Belize (BZ)
Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.
Capital: Belmopan
Region: Americas
Language: English
Currency: BZD (BZ$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 33)
Emergency: 911
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Belize — 2026 data in BZD.
33
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Food & Groceries
Loaf of bread (local) BZ$3–5
Chicken (1kg) BZ$7–12
Rice (1kg) BZ$2–4
Red kidney beans (1kg — staple with rice) BZ$3–6
Eggs (12) BZ$7–10
Milk (1L) BZ$4–7
Local fruits and vegetables (market) BZ$5–20 per selection
Imported cheese (200g) BZ$8–15
Bottle of water (1.5L) BZ$2–4
Weekly grocery shop (2-person household) BZ$150–300
Dining Out
Rice and beans with chicken (local cafeteria) BZ$8–15
Meal at a local restaurant (per person) BZ$15–30
Meal at a mid-range restaurant BZ$40–80 per person
Upscale tourist restaurant (Ambergris Caye, per person) BZ$80–200
Coffee at a café BZ$3–8
Belikin beer at a bar (iconic local brew) BZ$4–8
Fresh coconut water (street vendor) BZ$2–4
Street food (garnaches, panades, tacos, per piece) BZ$1–3
Rent
1-bed apartment (Belize City, basic) BZ$700–1,200/month
1-bed apartment (Belize City, good area) BZ$1,200–2,000/month
2-bed house (Belmopan) BZ$1,000–2,000/month
2-bed apartment (San Ignacio) BZ$800–1,500/month
2-bed house (Placencia) BZ$1,200–2,500/month
Studio / 1-bed (San Pedro, Ambergris Caye) BZ$1,500–3,500/month
Transport
Local bus (Belize City) BZ$1.50–3
Intercity bus (Belize City to Belmopan) BZ$3–5
Taxi (Belize City, short trip) BZ$6–15
Water taxi (Belize City to San Pedro) BZ$22–35 one way
Fuel (petrol, per litre) BZ$3.50–4.50
Annual car insurance (third party) BZ$300–600
Annual road tax sticker BZ$50–300 depending on vehicle class
Health & Insurance
GP private consultation BZ$80–200
Specialist private consultation BZ$200–500
Dental check-up and clean BZ$80–200
Blood test (basic panel, private lab) BZ$100–300
International health insurance (per adult, annual) BZ$2,400–8,000
Pharmacy prescription (average) BZ$20–150
Utilities
Electricity (2-bed apartment, monthly, higher with A/C) BZ$150–400
Water (municipal, monthly) BZ$30–80
Propane / LPG gas cylinder (100 lb) BZ$80–120
Internet (BTL / Digi fibre, 25 Mbps) BZ$80–150/month
Mobile plan (data + calls, Digi) BZ$40–100/month
Childcare
Public primary school (uniform + books) Free; BZ$200–500/year extras
Private secondary school (annual) BZ$2,000–6,000
International School of Belize (annual) BZ$10,000–25,000+
Private daycare / nursery (monthly) BZ$400–900
University of Belize (undergraduate, annual) BZ$3,000–8,000
Leisure
Gym membership (monthly) BZ$80–200
Movie ticket (cinema, Belize City) BZ$15–20
Dive trip (2-tank, Ambergris Caye) BZ$150–250
Cave tubing tour (Cayo District) BZ$80–150 per person
Golf cart rental (San Pedro, per day) BZ$80–150
Belikin beer (6-pack, supermarket) BZ$12–18
Cost of Living
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