Cost of Living in Belize - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Belize
Address: BZ

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $561 including rent across Belize.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $816 including rent across Belize.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,071 including rent across Belize.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.76 BZD 17.53

$3.92 BZD 7.84

$14.71 BZD 29.42

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.92 BZD 65.9

$24.33 BZD 48.68

$73.4 BZD 147

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.62 BZD 15.24

$7.59 BZD 15.18

$10.16 BZD 20.32

Cappuccino

$3.55 BZD 7.11

$2.82 BZD 5.64

$5.58 BZD 11.16

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.28 BZD 2.55

$1.00 BZD 2.01

$2.03 BZD 4.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.25 BZD 2.50

$0.50 BZD 1.01

$2.02 BZD 4.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.46 BZD 4.93

$1.73 BZD 3.45

$3.90 BZD 7.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.04 BZD 8.08

$2.98 BZD 5.96

$4.54 BZD 9.09

Milk (1 liter)

$2.90 BZD 5.81

$1.26 BZD 2.51

$5.03 BZD 10.07

White Bread (500g)

$1.41 BZD 2.82

$0.74 BZD 1.48

$2.46 BZD 4.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.62 BZD 5.23

$0.99 BZD 1.98

$4.37 BZD 8.74

Eggs

$2.44 BZD 4.89

$1.52 BZD 3.04

$3.71 BZD 7.42

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.11 BZD 18.23

$4.68 BZD 9.36

$29.90 BZD 59.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.38 BZD 12.76

$3.93 BZD 7.86

$11.25 BZD 22.50

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.18 BZD 14.37

$4.09 BZD 8.18

$13.52 BZD 27.04

Apples (1kg)

$5.89 BZD 11.78

$2.25 BZD 4.50

$10.26 BZD 20.53

Banana (1kg)

$1.11 BZD 2.21

$0.99 BZD 1.98

$2.16 BZD 4.33

Oranges (1kg)

$1.67 BZD 3.34

$0.49 BZD 0.98

$3.23 BZD 6.46

Tomato (1kg)

$3.10 BZD 6.20

$1.08 BZD 2.16

$5.41 BZD 10.82

Potato (1kg)

$3.02 BZD 6.03

$1.53 BZD 3.06

$4.49 BZD 8.99

Onion (1kg)

$2.52 BZD 5.05

$1.53 BZD 3.05

$3.35 BZD 6.70

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.78 BZD 5.56

$1.02 BZD 2.04

$4.07 BZD 8.15

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.16 BZD 2.33

$0.73 BZD 1.46

$1.97 BZD 3.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.90 BZD 9.81

$3.90 BZD 7.81

$7.31 BZD 14.62

Wine (Bottle)

$15.09 BZD 30.18

$8.05 BZD 16.10

$32.37 BZD 64.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.01 BZD 4.02

$1.23 BZD 2.47

$2.61 BZD 5.23

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.76 BZD 5.52

$1.50 BZD 3.00

$4.53 BZD 9.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 BZD 4.04

$1.00 BZD 2.00

$4.04 BZD 8.09

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$20.80 BZD 41.60

$19.62 BZD 39.24

$21.98 BZD 43.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.47 BZD 6.94

$3.46 BZD 6.92

$3.99 BZD 7.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.52 BZD 7.04

$2.97 BZD 5.94

$4.95 BZD 9.91

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.18 BZD 20.36

$5.12 BZD 10.23

$15.24 BZD 30.49

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.87 BZD 3.73

$1.59 BZD 3.18

$2.02 BZD 4.04

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$10.3K BZD 20.7K

$10.3K BZD 20.6K

$10.3K BZD 20.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$21.1K BZD 42.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$133 BZD 267

