Cost-of-Living In Belize

A Sailboat In Belize
Source: Flickr via Creative Commons.  Photo by Dena Hayes

For people contemplating purchasing land in Belize and buying a home it can be challenging to find decent information on the cost-of-living.  Lan Sluder has written an outstanding book called "Living Abroad In Belize" which helps answer many of the basic questions that potential investors have about starting their life in Belize; including an overview on the cost-of-living.  The following is an extract from Sluder's book that I think you may find valuable:

Average Middle-Class Monthly Budget


Assumptions: 

• The couple has paid for their 150K home already.
• The couples Ford Explorer is also paid for.
• The couple chooses to buy health insurance, which includes medevac coverage, from and international insurer.

Example of Monthly Budget ($US):


Electricity (750kwh): $158
Telephone (incl. long distance): $110
Butane: $35
Groceries: $250
Cable TV: $25
Internet: $50
Entertainment and dining out: $200
Property tax: $24
Auto insurance: $20
Health insurance: $400
Out-of-pocket medical expenses: $150
Home insurance: $150
Gasoline (40 gallons): $160
Auto maintenance: $100
Clothing: $75
Householder help/caretaker (part time): $250
Misc. personal expenses: $275

Total: $2,432

Although personal spending habits need to be factored into any budget I hope that Sluder's estimates shed a bit of light on the cost of living in Belize.  If you have other sources of information that others can benefit from please add a comment.

Thanks!
CD