Belize🇧🇿
At a Glance
How Belize compares across key indices
Cost of Living
55 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
44/100
Healthcare
57/100
Quality of Life
92/200
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Belize
Cost of Living
55
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
41
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
55
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
58
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Belize - based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
44/100
Crime Index
100/100
Lower is better
Walking Safety
0 point drop from day to night
Cities in Belize
Belize has 4 cities with Freedom Abroad estimates. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,094 in San Pedro to $1,240 in Belmopan. San Pedro leads on safety, scoring 48/100. San Pedro ranks highest for quality of life at 96/200.
San Pedro
$1,094/mo
San Pedro
48/100
San Pedro
96/200
Belmopan
59/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmopan | $1,240 | 46/100 | 95/200 | 59/100 | 52 |
| Belize City | $1,110 | 48/100 | 96/200 | 54/100 | 50 |
| San Pedro | $1,094 | 48/100 | 96/200 | 54/100 | 49 |
| Orange Walk | $1,094 | 48/100 | 96/200 | 54/100 | 49 |
Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Belize
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Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Belize
Pollution Index
57/100
Lower is better
PM2.5
28.7ug/m3
Unhealthy for sensitive
Environmental Quality
Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Belize, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Belize?
Belize has a cost of living index of 55 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,240 in Belmopan.
Is Belize safe for expats?
Belize has a safety index of 44/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Belmopan scores highest on safety at 46/100.
What is the best city in Belize for expats and digital nomads?
Belmopan ranks highest for quality of life in Belize, scoring 95/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $1,240/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Belize?
Belize scores 57/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it adequate by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.
Is Belize cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Belize's cost of living is roughly 45% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 59% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Belize
Plan Your Move
Where Can I Move?
Check whether this country fits your passport, budget, work setup, safety floor, and priorities.
Build My Escape Plan
Turn this country into a practical move plan with visa, insurance, housing, banking, and scouting-trip next steps.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cost of Living
Model monthly costs with Freedom Abroad estimates before you narrow the shortlist.
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Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet - sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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Cost of living, safety, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates modeled from open public sources. Data sources
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