Cost of Living in Belize City - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,085 monthly including rent, or $746 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,646 with rent, or $1,320 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,206 including rent, or $1,895 for daily expenses alone.

Currency
Do you live in Belize City? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.19 BZD 12.39
$3.94 BZD 7.88
$10.83 BZD 21.66
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$39.07 BZD 78.2
$24.49 BZD 48.99
$73.9 BZD 148
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.83 BZD 11.66
$4.35 BZD 8.70
$7.31 BZD 14.63
Cappuccino
$3.58 BZD 7.15
$2.90 BZD 5.80
$4.89 BZD 9.77
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.35 BZD 2.71
$0.99 BZD 1.98
$1.98 BZD 3.95
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29 BZD 2.59
$0.49 BZD 0.99
$1.98 BZD 3.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.23 BZD 4.46
$1.97 BZD 3.95
$2.97 BZD 5.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.60 BZD 7.20
$2.55 BZD 5.10
$4.63 BZD 9.26
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.18 BZD 6.37
$1.54 BZD 3.08
$5.13 BZD 10.27
White Bread (500g)
$1.24 BZD 2.49
$0.99 BZD 1.97
$1.97 BZD 3.95
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.18 BZD 4.36
$0.99 BZD 1.97
$3.52 BZD 7.04
Eggs
$2.42 BZD 4.85
$1.92 BZD 3.85
$3.07 BZD 6.14
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.11 BZD 14.21
$4.64 BZD 9.29
$9.97 BZD 19.94
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.65 BZD 13.30
$4.45 BZD 8.90
$13.47 BZD 26.94
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.59 BZD 11.19
$3.53 BZD 7.06
$7.25 BZD 14.50
Apples (1kg)
$3.92 BZD 7.83
$2.23 BZD 4.47
$11.24 BZD 22.48
Banana (1kg)
$1.46 BZD 2.93
$1.02 BZD 2.03
$2.23 BZD 4.46
Oranges (1kg)
$2.11 BZD 4.21
$0.98 BZD 1.97
$3.24 BZD 6.48
Tomato (1kg)
$3.02 BZD 6.04
$1.08 BZD 2.16
$4.95 BZD 9.90
Potato (1kg)
$2.87 BZD 5.74
$1.95 BZD 3.91
$4.31 BZD 8.61
Onion (1kg)
$2.37 BZD 4.74
$1.11 BZD 2.22
$3.05 BZD 6.11
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.26 BZD 4.51
$1.01 BZD 2.02
$4.08 BZD 8.17
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.94 BZD 1.89
$0.31 BZD 0.63
$1.57 BZD 3.14
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.86 BZD 7.73
$2.91 BZD 5.83
$7.77 BZD 15.54
Wine (Bottle)
$11.09 BZD 22.18
$7.40 BZD 14.80
$32.44 BZD 64.9
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.81 BZD 3.62
$1.24 BZD 2.47
$2.21 BZD 4.43
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.30 BZD 6.60
$1.23 BZD 2.46
$4.95 BZD 9.91
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.03 BZD 4.06
$1.52 BZD 3.05
$4.04 BZD 8.08
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.73 BZD 39.46
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.94 BZD 7.88
$3.90 BZD 7.80
$4.90 BZD 9.81
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$4.08 BZD 8.16
$4.06 BZD 8.12
$4.10 BZD 8.21
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.88 BZD 3.76
$1.85 BZD 3.70
$1.95 BZD 3.91
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$10.4K BZD 20.7K
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$206 BZD 412
$41.77 BZD 83.6
$370 BZD 741
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$50.2 BZD 100
$25.14 BZD 50.3
$50.2 BZD 100
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.2 BZD 110
$39.46 BZD 78.9
$65.6 BZD 131
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$28.20 BZD 56.4
$24.31 BZD 48.63
$34.37 BZD 68.8
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$2.45 BZD 4.90
-
Cinema Ticket
$8.20 BZD 16.40
$4.85 BZD 9.70
$14.61 BZD 29.22
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$65.5 BZD 131
$29.46 BZD 58.9
$102 BZD 203
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$677 BZD 1,355
$350 BZD 700
$1,005 BZD 2,009
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.00 BZD 74.0
$31.80 BZD 63.6
$39.52 BZD 79.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.92 BZD 53.8
$12.15 BZD 24.31
$44.18 BZD 88.4
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$81.2 BZD 162
$36.83 BZD 73.7
$98.7 BZD 197
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$88.5 BZD 177
$36.86 BZD 73.7
$123 BZD 247
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$277 BZD 553
$196 BZD 392
$441 BZD 881
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$183 BZD 365
$151 BZD 303
$226 BZD 452
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$619 BZD 1,239
$555 BZD 1,110
$653 BZD 1,306
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$346 BZD 691
$271 BZD 543
$417 BZD 834
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$202 BZD 405
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,204 BZD 2,409
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.83
7.5
15

