| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Renting an apartment in Belmopan can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around $300 to $500 per month, while the same outside the city center may cost around $200 to $400. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $600 to $1,000 per month, and the same outside the city center can cost around $500 to $800. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of buying an apartment in Belmopan can also vary greatly. On average, the price per square meter in the city center can range from $1,000 to $1,500, while the same outside the city center can range from $600 to $1,000. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Belmopan is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around $1 to $2. A monthly pass can cost around $20 to $30. Taxi start rates are around $2 to $3, with a rate of around $2 to $3 per km. The price of gasoline is around $1 to $1.5 per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Belmopan can vary. On average, a liter of milk can cost around $1 to $1.5, a loaf of bread can cost around $1 to $2, a dozen eggs can cost around $2 to $3, and a kilogram of local cheese can cost around $5 to $7. A kilogram of chicken breast can cost around $5 to $7, a kilogram of beef round can cost around $7 to $10, and a kilogram of apples can cost around $2 to $3. |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Belmopan can also vary. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $5 to $10, a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $30 to $50, and a combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around $6 to $8. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an apartment in Belmopan, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $100 to $150 per month. Internet can cost around $50 to $70 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Belmopan can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, the annual tuition for preschool can range from $1,000 to $2,000, for elementary school can range from $2,000 to $4,000, for middle school can range from $3,000 to $5,000, and for high school can range from $4,000 to $6,000. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Belmopan
“The cost of living in Belmopan is considered to be relatively low compared to many other countries. Housing is quite affordable, with both rentals and property purchases costing significantly less than in many Western countries. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Groceries can be inexpensive, especially if you buy local produce and products. Imported goods, however, can be quite costly. Eating out at local restaurants is generally affordable, but dining at high-end establishments can be expensive. Transportation costs are also relatively low, especially if you use public transportation. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. Healthcare in Belmopan is generally affordable, but it’s worth noting that while the cost is low, the standard of care may not be as high as in more developed countries. Overall, while the cost of living in Belmopan is low, it’s important to remember that wages and salaries in Belize are also generally lower than in many other countries,” said one expat living in Belmopan.
Can I live in Belmopan on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Belmopan for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the US or Europe, but it’s not the cheapest place in Central America. Firstly, housing can be quite affordable, especially if you’re willing to live a bit outside the city center. Neighborhoods like Salvapan and San Martin are more affordable, with rents for a decent two-bedroom house or apartment ranging from $300 to $500 a month. On the other hand, areas like Cohune Walk and Maya Mopan are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tight budget. Food is another area where you can save a lot. Local produce and staples like rice and beans are very cheap, especially if you buy them at the local markets. Eating out can be affordable too, especially at local eateries. However, imported goods and dining at high-end restaurants can be quite expensive, so you might have to cut back on those. Utilities like electricity and internet can be a bit pricey, especially if you’re used to unlimited plans. You might have to be more mindful of your usage to keep your bills within your budget. Transportation is relatively cheap, especially if you use public buses. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance, so you might want to consider that. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. The public healthcare system is quite good and very affordable, but if you prefer private healthcare, you might want to get a good health insurance plan. Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can be quite affordable, especially outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring the many natural attractions Belize has to offer. However, activities like going to the movies or drinking at high-end bars can add up, so you might have to cut back on those. Overall, living in Belmopan on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. You might not be able to live exactly the way you’re used to, but you can certainly live comfortably and enjoyably,” commented an expat living in Belmopan.
Can I live in Belmopan on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Belmopan for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending and make some adjustments. For instance, while you can find modern amenities, they might not be as readily available or as high quality as you’re used to. You might have to give up certain luxuries like high-speed internet or the latest electronics. In terms of housing, there are affordable neighborhoods where you can find a decent place to live without breaking the bank. The areas around the University of Belize, such as Salvapan and San Martin, are quite affordable. You can find a nice house or apartment for around $500 to $800 a month. These areas are also close to local markets, so you can save money on groceries by buying fresh, local produce. On the other hand, there are more upscale neighborhoods like Cohune Walk and Mountain View where the cost of living is higher. Houses in these areas can go for $1,000 to $2,000 a month, so they might be out of your budget if you’re trying to live on $3,000 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable in Belmopan, and since the city is relatively small, you can get around easily by bike or on foot. If you insist on having a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the U.S., and maintenance costs can add up due to the rough road conditions. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you frequent touristy areas or high-end restaurants. But if you stick to local eateries or cook at home, you can eat well without spending a lot. Healthcare is another factor to consider. While healthcare in Belize is generally cheaper than in the U.S., the quality varies. There are good doctors and clinics in Belmopan, but for serious medical issues, you might need to go to Belize City or even out of the country. In conclusion, living in Belmopan on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation. But if you’re willing to adapt to the local lifestyle, you can live quite comfortably and enjoy all the beauty and culture that Belize has to offer,” said one expat living in Belmopan.
Can I live in Belmopan on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Belmopan for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than possible, it’s actually quite comfortable. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the US or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. The Cohune Walk and University Heights areas are particularly nice and affordable. They’re safe, quiet, and close to amenities like supermarkets and restaurants. On the other hand, areas like Mountain View and Orchid Garden Extension are a bit pricier. They’re beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but you might end up paying over $1,000 a month for rent there, which might not be the best use of your budget. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, you’re looking at around $200 a month. Food is also quite affordable. Local markets offer fresh produce at very reasonable prices, and you can get a decent meal at a local restaurant for around $10. Now, if you’re used to certain luxuries, like high-end dining or imported goods, you might have to adjust your expectations a bit. Imported goods can be quite expensive due to import taxes, and while there are some great restaurants in Belmopan, they might not be up to the standard you’re used to in a big city. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is cheap and reliable, and since Belmopan is a small city, you can get around easily by bike or on foot. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US. Healthcare is also affordable. There’s a public hospital in Belmopan, and private clinics are available for more specialized care. However, if you have a serious medical condition, you might need to travel to Belize City or even abroad for treatment. Overall, I’d say that living in Belmopan on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You might have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but in return, you get to live in a beautiful, friendly, and laid-back country,” commented an expat living in Belmopan.
