Is it cheaper to live in Belize or Costa Rica?

Cheaper In Belize

You can live well in Costa Rica for less than at home, but it is no longer a bargain here. Compared with Belize, Costa Rica is actually expensive. You can get by in Costa Rica spending only a little. But you won't be able to live the kind of retirement that you could in Belize.

Is Belize or Costa Rica cheaper to live?

Check the Costs

According to a survey of costs of living in key overseas retirement markets by "International Living," at the time of publication Costa Rica is the least expensive of these three countries, clocking in at $1,079 per month, followed by Belize at $1,415 to $1,765 per month and Panama at $2,100 per month.

How much do you need to live comfortably in Belize?

And though Belize's cost of living is comparably lower than that of the U.S., its costs vary per area. However, you may very well be able to survive with a monthly budget between $1,200 and $1,500. But housing and food will play a significant role in your monthly bill. Below, we take a closer look at those options.

How much money do I need to retire in Belize?

How much money do you need to retire in Belize? Belize is not the cheapest place to live in Central America but with the right planning expats can live a better life for less than the U.S. Currently you can live very well in Belize for between $2,875 to $3,075 a month.

How much does a house in Belize cost?

Belize tends to be less expensive than other Caribbean destinations. House prices range from BZ$294,002 (US$150, 000) to BZ$2,156,011 (US$1,100,000) depending on location. Condominiums range from BZ$280,281 (US$143,000) to BZ$772,244 (US$394,000), according to revealrealestate.com.

Top 5 Comparison Costa Rica VS. Belize Real Estate Market

Does Belize have good healthcare?

Medical care in Belize generally gets a poor grade, but it has been steadily improving in the last few years. Most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Belize?

Social Security is available for any U.S. citizen, regardless of the country you're currently living in. However, as an expat, you may need to fill out a questionnaire to ensure you're still eligible for benefits.

Can you collect Social Security in Belize?

Old-age social pension (Non Contributory Pension Program [ NCP ], social assistance, means tested): Age 67 (men) or age 65 (women) and assessed as needy. Since January 2019, only one member of a family can receive the pension.

How long can a US citizen stay in Belize?

As with many other countries, Belize requires visitors to have sufficient funds to support themselves, a return ticket, and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. As a citizen of the U.S. or Canada you can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa.

Can a U.S. citizen own property in Belize?

Belize is one of the most amenable countries for foreigners looking to buy real estate, as the rights of non-nationals are exactly the same as nationals. Unlike in many other countries, non-nationals can buy a property outright rather than have to settle for a long-term lease with the national government.

Where do most expats live in Belize?

The most popular landing spots for expats in Belize are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker; the Placencia peninsula; the Corozal district; and the Cayo Region. Some expats are now gravitating as far south as the Toledo District, although you'll find fewer First World amenities there.

Is there a Walmart in Belize City?

You can go to Sam's Club in Mexico, and to many other stores equal to those in the U.S., even Walmart, but not in Belize.

Which is better to retire in Costa Rica or Belize?

Cheaper In Belize

You can live well in Costa Rica for less than at home, but it is no longer a bargain here. Compared with Belize, Costa Rica is actually expensive. You can get by in Costa Rica spending only a little. But you won't be able to live the kind of retirement that you could in Belize.

What are the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica?

Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world, the roads are not among them. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.

Why are expats leaving Costa Rica?

Feeling homesick and missing family while living abroad. The increasing crime rate in Costa Rica. Coping with negativity coming from the expat community. Adjusting to the extreme climate, unstable infrastructure, and cultural/lifestyle differences.

Is there a Costco in Belize?

You're a hobby shopper.

There's little opportunity for non-essential shopping in Belize, and there are no big chain stores. You won't be able to shop at Wal-Mart, Costco or Sam's Club. This is a small country where life is simple. You'll find everything you need, but probably not everything you might want.

What is Belize retirement age?

The mandatory retirement age is 55.

Where is the best place to live in Belize?

What country owns Belize?

What country owns Belize? Belize achieved independence on September 21, 1981, but it has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth.

Can you live outside the US and collect Social Security?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.

What countries do not tax U.S. Social Security?

If you are a nonresident alien and receive Social Security benefits from the US and live in Canada, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Romania or the United Kingdom, you will not be taxed by the US on your benefits.

Do hurricanes ever hit Belize?

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms and associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surge, especially in Belize City. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding and sea level rise. Belize is also at risk to extreme temperature events.

What is it like for an American to live in Belize?

In the tourist and expat areas of Placencia and Ambergris Caye, you will find most expats feel safe, and crime is similar to most tourism areas in the world. Petty theft is an issue, and violent crime, while it happens occasionally, is statistically rare.

What is the leading cause of death in Belize?

Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Belize in 2019, accounting for around 49.2 deaths per 100,000 people.