Is the cost of living in Belize high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Belize, they wrote...
"We live in the Cayo District and it's at least as safe as where we lived in Ottawa. The Belize dollar is pegged (2 for 1) to the US Dollar, so how far your CAD goes depends on the current exchange rate. Some things like gas are more expensive. If you "live like a local" then your cost of living will be much lower than in Canada. Live like a local means eating local, ie rather than Kellogs Corn Flakes look for the local brand of cereal, etc. If you want to maintain your North American lifestyle, it's possible of course. But we came here to simplify and that is certainly possible. You don't have neighbours who are trying to keep up with the Jones'. Healthcare - we don't have a plan here. If you have an existing, serious health condition then reconsider living here. Healthcare is cheap compared to the US but in Canada, most of your services were "free" (of course paid for through your taxes). Here we pay as we go. For example, I had to have an eye examination and drops. The whole shebang (exam and medication) cost me $25 USD. I have to have a tooth filled. The cost was $50 USD," explained one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.
"I own my little house here and spend about US$110o per month. I tracked it for about 4 months last year, including car tabs renewal and such," said another in Esperanza, Belize.
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Is the cost of living in Belize high?
If you live in Belize, newcomers to Belize would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.