San Ignacio, a charming town in Belize, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.

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 $10.5 on average, with a range between $6 and $15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.5, with prices ranging from $20 to $45.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $4, imported beer $4 to $5, cappuccino $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $2.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $8 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.5.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $4.8.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas) - Apples cost $5 per kg, while bananas are $2.2 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions) - Potatoes and onions are priced at $1.5 per kg, and tomatoes at $3 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.43 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares for one hour of waiting are $10.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $375 to $600, averaging $487.5.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $275 to $350, averaging $312.5.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $600.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $500.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $225.
  • Internet - Internet services average $88.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in February, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$10.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$32.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$8.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$8.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.80
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.25
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.85
Apples (1kg)
$5.00
Potato (1kg)
$1.50
Tomato (1kg)
$3.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.20
Onion (1kg)
$1.50
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.43
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$487.50
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$312.50
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$600.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$500.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$225.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$88.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$40.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,000.00
San Ignacio Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

San Ignacio offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a variety of options from casual to mid-range restaurants.

Grocery prices are moderate, though some items like milk can be on the higher side. Transportation costs are low, making it easy to get around the city.

Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, and utilities are moderately priced. Overall, San Ignacio provides a balanced cost of living with opportunities for savings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, San Ignacio, Belize, presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and transportation options.

While some grocery items may be priced higher, the overall expenses remain manageable, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.