$42.87 BZD 85.8

$379 BZD 758

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$49.58 BZD 99.2

$34.92 BZD 69.9

$49.77 BZD 99.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$56.0 BZD 112

$34.45 BZD 68.9

$79.3 BZD 159

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.12 BZD 70.3

$25.01 BZD 50.0

$44.88 BZD 89.8

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$6.50 BZD 13.01

Cinema Ticket

$10.27 BZD 20.54

$8.36 BZD 16.73

$14.90 BZD 29.80

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

$63.6 BZD 127

$28.62 BZD 57.3

$98.6 BZD 197

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$679 BZD 1,358

$351 BZD 702

$1,007 BZD 2,014

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$36.45 BZD 72.9

$9.83 BZD 19.66

$74.2 BZD 148

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$26.62 BZD 53.3

$12.30 BZD 24.61

$59.6 BZD 119

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.3 BZD 171

$37.14 BZD 74.3

$117 BZD 234

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$69.9 BZD 140

$37.17 BZD 74.4

$124 BZD 249

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$415 BZD 830

$198 BZD 395

$996 BZD 1,991

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$357 BZD 715

$151 BZD 301

$753 BZD 1,506

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$677 BZD 1,354

$495 BZD 990

$984 BZD 1,968

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$636 BZD 1,272

$302 BZD 605

$1,260 BZD 2,520

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,448 BZD 2,896

$200 BZD 401

$2,695 BZD 5,391

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,610 BZD 3,219

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,149 BZD 2,298

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

13.83

7.5

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

Last update: June 16, 2026

Cost Breakdown

National average salary: $1,422. With average costs at $561, the salary-to-cost ratio is favorable for most workers.

Expect to spend about $133 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $16.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($561) is 58% below the global median of $1,333.

Average rent ($269) is 57% below the global median of $624.

Dining out ($16.00) is 67% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($3.00) is 91% below the global median of $33.00.

By City in Belize

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Belize City	63999	55	$793	$1,097	$1,694	$2,205	274.07	77.12
2	Belmopan	14000		$670	$1,108	$1,609	$2,158	56.07	64.52
3	Benque Viejo	6100						62.1	54.54
4	Carmelita	-						82.59	49.82
5	Caye Caulker	-	95	$836	$1,858	$2,224	$3,513	74.63	56.79
6	Corozal	10000		$245	$224	$474	$1,471	209.53	72.06
7	Dangriga	9600		$92.8	$104	$265	$249	37.48	38.38
8	Hopkins	-		$385	$410	$873	$958	166.03	76.54
9	Ladyville	5400		$157	$285	$275	$803	214.14	77.15
10	Little Belize	2800						303.39	50.22
11	Orange Walk	14500		$33.62	$30.49	$64.0	$61.5	197.71	78.48
12	Placencia	-		$404	$1,230	$1,054	$1,130	155.94	52.05
13	Punta Gorda	6000		$344	$306	$854	$860	503.48	35.62
14	San Ignacio	17878		$317	$711	$1,010	$1,064	155.03	53.02
15	San Pedro	15456		$805	$1,619	$1,609	$2,667	112.06	72.8
16	Trial Farm	4000						38.3	49.82

Belize Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Belize - Frequently Asked Questions

Belize offers a mix of value that depends on location and lifestyle. Cost of Living in Belize varies by region, with inland towns and smaller cities offering more affordable housing and daily needs, while coastal resorts and popular islands push up prices for lodging and dining. For remote workers, longer stays often unlock better value, especially outside peak tourist seasons. Utilities and internet tend to be reliable, and public transport is reasonably priced, though longer journeys can feel costly if you rely on private taxis. The key to value is choosing neighborhoods that fit your routine and avoiding crowded tourist strips. Tip: Start with a flexible plan, test a few areas, and adjust your budget as you settle.

Daily life depends on where you base yourself. Start your housing search by exploring neighborhoods that match your pace – coastal towns often offer a mix of short-term rentals near beaches and longer-term streets inland. Local markets and family-owned eateries provide fresh produce and affordable meals, while tourist-focused restaurants nearby can be pricier. Transport commonly relies on buses, shuttles, and shared vans; renting a scooter or car is common for wider exploration. For digital nomads, coworking spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi appear across towns, with quieter options in residential areas. Belize living cost varies by district, so factor commute and lifestyle when choosing a base. Tip: Take a few weeks to sample neighborhoods and use a simple weekly budget to compare options.

Quality of life in Belize hinges on choosing a rhythm that fits your days. Use a simple budgeting framework: essentials (housing, groceries, utilities, internet), discretionary (eating out, activities), and an extra cushion for travel or repairs. Seasonality affects crowds and prices in some places, so plan longer stays during quieter periods if possible and adjust expectations for holidays. Neighborhood fit matters – coastal towns offer easy access to beaches and nightlife; inland districts can be calmer and more affordable, with closer ties to nature and local markets. Language is predominantly English, which helps daily errands and services. Tip: Build recurring monthly checks for rent, groceries, and utilities to track trends and stay flexible.

As a lower-cost destination, Belize attracts expats, retirees, and long-term visitors on fixed budgets. Smaller cities are especially wallet-friendly, while bigger centers charge more but remain competitive globally.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Belize drop fast. Carmelita is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$1,200 a month goes far in Belize, especially outside the big cities. It's a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.