I just read on the retirement package subject that one person feels that Belize is not the place for someone on a budget. I would like to know what you all think is the average monthly budget needed to get by. All opinions welcome- from those who are thrifty to those who don't need to budget. We found a 2 bedroom with elec, water, sewer and cable included for $600 US a month. It is mostly furnished one lot from the beach. That just leaves food, clothing and entertainment left. My idea of entertainment is a good book, a diet coke and the beach, where my husband will enjoy diving (has his own gear) and shooting the bull with anyone over a beer. Thanks.

Go to Hopkins or Dangriga for a rustic lifestyle,and you can live for around 15k
the cost of SP - to live a good life is around 50kusd but with a good book eating in not doing or buying anything/eating rice and beans not going to bars etc. you will get by on 20k - for example I am taking four people for lunch at BC's-bar-b-q and I expect to spend around 125usd, and I consider as do most other locals value for money basically because it is fantastic.
This should be on Belize chat>

I put it on this board because the house I mentioned is on AC )about 1 1/2 miles from SP) and that is where we want to live.

The cost of rice and beans must be expensive! If we rent the house for $600, that comes to $7,200 a year with utilities and cable included. That would leave $12,800 or appr. 1,000 a month for food, clothes etc. And we spend very little on clothes. I think we could do very well on that.

I know you could live on 2kus/mo., even in SP!
The whole issue is "lifestyle". I've been there a couple times and experienced the "cost of living", and it's just like anywhere else, it matters what you do daily and what you expect relative to cost! Don't buy everything in sight,like i do,and live like the locals do and you will be considered "Well to do" by those that live there!Bottom line, go with the flow and it will will seem reasonably priced.
Richa :p rd

I have not lived there (just visited) but I know staying in SP for 2 months this winter is going to cost us less then 1/2 what it would to go to Florida. And so much nicer!! The rent is alot less, no car to rent, eating out is less, eating in is more, and the airfare is more. No free nights and week-ends to call back to the states and no round the clock high speed internet in your home for cheap. Just a different life style. Hope it is all you hope for Woodland.

Was out weeding my flower beds and realized my post was about visiting not living on AC - not what you ask about. I suppose when you live there, part of your budget is also things like: travel back to visit freinds and relatives, medical, medical insurance (in case you get sick enough to need to go back to the states), beer, transportation (we walk & bike, but still sometimes you need a taxi or golf cart, )communication (phone & internet cafe time). Just some ideas. Indygal

Insurance is a major consideraion. I recently had a hip replacement here in the States. This surgery is not available in Belize. Totally covered by insurance, but billed at $66,000. I plan to keep a home and medical insurance in the US while living in Belize.

Tincup: Thank you for reminding me why I keep my home in St Louis. Best of "both" worlds...and San Pedro is a wonderful place to be healthy. PS. There are some wonderful Doctors in San Pedro...but the health "intrastructure" is not there, YET!!

When JackieO was there she needed a chest x-ray but there was no film. She could have gone over to Belize City, but when you are really sick that trip might be a bit much. As Bill said great place to be well. Perhaps with the Lions club push for a hospital the infrastructure will improve. From what I have heard the doctors are good in SP.