How to Calculate the Cost to Retire in Belize

Co-authored by Kira Jan

Last Updated: December 20, 2021 References

Retiring in the beautiful, tropical country of Belize doesn’t have to break the bank—we’ll show you just how affordable it can be. Overall, the cost of living in Belize is a staggering 42% lower than in the U.S., though your location and lifestyle can affect your monthly expenses.^{[1]
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Research source} As you plan your retirement, we’ll give you an overview of the average cost of living in the most popular regions. Then, we’ll dive into a budget breakdown of typical monthly expenses so you can calculate how much it’ll cost to retire in Belize.

Method 1

Method 1 of 13:
Location

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In most places in Belize, a couple can live on $1,500 a month. However, touristy regions close to the coast tend to come with a higher cost of living. Check out these most popular regions for expats and retirees, along with estimates for your total monthly cost of living:^{[2]
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- The Toledo District in Punta Gorda ($1,200 per month):^{[3]
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  Research source} Pick this quiet town at the far southern end of Belize for the lowest cost of living in the country. However, you might not find the same modern amenities as the resort-like Cayes.^{[4]
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- The Corozal District ($1,500 per month): Live in the Corozal District if you'd like to hop over into the Mexican resort towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancún.
- The Cayo Region, San Ignacio ($1,500 per month): Enjoy Belize’s lush mountains and winding rivers in the Cayo Region. If you live in a home outside the main city, you can easily get by on your social security checks.
- Caye Caulker ($1,800 per month): Retire on this tropical island to get the smaller, more budget-friendly version of the tourist-favorite Ambergis Caye.^{[5]
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- The Placencia Peninsula ($2,500 per month): Get ready for 17 miles (27 km) of sandy beaches. While you can snag an oceanfront rental for $850 a month here, this former fishing village has become quite popular (and pricier) thanks to tourists.^{[6]
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- Ambergis Caye ($3,000 per month): Choose this ritzy island if you want to live like you’re on vacation.^{[7]
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  Research source} Rent alone is about $1,500 per month for an oceanfront condo.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 13:
Rent and housing costs

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You can rent a 1-bedroom city apartment for $550 a month in Belize. If the hustle and bustle of life in the city isn’t for you, check out apartments just outside of major towns like Belize City and Saint Ignacio. You’ll pay around $100 less per month, and you’ll get to step in and out of the city’s exciting cultural scene whenever you want.^{[9]
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- A small studio apartment can cost as low as $400 per month in Belize City and $275 outside of the city.
- A three-bedroom apartment can cost as low as $700 in the heart of the city and $600 just outside the city.
- If you’ve got $20,000 saved up, you can even purchase a 3-bedroom home on the mainland.^{[10]
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- To buy a condo at a resort property in a region like Ambergis Caye, you’ll pay $199,000 or more.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 13:
Utilities

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Budget $150 per month for general utilities. This estimate includes water, sewer, gas, electric, and garbage costs for two people. If you have children or other people living with you, you’ll likely pay more.^{[12]
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Research source} Fortunately, total costs for utilities in Belize tend to be 60% of utilities costs in the U.S.^{[13]
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- Look for newer condos and rentals with ENERGY STAR rated appliances to save money on electricity.^{[14]
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- You can still buy U.S. brand appliances, but they’ll cost more in Belize. For instance, a toaster that would cost $39 in the U.S. might cost $50-$60 in Belize.^{[15]
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Method 4

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Cellphone, internet, and cable

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Connectivity in Belize can be on the pricier side at $225 a month. A basic broadband internet package costs about $150, which is 2-3 times what you can expect to pay stateside. However, cable costs are on-par with U.S. prices at $25 a month, and you can plan to pay $50 for a monthly phone plan.^{[16]
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- Many expats choose satellite internet for around $120 per month for rural areas where fiber optic connectivity isn’t an option yet.^{[17]
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- Internet in Belize is expensive because a telecommunications company had a monopoly over the market until 2011.^{[18]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 13:
Healthcare

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As long as you’re a resident, you can receive free treatment from a state-run clinic. There are 60 state-run clinics throughout the country, and they’re equipped to address small health issues and offer routine checkups.^{[19]
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Research source} For bigger health issues, you also can opt to see a doctor at a private practice, where you’ll likely pay around $25 per visit.^{[20]
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Research source} However, for chronic illness, extensive lab tests, and surgery, you should choose to get treatment abroad, since the healthcare system in Belize is still developing.^{[21]
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- Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is the premier healthcare facility in the country, and it’s located in Belize City.
- You can become a resident of Belize through the Qualified Retirement Program (explained later on) or by residing in the country for 5 years.^{[22]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 13:
Transportation

