Caye Caulker, a charming island in Belize, offers a unique lifestyle with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.5 on average, with a range between $7 and $10.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33, with prices ranging from $26 to $40.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs between $2.5 and $3.5, averaging $3.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced between $4 and $5, with an average cost of $4.5.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $1 and $2, averaging $1.5.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water is priced between $1.5 and $2, averaging $1.75.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs around $4.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $2, with an average price of $1.83.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.6 to $4.8, averaging $4.2.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is priced at $11.02 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $1.5 and $2, averaging $1.75.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs between $20 and $25, averaging $22.5.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A domestic beer bottle costs between $1.79 and $2.65, averaging $2.22.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced between $2 and $3, averaging $2.5.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost between $6.61 and $8.82 per kg, averaging $7.72.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost between $6.61 and $10 per kg, averaging $8.31.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $5.51 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs between $2.5 and $4, averaging $3.17.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is consistently priced at $4.41 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas are priced at $1.1 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $4.41 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs $13.23 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $2.31 and $3.7 per liter, averaging $3.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares are $3.11 per km, with an hourly waiting charge of $5.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1000.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $750.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $1250.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $200 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services average $75.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $35.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$33.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.75
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.83
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.20
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$22.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.72
Apples (1kg)
$8.31
Potato (1kg)
$5.51
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.17
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.41
Banana (1kg)
$1.10
Onion (1kg)
$4.41
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.23
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$5.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$3.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.11
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$750.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,250.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$200.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$75.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$35.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$75.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$60.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$150.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$50.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,000.00
Caye Caulker Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Caye Caulker offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs can vary, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being significant considerations.

Conclusion

Living in Caye Caulker, Belize, provides a balance of affordability and island charm, making it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.

While some costs, such as housing in the city centre, can be higher, the overall expenses remain manageable for many.