No! Between the two countries, Belize is undoubtedly far more expensive compared to Mexico. Thus Mexico is the go-on suggestion for budget travelers. Plus, for those who plan to live in Belize, everything including house renting, food, lodging, and transportation will cost up to 80% higher than the Mexico standards.
Still, wondering about “Is Belize cheaper than Mexico?” Before settling the debate, let’s deeply figure out the most affordable choice to live in, buy a house or even buy groceries through comparison.
Also, find out which parts of Belize are the most expensive and which of Mexico from below comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
Is Belize Cheaper Than Mexico?
When comparing the cost of a vacation in Belize vs Mexico, Belize is certainly expensive enough than Mexico as a place to travel.
Starting from local accommodations, hostels, guesthouses, delicious cuisine, or exploring natural activities, all will seem far costlier compared to Mexico. Go through the below comparison facts to get a clear idea:
1. Accommodation
When you are planning a trip to a country, first up, you will think about the accommodation in budget. In finding the best accommodation in Belize City, you will find a wide array of hotels and resorts ranging from medium to luxurious.
And the prices for booking these hotels are higher than the neighbouring city Mexico but they are still great value for money.
Also, the accommodation for tourists visiting Mexico is far more affordable. But the hotel cost in the popular destination of Mexico seems to be much higher.
The average accommodation price for one person in Mexico is MX$674 or $36.45 whereas you will need to budget about BZ$75 or $ 37.41 for one person for accommodation in Belize, which is quite similar. The price will vary according to the facilities of the hotels.
2. Food Budget
There is no chance of denying the food taste in both Mexico and Belize is quite delicious. Nevertheless, a traveler has to make a budget for food first as it is a crucial part of the traveling preparation.
The price of food in Belize City is much more expensive rather than in neighboring Mexico. But the meal prices can vary according to the location and from where you are eating.
For example, a complete meal in a street stall would cost you only $5 whereas the dining average meal in sit-down restaurants should cost higher than that ranging from $20-25.
On the contrary, Mexican food is far cheaper the Belizean food on a day-to-day basis. A typical meal in a street stall in Mexico will cost around $ 2-3 USD. But if you round up your meal in an inexpensive restaurant, that will cost around $8-10 USD.
Here is a short comparison of restaurant expenses in between Belize vs Mexico City:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| A meal in an inexpensive restaurant | $5.94 | $ 8.11 |
| A meal in a mid-range restaurant for 2 people | $50.00 | $ 43.26 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | $7.00 | $ 7.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | $ 2.00 | $ 2.70 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | $ 3.23 | $ 4.06 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | $ 1.17 | $ 1.10 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | $ 0.67 | $ 0.77 |
| Espresso Coffee | $ 2.30 | $ 1.90 |
| Cheeseburger (fast food) | $ 1.80 | $ 1.90 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $ 3.30 | $ 2.70 |
3. Transportation
It is another major factor that you need to consider for getting around a city whether you are planning to live or travel here.
Mexico is a much more developed country in North America with multiple modes of transportation systems. Especially, it has the second-largest metro in North America. Including this, you will find many more robust affordable ways to get to where you’re going.
Conversely, when it comes to transportation, prices in Belize city tend to be expensive compared to Mexico City. Public buses are the primary transportation system here. There are bus terminals in larger towns and cities whereas there are bus stops in smaller places.
Here are the average costs you’d expect to see when travelling around Belize & Mexico City.
| Belize | Mexico | |
| Local transport (One way ticket) | $ 1.50 | $ 0.54 |
| Monthly pass | $26.23 | $19.07 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3.73 $ | 2.18 $ |
| Taxi 1 KM (Normal Tariff) | $3.98 | $1.14 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff | $14.95 | $8.17 |
| 1 Litre Gasoline | $1.67 | $1.24 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline | $26,099.04 | $19,070.00 |
4. Natural Activities
Belize is certainly an amazing destination in Central America boasted with many more natural wonders to explore. Starting from stunning beaches to scuba diving, snorkeling spots, diverse wildlife, small islands, and stunning coral reefs, the city is incredible for everything.
Well! Some of the activities will be affordable while most of the ones are pricier, depending on which time of year you are choosing to visit. For this instance:
- Scuba diving in Blue Hole Belize tours: $300-$400
- Barrier Reef Snorkel & Fishing Combo: $ $220 per adult
- Cave tubing in Belize: US$45-50 per person
- Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour: $145 for Person Adult Senior
- Big Rock Waterfalls and Mayan Culture experience: $175 per adult.
