Cost of Living in Benque Viejo del Carmen

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $300 - $400 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $200 - $300 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $600 - $800 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 - $600 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $800 - $1,200 Price per square meter outside city center: $500 - $800
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1 - $2 Monthly local transport pass: $30 - $50 Taxi starting tariff: $2.50 - $3.50 Taxi 1km tariff: $1.50 - $2.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.10 - $1.30
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.50 Bread (500g): $1.00 - $1.50 Rice (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50 Eggs (12): $1.50 - $2.00 Cheese (1kg): $5.00 - $8.00 Chicken breast (1kg): $4.00 - $6.00 Beef round (1kg): $6.00 - $8.00 Apples (1kg): $2.00 - $3.00 Bananas (1kg): $0.80 - $1.20 Oranges (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50 Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50 Onions (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.80 - $1.20
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00 - $8.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 - $50.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.50 - $2.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.00 Cappuccino: $2.00 - $3.00 Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $0.80 - $1.20 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100 - $150 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $50 - $80 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $2,000 - $4,000 per year Elementary School: $3,000 - $5,000 per year Middle School: $4,000 - $6,000 per year High School: $5,000 - $7,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Benque Viejo del Carmen

"The cost of living in Benque Viejo del Carmen, is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country. Housing and rental prices are generally low, and local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. Public transportation is also inexpensive, and healthcare costs are moderate. However, imported goods and dining out can be more expensive due to import taxes and limited availability. Overall, Benque Viejo del Carmen offers a cost-effective lifestyle for those looking to live in Belize," said one expat living in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Can I live in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Benque Viejo del Carmen for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Hillview or Santa Cruz, where you can find decent housing at a lower cost. Avoid neighborhoods like Maya Vista or Hone Park, as they tend to be more expensive.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment. While there are some affordable local restaurants, you'll need to cook most of your meals at home to save money. Also, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet or cable TV, as these services can be quite expensive in Belize.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be costly, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even a bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and healthy.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage. Electricity and water can be expensive in Belize, so try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning and being conscious of your water usage.Overall, living in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out and entertainment, and being mindful of your utility usage, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful country," commented an expat living in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Can I live in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Benque Viejo del Carmen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 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 where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for a place in areas like Hillview or Santa Cruz, where you can find more affordable housing options. I'd avoid neighborhoods like Maya Flats or San Ignacio, as they tend to be pricier.When it comes to utilities, you'll need to be conscious of your usage, especially with electricity, as it can be quite expensive in Belize. Try to use energy-efficient appliances and be mindful of turning off lights and electronics when not in use.Transportation is another area where you can save money. While owning a car can be convenient, it's also costly due to high import taxes on vehicles and expensive gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even biking around town, which is quite common in Benque Viejo del Carmen.Eating out can also add up quickly, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, and you can find most of the ingredients you need to prepare your favorite meals.Lastly, while there are plenty of activities and entertainment options in the area, you'll need to be selective about how often you indulge in these. Opt for more affordable or free activities, like exploring the beautiful nature reserves and parks in the area, instead of frequenting expensive tourist attractions.Overall, living in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and making smart choices, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Can I live in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Benque Viejo del Carmen 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, 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, like the Hillview area, which offer larger homes with modern amenities, but they can be quite pricey. Instead, I'd recommend looking for a more affordable option in neighborhoods like San Ignacio or Santa Elena. These areas still have decent housing options, but at a more reasonable price.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Belize can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of gas and maintenance. I've found that using public transportation, like buses and taxis, is a more cost-effective option. Plus, it's a great way to get to know the local community and culture.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending as well. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce whenever possible. As for dining out, there are plenty of affordable local restaurants that offer delicious Belizean cuisine. Just be prepared to skip the more expensive, tourist-oriented establishments.Lastly, you'll need to be conscious of your entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of affordable things to do in Benque Viejo del Carmen, like visiting the nearby Mayan ruins or exploring the beautiful nature reserves, some activities can be quite costly. For example, guided tours and adventure activities like zip-lining or cave tubing can add up quickly. To save money, I'd recommend seeking out free or low-cost activities, like hiking or visiting local cultural events.Overall, living in Benque Viejo del Carmen on $5,000 a month is doable, but it does require some sacrifices and budget-conscious decisions. By being mindful of your housing, transportation, and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still experiencing all that Belize has to offer," commented an expat living in Benque Viejo del Carmen.