Cost of living in Belize compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 39% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Belize is 39% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | BZ$12 ($5.98) | $21 | - 72% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | BZ$12 ($5.98) | $12 | - 50% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | BZ$6.00 ($2.99) | $5.84 | - 49% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | BZ$4.00 ($1.99) | $1.11 | + 79% | |
12 eggs, large | BZ$5.96 ($2.97) | $5.45 | - 45% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | BZ$3.33 ($1.66) | $4.89 | - 66% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | BZ$4.00 ($1.99) | $7 | - 73% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | BZ$12 ($5.98) | $4.35 | + 38% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | BZ$10 ($4.98) | $2.34 | + 113% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | BZ$4.00 ($1.99) | $3.55 | - 44% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | BZ$22 ($11) | $18 | - 39% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | BZ$5.48 ($2.73) | $2.95 | - 7% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | BZ$5.00 ($2.49) | $3.15 | - 21% | |
Housing | - 39% | |||
Housing in Belize is 39% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | $3,218 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | - | $2,486 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | BZ$300 ($149) | $234 | - 36% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | BZ$1,800 ($897) | $2,262 | - 60% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | BZ$400 ($199) | $1,671 | - 88% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | BZ$250 ($125) | $172 | - 28% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | BZ$60 ($30) | $62 | - 52% | |
40” flat screen tv | BZ$800 ($399) | $252 | + 58% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | BZ$600 ($299) | $151 | + 98% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | BZ$15 ($7) | $15 | - 49% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $35 | - | |
Clothes | - 21% | |||
Clothes in Belize is 21% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | BZ$150 ($75) | $59 | + 27% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | BZ$50 ($25) | $51 | - 51% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | BZ$200 ($100) | $105 | - 5% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | BZ$200 ($100) | $142 | - 30% | |
Transportation | + 60% | |||
Transportation in Belize is 60% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $31,010 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | BZ$10 ($4.98) | $0.94 | + 428% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | - | $87 | - | |
Personal Care | - 51% | |||
Personal Care in Belize is 51% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | BZ$25 ($12) | $9 | + 38% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | BZ$15 ($7) | $22 | - 66% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | BZ$40 ($20) | $170 | - 88% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | BZ$27 ($13) | $9 | + 44% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | BZ$10 ($4.98) | $5.35 | - 7% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | BZ$13 ($6) | $7 | - 9% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | BZ$2.50 ($1.25) | $5.22 | - 76% | |
Tube of toothpaste | BZ$7 ($3.48) | $2.41 | + 44% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | BZ$20 ($10) | $31 | - 68% | |
Entertainment | - 54% | |||
Entertainment in Belize is 54% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Belize | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | BZ$30 ($15) | $61 | - 75% | |
2 tickets to the movies | BZ$30 ($15) | $31 | - 51% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $228 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | BZ$25 ($12) | $104 | - 88% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | BZ$4.00 ($1.99) | $15 | - 87% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | BZ$8 ($3.99) | $5.90 | - 32% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | BZ$2.50 ($1.25) | $8 | - 84% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | $502 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.54 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | BZ$60 ($30) | $72 | - 59% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | BZ$10 ($4.98) | $11 | - 57% | |
TOTAL | - 28% |

These prices were last updated on April 20, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.49813
USD
/
BZD
Cost of living in Belize is 28% cheaper than in United States
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