Living in Belize: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Belize

Living in Belize

Last updated on Mar 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Belize is 393,000 people. The largest cities in Belize are Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, and Belmopan. Expats love living in Belize for its laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, and beautiful beaches. Life in Belize is often described as relaxed and peaceful, with a slower pace of life than many other countries. Popular foods in Belize include rice and beans, tamales, fry jacks, and stewed chicken. The cons of living in Belize include a lack of infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and a high cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000 to $3,000 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

What do I need to know about living in Belize?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Belize, they said:

"Do not leave your brain at the border- see this article here http://www.caribpro.com/Caribbean_Property_Magazine/index.php?pageid=767," wrote a member in Cayo San Ignacio.

"Most Belizeans are happy with their country as it is. Don't try to change it into whatever country you're from and you should be fine. Generally, if you come with an attitude that wherever you're from is better than Belize, you will find a lot of Belizeans wishing you a safe trip back there, the sooner the better.," commented one expat who made the move to Belize.

"If you're interested in San Ignacio, I would suggest visiting Carmelita Gardens. It's a development about 7 miles from SI, just outside of Santa Familia. I'm not sure if you're looking to rent or buy, but you definitely want a place where you will feel welcome. So you're looking for a community. That's why I would recommend checking out Carmelita Gardens. There are rentals (short and long term) and lots (and a few homes) for purchase. It's a very welcoming community. Cheers," remarked one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.