Cost of living in Belize in 2026

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator21 January 2026 04:36:08

15299

Hello everyone,

Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in Belize, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Belize or already living there.

Here are some points to guide you; the idea is to provide average prices for each category:

What is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in Belize?

What are the typical fares for public transportation such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?

Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?

How much does health insurance cost? What is the price of a medical consultation in Belize?

What are the tuition fees for children?

What are the average monthly costs for utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans?

How much do you spend monthly on leisure activities?

If there are other expenses you find relevant, please feel free to share them!

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

See also

Marriage in Belize - Guide
Cost of Living in Belize in 2021 - 16 Replies
Cost of Living in Belize in 2020 - 1 Reply
Cost of living 2019 in Belize - 2 Replies
Costs of moving from U.S. to Belize- Insight needed - 181 Replies
Cost of living in Belize - 2017 - 30 Replies
Cost of living in Belize 2015 - 20 Replies

gbeharie200 New member

Member since 09 December 2025

gbeharie200New member02 February 2026 16:08:54

Belize can be a more affordable place to live than the U.S. or Canada—but there’s an important reality to understand. Your cost of living largely depends on how you choose to live day to day.

Key factors that affect your cost of living in Belize:

Embracing local foods and lifestyle helps keep expenses lower

Living strictly like a Northerner can increase costs

Imported and processed foods are more expensive

Exported alcohol and frequent air-conditioning use raise monthly bills

Example: A small block of cheese can cost around 10 BZD (5 USD) in Belize, compared to about $2 USD in North America

On the other hand, living more like a local can make Belize very affordable and deeply rewarding.

Ways many people save money while enjoying life in Belize:

Eating local staples such as rice and beans with stewed meat

Buying fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables from local markets

Adopting a simpler, more outdoor-focused lifestyle

No matter how you look at it, the lifestyle, natural beauty, and rich culture of Belize are truly special. Even if you choose the “best of both worlds” by keeping some comforts from back home, many people find it well worth paying a little extra for the quality of life Belize offers.

this free ebook was very helpful :

[link moderated]