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Gas typically costs around $6 a gallon in Belize. Importing a car can cost thousands of dollars, so many retirees opt to buy locally. Just keep in mind, there aren’t many paved roads throughout Belize, so choose a sturdy vehicle with four-wheel drive if you buy a car.^{[23]
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Research source} If you don’t want a car, that’s not a problem in Belize! Belize cities are very walkable, or you can hop around the city via cheap local buses. To move between cities, take an “express bus” for just a few dollars.^{[24]
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- Car parts can be twice as expensive in Belize as they are in the states.^{[25]
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- In resort towns like Ambergis Caye, people drive golf carts around instead of owning a car.^{[26]
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- You can get around Belize by taxi, but the taxis don’t have meters, and they can be expensive. Get ready to negotiate your fare in advance with your driver.^{[27]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 13:
Food and dining out

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Plan to spend $400-$600 a month on your grocery bill.^{[28]
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Research source} Pre-packaged food, especially from imported U.S. brands, will cost extra (usually double the price of local goods). If you’re not willing to switch up your favorite snack foods and go for local products and fresh produce, set aside 25%-50% of your budget for food.^{[29]
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Research source} If you enjoy Belize's tropical produce and eat like the locals, you’ll spend closer to 20% of your budget on food.^{[30]
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- Street food in Belize is cheap and tasty! Less than $1 can get you 3 tacos from a street vendor.^{[31]
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- A low-cost meal from a local eatery will cost around $5 per person.^{[32]
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- A three-course meal at a nice restaurant will cost about $30 for a couple (minus alcohol costs).
- A couple can get a five-star dining experience for $50.^{[33]
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Method 8

Method 8 of 13:
Entertainment

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Budget roughly $100 for entertainment each month. In addition to exploring Belize’s natural beauty and historic Maya ruins, you might want to go to the movies, attend sports games, or take up a hobby like scuba diving.^{[34]
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Research source} In general, entertainment expenses in Belize are about 60% cheaper than in the U.S., so you won’t have to spend a ton to have a great time.^{[35]
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- If you’d like to meet other expat retirees and find fun activities to do for free, you can join local clubs or volunteer organizations like the local Rotary Club.^{[36]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 13:
Personal care

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Your spending on toiletries and any personal care will likely be under $100 a month. To save a bit of money, stick to Central American brands, since imported products in Belize can cost up to 2 times as much. If you’re planning to purchase U.S. brands or specialty skincare products, factor the increased cost into your budget.^{[37]
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- A simple haircut in Belize will likely cost around 4 times less than in the U.S.^{[38]
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- Clothing prices in Belize are similar to prices in the U.S.^{[39]
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Method 10

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Online purchases

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You’ll pay a 20% import duty when you shop at online international retailers.^{[40]
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Research source} Big retailers like Amazon might ship some of their items to Belize, but they’re less likely to ship items sold through a third-party vendor. Fortunately, there’s a workaround to get the goods you want. If an online retailer won’t ship an item to Belize, you can hire a third-party package forwarder like Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE Belize) or Joseph Freight.^{[41]
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Research source} The price you pay will depend on your item’s size and weight.
- In addition to import duties, you’ll have to pay a general sales tax of 12.5% and an environmental tax of 3% for your online international purchases.^{[42]
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Method 11

Method 11 of 13:
Household help

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Minimum wage is about $1.65 (BZ $3.30) per hour in Belize.^{[43]
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Research source} You can hire a housekeeper for $60-100 per week, but the exact cost will vary depending on your region. In expensive places like Palencia and the Cayes, expect to pay on the higher end of that scale.^{[44]
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Research source} If you’d like to hire a gardener, you’ll probably spend around $65 per week if you’re paying minimum wage. However, professional landscapers will charge by the type and amount of work as opposed to a fixed fee.^{[45]
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Method 12

Method 12 of 13:
The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

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Become a resident and lower your moving expenses with this program. To qualify for the QRP, you must be able to deposit $24,000 each year into a local Belize bank account.^{[46]
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Research source} The approval process takes at least 3 months, but since delays are common, apply 6 months in advance.^{[47]
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Research source} Once you’re approved, the government will waive import fees on all your personal belongings and vehicles for 1 year. That means you can move to Belize without paying extra duties. If your application is accepted, you’ll also receive a QRP Resident Card which allows you to enter and exit the country as you please without a visa.^{[48]
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- You must be over 45 years old to apply.
- The $24,000 must come from a source outside Belize (it can’t be income you earn in Belize).
- Visit the Belize Tourism Board website to apply.

Method 13

Method 13 of 13:
Temporary visa costs

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After your first 30 days in Belize, you’ll pay $100 per month for a visa, unless you become a resident. The visa you’ll need is called a “vistor’s permit extension,” and it’s perfect if you’re still on the fence about relocating. To determine if you qualify for an extension, you’ll need to visit the nearest Belizean immigration office.^{[49]
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- You don’t need a visa for your first 30 days in Belize, as long as you’re a U.S. or Canadian citizen.^{[50]
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