Placencia, a picturesque village in Belize, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Placencia, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12 on average, with a range between $8.94 and $20.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $37, with prices ranging from $27.73 to $100.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.96, with a range between $7.92 and $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.75 to $5.95, imported beer $2.95 to $3.97, cappuccino $2.77 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $1.11.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.96 and $5 per liter, averaging $3.48.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.5.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs around $29.76 per kg.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs about $15.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - Domestic beer is priced at $2.65 per 0.5 liter bottle.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs around $3 per 0.33 liter bottle.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.78 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1200.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $700.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $91.49.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $80, with an average cost of $70.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages $50.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$12.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$37.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.39
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.48
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.50
Local Cheese (1kg)
$29.76
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.65
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.78
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,200.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$700.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$91.49
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$70.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$50.00
Placencia Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Placencia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries, especially in terms of dining and housing.

While some imported goods and utilities can be pricey, local products and services are generally more budget-friendly.

Renting outside the city centre can significantly reduce housing costs, and dining at local eateries offers great value.

Conclusion

Placencia, Belize, presents a unique blend of affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and long-term visitors.

Understanding the cost of living is essential for budgeting and planning, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this beautiful coastal village.