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $277 for a central one-bedroom, or $183 outside the center. At 23% of the average salary ($1,204), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,204, while typical expenses reach $1,085. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,627.

Expect to spend about $257 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $39.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $19.73 per month.

Cost Highlights

Belize City has the 10th cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in North America

Gasoline is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

Belize City Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Belize City - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Belize City, Belize for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value here?
Belize City sits in a practical middle ground for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want value without sacrificing access to services. For short stays, you’ll find affordable local meals, fresh produce, and transportation options that fit a modest budget. Longer stays open up housing choices – from simple apartments to guesthouses – that can keep monthly costs predictable if you shop around and negotiate. Cost of Living in Belize City, Belize varies by neighborhood, with waterfront areas and the historic quarter edging higher than inland residential pockets. Tip: Build a flexible weekly budget and test a couple of neighborhoods before you commit.
What’s daily life like in Belize City, Belize for housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Belize City, Belize living cost varies by neighborhood and lifestyle, so you tailor your budget as you settle in. Daily life blends easy access to the sea with practical urban amenities. For housing, start with local rental listings and guesthouses; longer stays often secure better weekly or monthly rates. Food options range from crowded markets to small eateries and waterfront fish shacks – delicious yet budget-friendly if you pace your meals. Transport is flexible: taxis, bicycles, and occasional buses cover most routes, while rideshares vary by operator. If you work remotely, seek out a coworking space with reliable Wi‑Fi and a quiet corner café. Tip: Map a couple of go-to neighborhoods and keep cash on hand for small vendors.
What makes quality of life here good for budgeting, seasonal planning, and neighborhood fit?
Belize City offers a warm, approachable vibe with sea access and manageable services, making daily life feel relaxed yet active. To maintain quality of life on a simple budget, adopt a three-pile plan: housing, daily needs, and discretionary experiences. In practice, test different neighborhoods – Fort George for walkability and culture, Riverside for calmer evenings, and Caribbean Shores for breezy coastal access – and choose based on your daily rhythms. Seasonality matters: the dry season brings more events and higher availability, while the rainy season can reduce prices and crowding. Tip: Build a flexible calendar that pairs with a no-surprise emergency fund and seasonal pacing.
Is Belize City expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Belize City is moderately priced at about $1,085 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Belize City?
About 23% of the average paycheck in Belize City goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
What is a good salary in Belize City?
Earning $1,627 monthly in Belize City means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Belize City?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Belize City range from $183 to $277, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Belize City?
A regular gym membership in Belize City costs around $28.20 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Belize City?
Expect to spend around $257 per month on groceries in Belize City. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Belize City?
Living on $1,000 in Belize City means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,085. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Belize City a good place to live?
Living in Belize City means access to vibrant nightlife, coastal lifestyle, beach access at about $1,085 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Can you save money living in Belize City?
Monthly expenses in Belize City run around $1,085, so putting money aside takes more than $1,627 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Belize City good for backpackers?
Budget travel in Belize City works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,085 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

Belize City vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities