Cost of Living in Belize

If you've ever considered moving to Belize, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Belize?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Belize and whether the reported $1523 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $892.52.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Belize
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

5.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

28.74 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.48 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.28 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.07 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.72 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.15 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.32 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.1 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.12 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

8.36 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.62 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

5.06 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.17 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.18 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.27 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.54 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.5 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.1 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.28 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.16 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.86 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.93 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.91 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.75 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

22.41 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.5 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

3.72 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

13.68 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.7 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

28644.64 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

33558.52 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

81.89 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.28 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

69.6 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

39.92 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

8.28 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7.95 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

173.96 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

--

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

36.51 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

28.19 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

85.8 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

102.51 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

349.78 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

230.57 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

829.5 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

556.2 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

997.4 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1147.61 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

892.52 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

10.83 %

Belize

How Safe Is Belize for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Belize

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Belize is not the safest destination for tourists visiting Central America, as it’s filled with petty and violent crime, and most of it is centered in Belize City. You should take precautions on the streets of major cities and after dark.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transport is actually not that bad in Belize. The quality of roads isn't too bad, and the roads are constantly getting better. In fact, Northern, Southern, and Hummingbird Highways are now among the best ones in Latin America and rival many in the developed world. You should only ride in licensed taxis, and you will know them by their green license plates. The thing to watch out for in Belize is roadway robbery. Rarely, if ever, armed robberies on highways can happen, but they usually happen at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Belize and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Petty theft tends to spike during spring break and winter holidays when the tourist seasons start. If you're there during that time, be extra cautious. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, or better yet, leave them in your accommodation and take only the cash you plan to use that day.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many natural disasters that hit Belize regularly, causing substantial damage, especially in agriculture, among which are hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The worst damage occurs during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

The most violent crime that happens in the country has to do with rival gangs battling for territory. Few incidents of violent crime are targeted at foreigners. But when the incidents occur, they sure are nasty and it would be better to just avoid being near any type of incident on the street. What might affect visitors are muggings and other assaults and they mostly happen at night, which means you are highly advised to take a cab if you intend to go anywhere after sunset.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Belize's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are common in Belize, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront, and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you. Also, be careful around children as they're probably trying to distract you too - they are skillful pickpockets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

It isn’t a good idea for a woman to be going anywhere alone in Belize. It isn’t safe even for groups of people to be walking along with Belize during the night, or for men during the day, so it would be best for women to hit the streets accompanied by someone. It goes without saying that you should stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not require a visa in order to enter Belize. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months past the date of your arrival. You may be asked to present a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover your stay. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments such as hotels, restaurants and shops.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Belize’s climate can be described as sub-tropical, with high humidity that is most noticeable and prominent along the coastline. The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the country’s dry season.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the busiest airport in the country, serving Belize's largest city, Belize City along the eastern coast of Central America. It is located about 30 minutes drive from Belize City's centre, in Ladyville.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Belize, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Belize with other countries

Cost of living in countries