My blog posts frequently spark conversations on Facebook groups, whether related to the article's to1pic or not. Recently, the comments section of a post promoting my last blog entry moved towards the familiar trope of “spend a year in Belize” before you buy - which is fine if you can afford to do so, but it wasn’t the topic of that post, nor is it this one. As the comments evolved, someone mentioned that the “list of shortcomings for Belize is a long one.” Why that individual —who moved here only to return home— still monitors and comments on posts about moving to Belize is beyond me. Nevertheless, it got me thinking: what are the pros and cons of living here?
Ignore the Grumpy Groupies
That comment wasn't necessarily wrong —for them. When searching Facebook groups for information about life in Belize, it's important to recognize they are chockablock full of opinions —and everybody has them. People often forget that opinions are subjective and, therefore, valid for that individual only. Plus, grumpy people on Facebook (and there are many) are all too eager to provide negative comments, yet when asked to elaborate, they fail to do so. Take such contributions with a grain of salt: if someone can’t give greater detail for their negative opinion, it's best not to assign it any meaning.
More importantly, that comment illuminated for me the fact that a wide variety of factors influence life in Belize. In this post, I aim to share some. I’m sure this post will ruffle some feathers, so I ask the reader to remember that the following is also subjective: 100% my opinion, and I don't expect everyone to agree. I hope to provide the reader (and aspiring Belize expats) with an honest take on what life in Belize has been like for me. Take from it what you will.
It's All Relative
Before I get into it, I want to emphasize one final point. Since most of the information you read on Belize is subjective, you may not fully understand how the real-life experiences of certain life aspects will affect you. Sometimes, you need to experience them for yourself. If you don't like it, that's okay. You are allowed to change your mind if it moves that way. There is a stigma around making moves abroad and then discovering it's not for you, and I don't understand why. One of the main reasons my wife and I moved to Belize was to eliminate the potential for future regret. We decided we would take the leap and possibly discover it wasn’t for us rather than wonder what would have happened if we hadn’t. How would we know it was right for us if we didn't try it? We decided that no matter what, even if “it didn't work out” and we eventually moved home, it wasn't a failure: We simply answered the burning question, “What would happen if we moved to Belize?”
After two and a half years here, I’ve come to know this country well. Yeah, it isn’t perfect, but what place is? I know my home country of Canada certainly isn’t and has “a long list of shortcomings,” too; they’re just different. Despite its shortcomings, Belize is a beautiful country. Yes, my place is up for sale, but we aren’t going home. We’ve simply discovered that the community in which we built our home isn’t exactly right for us. And you know what? It took us longer than a year to figure that out.
Just remain realistic when you move here. You will still have problems—that's life—they’ll just be different and perhaps more in line with problems you would rather have.
Now that my little rant is over let's get to my list of pros and cons of expat life in Belize.
Pros of Living as an Expat in Belize
The Beauty
Belize is a stunning country. The country's beauty knows no bounds, from mountain vistas, jungle estuaries, and sprawling savannahs to breathtaking sunsets and pristine island beaches. There is a landscape that suits everyone. The people, too, varied in culture, history, and language, complement the magnificence of the natural landscape. Whether Maya, Mennonite, Garinagu, or Mestizos, I have found the people kind, courteous, and welcoming.
The Freedom of Living in Belize
When you speak with the locals, a common theme arises: freedom. Belizeans are proud of their freedom. Yes, there are qualms with the government, as in all countries, but generally speaking, Belizeans embody the saying “live and let live.” If owning an off-grid homestead in the jungle to hide away from society is your thing, you are free to do it. The locals will let you do your thing if you aren't hurting anyone or the environment. Unlike North America, where multinational corporations have a hand in every aspect of life, Belize is a reprieve from capitalism.
Affordability of Real Estate
Before you get your panties all in a knot and fly off the handle about how expensive it is, keep in mind everything is relative. Compared to Canada, where the average cost of a home is nearly $530K USD, Belize is an affordable option. For that price, you can own a beautiful home, on a quarter-acre or more, steps from the Caribbean Sea. Back in my home country, that would barely get you a townhouse in a cramped development with a postage-stamp-sized backyard in an undesirable part of a town on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area. Oh, the commute! No, thank you. For context, my current property in Belize is six-times the size of my previous one in Canada, which I considered large and was one of the bigger ones I owned over the years. Similarly, average home prices in the United States and England (where many expats in Belize come from) are $416,000 and $364,000 (US dollars), respectively. Those are averages that account for many rural and small communities that are considered “less desirable.”
Yu di spik Inglish?
That's Creole for “do you speak English?” And Belizeans do! It's the national language, which makes life as a North American much easier. Learning Creole or Spanish wouldn’t hurt, especially if you plan to travel to neighbouring countries, but expats living in Belize will get on just fine without it.
Ease of Simple Living
Many Facebook groupies complain about living costs here, but they aren't necessarily wrong. If you wish to maintain a North American standard of living, you will spend the same, if not more, than you do at home. However, Belize offers an opportunity to scale back, live simply, and save. Spending a lot of time in the jungle outside of Belmopan, I experienced the affordability of shopping at the Belmopan Market Plaza, where twice weekly, vendors from the area set up their produce, foodstuff, and other wares for sale. There are great prices on produce, honey, nuts and seeds, meat and seafood, herbs, clothing, and other goods. The quality and price are excellent, and you avoid excess packaging prevalent in stores back home.
