Cost of Living in Ambergris Caye

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	Depending on the location and size, apartment rentals in Ambergris Caye can range from $500 to $2,500 per month. Luxury apartments or beachfront properties can cost more.
Apartment Purchases	The cost of purchasing an apartment in Ambergris Caye varies greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities. A one-bedroom apartment can start from $100,000, while a luxury beachfront condo can go up to $500,000 or more.
Transportation	Public transportation is not widely used in Ambergris Caye. Most residents use golf carts, bicycles, or walk. A new golf cart can cost around $10,000, while a used one can be bought for around $5,000. Gasoline costs are around $5 per gallon. Taxis are also available, with fares usually ranging from $5 to $10.
Groceries	The cost of groceries in Ambergris Caye can be higher than in other parts of Belize due to the island's remote location. On average, a family of four might spend around $500 to $800 per month on groceries.
Restaurants	The cost of dining out in Ambergris Caye varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a budget restaurant might cost around $10, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant could cost around $30 to $50 per person. High-end restaurants will cost more.
Utilities	Utility costs in Ambergris Caye can range from $150 to $300 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, depending on usage. This includes electricity, water, and garbage disposal. Internet and cable TV can add an additional $50 to $100 per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition in Ambergris Caye can vary greatly. Preschool tuition can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per year. Elementary school tuition can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per year. Middle school and high school tuition can range from $5,000 to $7,000 per year. These costs do not include additional fees for books, uniforms, and other school supplies.

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary based on various factors. It's also important to consider that the cost of living in Ambergris Caye is generally higher than in other parts of Belize due to its status as a popular tourist destination. It's recommended to visit and spend some time in Ambergris Caye to get a better understanding of the cost of living before making a decision to move or invest in property.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ambergris Caye

"The cost of living in Ambergris Caye, can be considered moderate to high compared to other parts of Belize, largely due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is somewhat cheaper. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, the monthly cost is relatively affordable. Internet connection is also reasonably priced. Groceries in Ambergris Caye can be more expensive than in other parts of Belize due to the island's remote location. This includes basic items like milk, bread, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Eating out at restaurants can range from moderately priced at local spots to quite expensive at high-end tourist-oriented establishments. Transportation costs are relatively low, as the island is small and most people get around on foot, by bicycle, or by golf cart. However, owning and maintaining a golf cart can add to your expenses. Healthcare in Ambergris Caye is affordable compared to U.S. standards, but it's worth noting that serious medical conditions may require travel to the mainland or even out of the country. Overall, while Ambergris Caye can be more expensive than other parts of Belize, it is still generally cheaper than many U.S. cities. However, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Ambergris Caye.

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

"I've been living in Ambergris Caye for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the U.S., but it's not exactly cheap either. For instance, rent can range from $500 to $1,000 a month depending on the location and size of the property. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like San Pedro Town, you'll be looking at the higher end of that range. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out in areas like San Mateo or DFC, you can find more affordable options. Utilities including electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $200 a month. Again, this can vary depending on your usage and the specific area you live in. Food is another significant expense. If you eat out a lot, especially at the more touristy restaurants, it can get quite expensive. However, if you cook at home and buy local produce, you can keep your food expenses to around $300 a month. Transportation is another factor to consider. Owning a car in Belize is expensive due to the high import taxes. Most people on the island get around by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. A used golf cart can cost around $4,000, but if you're on a tight budget, a bicycle is a much cheaper option. Healthcare is relatively affordable in Belize. A visit to a private doctor usually costs around $25, and a basic health insurance plan can cost around $100 a month. However, if you have any serious health issues, you may need to travel to a larger city or even out of the country for treatment, which can be costly. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, like swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the local wildlife. However, if you want to do more expensive activities like scuba diving or visiting the mainland for tours, you'll need to budget for that. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Ambergris Caye is doable, but it requires a frugal lifestyle and careful budgeting. You'll likely need to make some sacrifices, like living in a less expensive neighborhood, cooking at home more often, and limiting your entertainment expenses. But in return, you get to live in a beautiful tropical paradise, which for many people, is well worth the trade-off," commented an expat living in Ambergris Caye.

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

"I've been living in Ambergris Caye for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in the US, but it's higher than in other parts of Belize due to the island's popularity with tourists. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in a modern condo with ocean views in a popular area like San Pedro town, you could easily spend half of your budget or more on rent. However, there are more affordable options if you're willing to live a bit further out or in a smaller place. For example, I live in a two-bedroom house in the Escalante neighborhood, about a mile south of San Pedro. It's a quiet, residential area with a mix of locals and expats, and I pay around $1,000 a month for rent. Utilities can also add up, especially electricity because of the need for air conditioning. I try to save by using fans instead of AC whenever possible, and I've also invested in energy-efficient appliances. Groceries are another significant expense. Imported goods are pricey, so I've learned to eat like a local as much as possible. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood are relatively cheap and plentiful. I also save by cooking at home most of the time instead of eating out. Transportation is one area where you can save a lot. Most people get around by golf cart or bicycle, which are much cheaper than a car. I bought a used golf cart when I moved here and it's been a great investment. Healthcare is reasonably priced and good quality in Belize, but it's a good idea to have health insurance that covers you here. I pay about $200 a month for a policy that gives me peace of mind. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do that doesn't cost a lot. I spend my free time snorkeling, fishing, and exploring the island. There are also lots of community events and social activities. Overall, living in Ambergris Caye on $3,000 a month requires some compromises, but it's definitely doable if you're willing to adapt to a simpler lifestyle. It's a beautiful place with a laid-back vibe and a friendly community, and I wouldn't trade my life here for anything," said one expat living in Ambergris Caye.

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

"I've been living in Ambergris Caye for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, while you can find high-speed internet here, it's not as reliable as you might be used to, and it can be a bit pricey. Also, while there are plenty of restaurants and bars, if you're used to dining out at high-end places regularly, you might find the options a bit limited. As for housing, there are plenty of options available. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend areas like San Pablo or Escalante. You can find a nice, comfortable house or apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, like San Pedro Town, you should be prepared to pay a bit more, around $2,000 to $3,000 a month. Groceries can be a bit expensive, especially if you're buying imported goods. However, if you stick to local produce and products, you can keep your grocery bill to around $500 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save. Most people get around on golf carts or bicycles, which are much cheaper than maintaining a car. Healthcare is relatively affordable, especially compared to the U.S. You can get a doctor's visit for around $25, and a visit to a specialist for around $50. All in all, if you're careful with your spending, you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month in Ambergris Caye. You might have to give up a few luxuries, but in return, you get to live in a beautiful tropical paradise," commented an expat living in Ambergris Caye.