- Visit Lubaantun Mayan Ruin & Blue Creek Cave: $US 90 per person
- visiting the Belize Zoo: $14.50 USD
Mexico is undoubtedly a great place abundant with rich culture, ancient ruins, and many more dazzling beaches. As the city has a lower price compared to others parts, thus you would expect much less cost while exploring natural activities rather than Belize City.
Anyway, here is a short glimpse of the average price of the top natural activities in Mexico:
- A trip to Yucatan Peninsula: $30 – $40 USD per day.
- A Weekend 3-day trip to Tulum: $405 for a solo traveler,
- Rivierya Maya EcoTours and Eco Adventures: $89.00 USD for entrance tickets for adults
- A 7-day trip to Chichen Itza: $1,090 for a solo traveler
- Hiking the Sierra Norte Mountains: Starting at $140 USD for 1 day
Cost Of Living In Belize Compared To Mexico
Belize is the most enigmatic country in Central America full of untouched palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles with wildlife, crystal-clear ocean brimming with vibrant marine life, and many more natural beauties in abundance.
It is located to the south of Mexico and the east of Guatemala. Apart from endless natural activities, the city is offering distinct and varied ways to live and lead a peaceful lifestyle.
Mexico is a big country in southern North America with breathtaking natural beauty. The country is abundant with incredible deserts, dazzling beaches, stunning archaeological sites, greenery forests and many more.
It offers fantastic weather, high-quality health care, and modern cities, perfect to live in. Moreover, the country is popular among expats due to having a diverse opportunity for studying and working here.
But the question lies in which comes far more affordable to get settled. Without more wondering, let’s explore the most cost-effective city by comparing a few major factors between Belize and Mexico:
1. Groceries/Markets
The groceries prices in the supermarket of any country are always a hot debate issue. If it is about Belize City, the groceries prices are ups and downs at various times rounding the year.
You will see several kinds of food outlets, groceries stores and supermarket chains in this country. Most supermarkets are a bit more expensive than others due to import tax.
Overall prices of each groceries items remain fairly cheap compared to any other part of Central America. But the prices are costlier than in Mexico City. You will find quite affordable food in Mexico as well if you are buying from the locals and from not in big cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara or Tijuana.
Let’s go through the below-comparing table, highlighting the groceries prices in both Belize and Mexico.
| Food Items | Belize | Mexico |
| Milk (1 Litre) | $2.28 $3.31 (BZD) | $1.10MX$34.99 |
| Eggs (1 Dozen) | $2.14 $4.32 (BZD) | $1.66MX$33.99 |
| Bread (1 Loaf) | $1.64 $3.31 (BZD) | $1.71MX34.99 |
| Local Cheese (500 gm) | $4.58$9.24 (BZD) | $2.95MX $60.93 |
| Boneless Chicken | $6.68$13.47 (BZD) | $5.58MX$114.38 |
| Apples (1 KG) | $5.50$11.09 (BZD) | $2.36MX $ 48.37 |
| Bananas (1 KG) | $1.20$2.43 (BZD) | $1.07MX $ 21.92 |
| Oranges | $1.15$2.33 (BZD) | $1.10MX$22.44 |
| Tomatoes | $2.43$4.89 (BZD) | $1.22MX$25.03 |
| Potatoes | $2.47$4.98(BZD) | $1.27MX$26.00 |
| Onions | $2.29 $4.62 (BZD) | $1.20MX $ 24.53 |
So, it’s clear that you have would have to pay up to 50% higher for each groceries items in Belize city compared to Mexico City.
2. Housing/Rent Per Month
Due to having beautiful beaches and diving opportunities, you would certainly like to start a new life here. For this instance, having proper knowledge of the house renting cost is quite needed.
Well! The average cost of renting in Belize City varies in location. Like if it is the main city or the apartment near the island that is far more luxurious up to American standards. So, expect a large chunk of your monthly budget for living here.
Conversely, rent in Mexico City is a bit higher compared to Belize City. But the fact also depends on where you want to live and how luxurious you want your apartment to be, which varies from furnished to unfurnished ones.
Rent in Mexico City is always higher than elsewhere in Mexico. Here is the short comparison table, highlighting the rent cost in Belize and Mexico City:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $ 331.38 | $825.20 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of City Centre | $325.10 | $496.40 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,223.42 | $ 1,554.05 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside the City Centre | $755.22 | $945.84 |
3. Real Estate
For those who are planning for staying in Belize or Mexico City permanently, buying a home is the better option.
There is a wide range of prices in the real estate of Belize City that depends on where exactly you want to buy. Like, you would expect to pay higher when buying an estate in popular tourist cities in Belize.
For example, Ambergris Caye is usually listed at a higher price point in the case of property.
