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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Caye Caulker 2024
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Cost of Living in Caye Caulker

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Caye Caulker helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Caye Caulker
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500 to $1,000 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $1,200 to $2,000 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Caye Caulker can range from $150,000 to $400,000 USD, depending on the size and location.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Caye Caulker is relatively low. A one-way bus ticket costs $1 USD, and a taxi ride within the city center costs around $5 USD.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Caye Caulker is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $2 USD, a liter of milk costs around $2 USD, and a dozen eggs costs around $3 USD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Caye Caulker is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15 USD per person, and a meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $7 USD per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Caye Caulker is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $50 USD per month, and the average cost of water is around $20 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Caye Caulker is relatively low. Preschool tuition costs around $200 USD per month, elementary school tuition costs around $400 USD per month, middle school tuition costs around $500 USD per month, and high school tuition costs around $600 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Caye Caulker

"The cost of living in Caye Caulker is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many other tourist destinations. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also fairly low. Groceries in Caye Caulker can be more expensive than in other parts of Belize due to the island's remote location. However, local produce and seafood are generally affordable. Eating out at restaurants can vary greatly in price, with local eateries being much cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants. Transportation costs are minimal as the island is small and most people get around on foot, by bicycle, or golf cart. There is no need for a car on Caye Caulker. Healthcare is also relatively affordable in Belize, but it's worth noting that serious medical conditions may require evacuation to a larger hospital in Belize City or even outside the country, which can be costly. Overall, while Caye Caulker is more expensive than some other parts of Belize, it is still considered affordable, especially for those coming from countries with a higher cost of living," said one expat living in Caye Caulker.

Can I live in Caye Caulker on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Caye Caulker for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The more expensive areas, like the beachfront properties, are definitely out of the question. Instead, consider looking for a place in the more residential areas, like Bahia or the back part of the island. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500-$700 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is cutting back on dining out. Eating at restaurants in Caye Caulker can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to modern amenities and want to eat at places that cater to expats. Instead, try to cook at home as much as possible and shop at the local markets for fresh produce and seafood. This will not only save you money but also give you a more authentic Belizean experience.Another thing to consider is transportation. While Caye Caulker is a small island and you can easily walk or bike to most places, you might want to invest in a golf cart if you plan on exploring the island more extensively. However, this can be quite expensive, so you'll need to weigh the pros and cons and decide if it's worth the investment.In terms of entertainment, you'll have to be more selective about the activities you choose to participate in. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do, like swimming, snorkeling, or exploring the island, some of the more popular tourist activities, like scuba diving or taking a boat tour, can be quite pricey. You'll need to budget accordingly and prioritize the activities that are most important to you.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in Belize. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage.Overall, living in Caye Caulker on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable life on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Caye Caulker.

Can I live in Caye Caulker on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Caye Caulker for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. The more affordable neighborhoods are towards the southern end of the island, like Bahia Puesta del Sol and Eden Isle. These areas are a bit more residential and less touristy, so you'll find better deals on rent. I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods near the Split and the northern part of the island, as they tend to cater more to tourists and have higher prices.As for utilities, electricity can be quite expensive here, so you'll want to be mindful of your usage. Many people rely on fans instead of air conditioning to save on costs. Water is also a bit pricey, so it's a good idea to conserve where you can. Internet service can be hit or miss, and it's not as fast as you might be used to, but it's manageable for most daily tasks.Groceries can be a bit more expensive than you're used to, especially if you're looking for imported items. However, if you stick to local produce and products, you can save quite a bit. There's a great fruit and vegetable stand near the airstrip that I like to visit for fresh produce. Eating out can add up quickly, so I'd recommend cooking at home most of the time. There are a few affordable local restaurants, like Syd's and Wish Willy's, that offer tasty meals at reasonable prices.Transportation on the island is mostly by foot, bike, or golf cart. Owning a golf cart can be expensive, so I'd recommend renting one only when necessary. Biking is a great way to get around and stay active, and you can find affordable bikes for sale or rent on the island.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island. There are also some affordable bars and restaurants where you can socialize with locals and other expats. Just be mindful of your spending, as it can add up quickly.Overall, living in Caye Caulker on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It's a beautiful place to live, and the laid-back atmosphere is hard to beat. Just be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of modern amenities and be open to embracing a simpler way of life," said one expat living in Caye Caulker.

Can I live in Caye Caulker on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Caye Caulker for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing choices. There are some more expensive neighborhoods on the island, like the northern part of the island, which is known for its luxury homes and resorts. I'd recommend looking for a place to live in the more affordable areas, such as the southern part of the island or the central village area. You can find decent apartments or small houses for rent at reasonable prices, usually between $800 to $1,500 per month.Another thing to consider is transportation. While the island is small and walkable, you might want to invest in a bicycle or a golf cart to get around more easily. Golf carts can be a bit pricey, so I'd recommend looking for a used one or renting one on a monthly basis to save some money.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that some imported goods can be quite expensive. To save money, I'd recommend shopping at the local markets and buying fresh produce, as well as sticking to local cuisine when eating out. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and street food options on the island that offer delicious Belizean dishes.As for entertainment and activities, there's plenty to do on Caye Caulker without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or diving in the nearby Great Blue Hole, or take a day trip to the mainland to explore the Mayan ruins. Just be mindful of your spending on tours and excursions, as these can add up quickly.Lastly, keep in mind that while the island does have modern amenities like internet and cell phone service, they can be a bit spotty and expensive compared to what you might be used to. You'll need to adjust your expectations and be prepared for occasional outages or slow connections.Overall, living in Caye Caulker on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing affordable housing, being smart about transportation, and embracing the local culture and cuisine, you can enjoy a comfortable life on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Caye Caulker.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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