
“What’s the cost of liviung in Belize” is an often asked question. I’ll try to answer it as best I can, from my “Corozal” perspective. Disclaimer: I can’t speak as well to other regions of Belize, but Corozal is generally regarded as one of the most affordable places in Belize…..
"Basic" lifestyle. Mennonite 20' x 30 or 40" cabin on a lot, with garden, landscaped, etc, turnkey starts at about $50 K to 75 K USD including land, etc. You'll see prices way under that, but don't get too excited. It doesn't include land, tax, destination charges, options, electric, plumbing. Much like buying a basic car without the tires and engine. Some people handy enough can do their own finish work. But, it is an adjustment in lifestyle not acceptable generally, but to the heartiest of expats. It requires doing with less in the way of material goods, just based on sheer home size, and is not the lifestyle here of most. You don't eat out much, buy based on price, if you have internet, it is basic. I'm not judging it; I rather admire the minimalist approach. Without a car, using transportation, etc, I hear tell people live on about $1000 to 1250 USD a month for a couple in these situations. But be advised, this is a no frills, and by most ex-pat standards, a "rustic" lifestyle.
The "middle ground" that many expats fall into here is a lifestyle that is comfortable, and relatively affordable, by (US anyway) standards. This would include a concrete home for between $100 to 200 K US, depending on lot and home size, location to the water (waterfront, forget about it!) and finishes. Towards the upper end of that range, and maybe a little over for really "tricked out" stuff like granite counter tops, high end finishes, etc.) the homes approach nice, comfortable US home standards. People in this range usually have cars, dine out occasionally, use AC moderately, have moderate speed internet, and live on budgets of $1,700 to $2,500 USD a month depending on personal choices. I'd say the vast majority of ex-pats here (Corozal) fall into this range. I'm squarely in this price range of lifestyle.
Above $250 K, you can begin to look at better level properties that in some cases, exceed US standards. The whole package, except.... that elusive waterfront. The fact of the matter is that waterfront here has become, well, only for the pretty well off. Lots on the water usually add $100 K MINIMUM to any housing choice, and sometimes, a lot more than that. Unless, you are one of those hearty souls willing to live in more remote locations where electric, good roads, etc. are, well, optional. And, if you can afford a home in these price ranges, discussions about monthly budgets are probably somewhat moot, but let's call it $3,000 to $4,500 USD a month. That would mean you don't monitor the use of AC particularly, have fast internet, eat what you want and when you want it, drive a vehicle where and when you want to, regardless of gas mileage, etc. and $5 (USD) a gallon gas in Belize isn't of particular concern. You get your goodies on the internet, and have them shipped. Again, not putting it down, just a lifestyle observation many of us here is well, uh, above our pay grade......
That may give you some general sense, maybe not. We've made modifications over the years, both to cut, and add cost to our budget. (Faster internet, additional fridge, garden lights, etc, etc.). It will, as with anywhere, depend on what you want, and what you can afford, but I hope that gives you some general sense.
(Pictured: getting together with friends in Corozal in a beautiful environment is priceless... and free.)