Chops – $3.00/lb
• Bananas (7) – $0.50
• Apples – $0.50 each
• Watermelon – $0.50/lb
• Fish Fillet – $8/lb – snapper, grouper
• A loaf of White Bread – $1.50

Transportation costs

Buses

Public transport is the cheapest way to get around Belize, with bus tickets costing between $1 and $15 depending on the distance travelled. Buses are available on all three of the country's major highways (Northern, Western, and Southern) and serve nearly all towns. The longest bus journey in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, takes between 5 and 7 hours and costs BZ$25.

Express buses, which are fast and comfortable, serve the main towns, while smaller villages off the main highways are served by slower local services. These local buses are often recycled North American school buses, which will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the roadside. They are also much less frequent, with some remote areas only receiving one bus per day, or none at all.

Taxis

Taxis are also available in Belize, with fares typically ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look, so it is important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi. Chauffeured golf carts are available for hire on Caye Caulker, and water taxis are the best way to access the country's many cayes.

Driving

For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental cars are easy to come by near the two major airports in Belize City. However, an international driving permit is required to drive in Belize. Driving can be challenging due to rustic roads and rainy weather conditions, so it is recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Gasoline is expensive, costing between US$5 and US$7 per gallon, so combining trips is recommended to save on fuel costs.

Air Travel

For those looking to travel between Belize's mainland and its islands, air travel is a convenient but expensive option. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer numerous daily flights from Belize City to popular destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Dangriga. Prices for these flights start at around BZ$70-90.

Healthcare costs

Belize has both public and private healthcare systems. The public system is available to everyone, including visitors, and treatments are quick and inexpensive. A visit to the doctor will usually cost $15 to $20. However, the public system often has more demand than supply, so those who can afford it may opt for the private system. Private healthcare is less expensive than in some other countries, but the costs can add up, especially for serious conditions. Therefore, it is common for residents to carry private medical insurance.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is rapidly improving and is generally more affordable than in the US. A visit to urgent care might cost $25, while more advanced lab work will cost around $200. For more advanced or specialised treatment, many people travel to Mexico, where the standard of care is higher and costs are still low compared to the US.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is also dependent on location. While there are hospitals and clinics in every major city and town, as well as many other population centres, much of the specialty healthcare is centred in Belmopan and Belize City. This means that those living outside of these areas may need to travel to access more advanced care.

The cost of medicine and pharmaceuticals in Belize is also relatively low, and pharmacies are generally well-stocked with common medications. Additionally, herbal remedies are popular in Belize, and practitioners of alternative medicine are easily accessible.

Insurance

There are a few private insurers that operate in Belize, and it is also possible that your insurance from your home country may be valid in Belize. It is recommended to talk to your insurance provider and your country's embassy in Belize to determine your options.

Sample Costs

• Hernia surgery: under $2,500
• Cataract surgery: up to $2,500 per eye
• Ambulance flight: $15,000 or more
• Doctor's visit: $15 to $20
• Urgent care visit: $25
• Lab work: $200

Frequently asked questions