Remote Work
From the first time we extended our monthly visitor permit, we told immigration (the truth) that we were self-employed. As inconsistent as the immigration department is (see Cons below), this job description has never been an issue. My wife and I have taken clients from North America without problems with work permits and earning income abroad in Belize. I am not aware of any official policy towards “digital nomads” or remote work, which is fine. It's better to ask forgiveness than permission! I know other expats with similar employment situations and haven’t heard of any issues. Live and let live. If you have a job that allows you to work away from an office permanently, Belize is a great place. Earning a North American wage while living a Caribbean lifestyle is ideal.
Cons of Living in Belize
Rising Price of Real Estate
It depends on how you look at things. The current cost of real estate is a positive for me, but I see the downside for those wanting to enter the market. Belize is a quickly developing country and has fallen on the radar of investors and expats alike. Since purchasing my lot in the summer of 2021, prices have hockey-sticked. A similar lot to ours, excluding the home, is over 3x what we paid for it, making entry into this market less affordable with each passing month. If you are considering purchasing here, sooner is better. Many buyers —not just in Belize but in other rising real estate markets— decide to wait because they feel “not ready,” only to get priced out once they are. Purchasing a home or property in Belize is undoubtedly a big commitment, but you are better to make it sooner rather than later. I am not an investment professional, but real estate has never done me wrong— my opinion.
Lack of Availability with…Everything
Simply stated, it takes a lot of work to get things here. To some, that adds charm to this Central American gem: it lends to a slower pace of life, based on experiences rather than things. I am all for not having big box stores and retail chains—it was a draw for me—but the lack of availability in grocery stores and the limited selection of vegetables in my area do get old. However, the sunny, warm climate is ideal for growing all sorts of produce if you are into that sort of thing.
The Heat & Humidity
As I write this, the temperature outside, with the humidity index, is 40 degrees Celsius, which is 104 degrees for American readers. It is also August, one of the hottest months of the year here, next to May. It's hot AF, and it wears on you. It takes a lot of time to get used to it. We’ve slowly acclimated, but it isn’t easy. My boys and I have developed a case of persistent heat rash, also known as prickly heat, which comes and goes as we fluctuate between open air and air conditioning. Is it uncomfortable at times? Yes. Is it a deal breaker? No. Eventually, our bodies will adapt and get past it, making us stronger. A little nightly AC and the odd dose of Benadryl help to calm it. Drinking lots of water and replenishing electrolytes is also essential this time of the year.
Cost of Living in Belize
It seems contradictory to the ease of simple living above, but it's true. Yet, this is a worldwide problem as inflation rises globally. For expats in Belize, it’s more of an expectation versus reality situation. If you want to move here and spend your days in an air-conditioned mansion on the beach, you will pay out the you-know-what for it. Comforts from home will cost you more here, too, and you can expect to pay a premium when importing goods through companies like Belizean Queen. Things cost more as you move south, as there are only two borders in the country, one with Mexico and the other with Guatemala, and they are both in the country's northern regions. As you move south, goods require additional transportation and have a higher price tag.
If you aren’t retirement age or choose not to apply for QRP, you will have a monthly immigration expense of $100 USD per person, including kids. For a family of four like ours, that's an annual $4,800. It adds up and is significantly more expensive than other Central American countries. The same goes for residency applications.
Other Expats
Despite many airline policies, the amount of baggage you can bring to Belize seems to be unlimited. For better or worse, many expats choose to bring their old ways, beliefs, and habits to their new country of residence. Far too many carry their grumpy vibes and new-aged colonial attitudes into Belize. Just be chill and maintain a positive attitude.
In addition to living in the present moment, I abide by the adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Unfortunately, I am a minority in that approach. Far too many come here and attempt to change it, which seems like a backward tack: by changing Belize into where you came from, it no longer has the appeal that drew you here. Wherever you choose to land, Belize or not, it's important to remember that you are a guest, and it isn’t your place to impose your way. By all means, engage in philanthropic endeavours or help in local communities for good causes; just steer clear of complaining and forcing your way on people, customs, and systems in place. Lastly, leave your politics at home; nobody wants that shit, apparently even you, as it’s probably one of the reasons you want to come to Belize in the first place, right?
Embracing the Belize Expat Experience – The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful
Expat life in Belize, like anywhere else, comes with its unique set of pros and cons. The beauty and freedom of the country, the relative affordability of real estate, the ease of simple living, and the ability to work remotely are significant advantages that attract many expats. However, you must recognize the challenges, such as the rising cost of real estate, limited availability of goods, extreme heat and humidity, high cost of living, and sometimes difficult interactions with other expats. Ultimately, the decision to move to Belize is a profoundly personal one. It is crucial to manage expectations and understand that every experience is subjective. Belize may not be perfect, but no place is, and it offers a distinct lifestyle that may align with your values and aspirations. Embrace the adventure, keep an open mind, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours.
In my neighborhood we say “it is what it is” Nice snippet of pro/cons that hits good points. I was fortunate to land 5 years ago in the place I was meant to be in Belize.
Thank you I will be moving to Belize in 2026 and this was helpful