Two years ago, 97 households told me what they spend. Since then, US tariffs, shipping surcharges, electricity cost increases and a worldwide run of inflation have pushed prices up here like everywhere else. So, it's time to ask again.
Anonymous. BZD or USD. Saves on your device so you can finish later. Closes December 31.
In early 2025 I published the first real breakdown of living costs in Belize, built from survey answers instead of guesses or Facebook poster's anecdotal claims. It's still the most-read thing I've written. Read the 2025 results.
But, I can't help but feel that those numbers are now a bit stale. Almost everything on a Belizean shelf arrives by ship or truck from somewhere that got more expensive. Fuel, building materials, groceries, vehicle parts and anything ordered from the US have all moved. What happens on the world stage has a trickle down effect; that big bag of M&D tortilla chips that was once $10.35 is pushing $14.00. The 2:1 peg to the US dollar means Belize imports American price increases directly.
So this round asks the same questions, plus the ones I missed last time: visitor permit fees, school costs, shipping, pets, household help, and yes, beer and the other vices. It also asks one new question that matters more than any average: how much has your cost of living changed in two years?
Anyone living in Belize, full-time or part of the year. Belizeans too. Last time only foreigners answered, and the picture is better with locals in it. If you split your year between here and somewhere else, you're in.
If you haven't moved here yet, the 2025 results are the place to start.