Cost of living in Belize City
Belize City, the largest city in Belize, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.94 on average, with a range between $3 and $11.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $39.5, with prices ranging from $24.76 to $60.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $4.46 and $7.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2 to $3, imported beer $2.48 to $4.5, cappuccino $2.97 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.5 and $5 per liter, averaging $3.1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.75 and $2, with an average price of $1.22.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.88 to $3, averaging $2.47.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.19 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $2.19 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.99 and $2, with a monthly pass priced at $20.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.52 and $3.75 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.98, with a cost of $3.96 to $4 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $198.05 to $700, averaging $354.64.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $148.54 to $450, averaging $249.65.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $643.68 to $1250, averaging $946.84.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $420.87 to $1100, averaging $673.62.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is approximately $200.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost around $42.09.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.12 to $65, with an average cost of $54.71.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 23 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.94
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$39.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.95
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.00
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.10
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.22
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.47
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.54
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.33
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.66
Apples (1kg)
$5.77
Oranges (1kg)
$1.76
Potato (1kg)
$3.08
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.08
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.01
Tomato (1kg)
$3.06
Banana (1kg)
$1.43
Onion (1kg)
$2.40
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.96
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.96
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$10,514.56
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.98
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.98
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$354.64
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$249.65
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$946.84
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$673.62
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$42.09
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$54.71
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$49.65
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$30.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$0.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$11.71
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.39
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$28.69
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$82.26
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$115.73
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$200.00
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,503.47
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
12.5%
Belize City Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Belize City offers relatively affordable dining options, especially in casual settings.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and apples being more expensive.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and taxi fares.
Housing is reasonably priced, particularly outside the city centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to an overall manageable cost of living.
Conclusion
Belize City presents a cost of living that is generally affordable, especially in terms of dining and transportation.
While some grocery items and utilities may be on the higher side, the overall expenses remain manageable.
This makes Belize City an attractive option for those looking to balance cost with quality of life.
Belize City