The Mexico real estate market continues to be hot. Generally, housing in Mexico prices is still relatively cheap compared to the US. The prices will be higher in some parts of the country.
For example, the Pacific coast, the Caribbean and the Riviera Maya. Here’s how far your money may go in buying property in Belize and Mexico:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $988.55 | $2858.11 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment outside City Centre | $2,583.34 | $1,844.77 |
4. Utilities
The utilities cost like electricity/hydro in Belize City is expensive, almost the same as in the U.S. The residential electricity rate starts at $0.45 per kWh. Plus, as Belize has ample water resources with many rivers and lakes there are good availabilities of water service at an affordable price.
On the contrary, there are the cost of monthly basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) remain cheap throughout the year in Mexico City. But the cost depends on the size of your apartment.
Here is a sample of monthly utility costs for two people living and renting in Belize & Mexico City:
| Utilities | Belize | Mexico |
| Electricity | $250 | $30 |
| Water | $25 | $15 |
| Gas | $45 | $30 |
| Cellphone | $50 | $10 |
| Cable/pay TV | $45 | $35 |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.25 | $0.08 |
5. Personal Care
When it comes to the cost of things personal care, the prices of things in Belize are average as a major city in Central America.
But things in Mexico are far cheaper than in Belize, depending on various products. Let’s have a short glimpse at the below comparison table:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| The price of cold medicine (Tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) for 6 days | BZ$29$14.47 | Mex$ 82$4.43 |
| 1 box of antibiotics | BZ$10$ 4.99 | Mex$ 194$10.49 |
| Up to 15 minutes visit a private doctor | BZ$100$49.90 | Mex$ 630$34.07 |
| 1 box of 32 tampons | BZ$27$13.47 | Mex$ 75$4.06 |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | BZ$5.83$2.91 | Mex$ 56$3.03 |
| Hair shampoo | BZ$13$6.49 | Mex$ 64$3.46 |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | BZ$1.50$0.75 | Mex$ 33$1.78 |
| Tube of toothpaste | BZ$1.75$0.87 | Mex$ 32$1.73 |
| Standard men’s haircuts in expat areas of the city | BZ$15$7.48 | Mex$ 229$12.38 |
6. Entertainment & Sports
Belize City is always at the top in providing wide facilities for entertainment for the citizens. You will find a good array of game & entertainment centers in Belize.
Belize is well known for sports as well. Along with football, Belizians love playing and watching softball, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, and netball as well.
When it comes to entertainment in Mexico, there’s no doubt that you will feel any lack here. Mexico City has all of the entertainment options that you are expecting from such a cosmopolitan capital city.
You can explore exciting theatres, cinemas, gyms, malls, fun parks, and many more at a quite affordable cost compared to Belize City. The below comparison table will provide you with a clear idea:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| Movie ticket to theatre/cinema | $7.49BZD 15.09 | $3.81MX$78.11 |
| Monthly membership at local gyms | $41.06BZD 82.75 | $31.00BZD $635.03 |
| Monthly fee for fitness club (1 Adult) | 38.33 $ | $49.41 |
| Tennis Court rent (for 1 hour on weekends) | $9.92 | $23.74 |
| Pack of cigarettes | $3.16BZD 6.37 | $3.18MX$65.10 |
| Cappuccino in mid-range area | $4.16BZD 8.38 | $2.37MX$48.52 |
| Domestic/local beer | $2.41BZD 4.86 | $1.78MX$36.52 |
| Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub | BZ$79$39.42 | Mex$ 367$19.85 |
| 1 cocktail drink in the downtown club | BZ$13$6.49 | Mex$ 156$8.44 |
7. Clothing/Shoes
If you are preferring to have Belizean-style clothing, that would come at quite an affordable price. You can expect to pay higher for brand or designer clothes. But most of the prices may vary based on product size and color.
Meanwhile, buying clothes in Mexico is quite cheap compared to Belize City. This will depend on where you will purchase your clothes. Branded clothes are always higher in price.
Take a look at the below short comparison table to get an idea about the average price of selected types of clothes in Mexico and Belize City:
| Belize | Mexico | |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | $60.00 | $ 55.73 |
| 1 Summer Dress In Chain Store | $33.07 | $37.09 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | $100.00 | &89.82 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | $127.15 | $92.54 |
8. Education
In both Belize and Mexico City, there are good facilities for public and private schools in every part of the cities. Public schools are government-funded and free. But you need to pay a monthly tuition fee and an annual enrollment fee in private schools.
Also, the University of Belize is the most popular in Belize for delivering quality at very high standards and affordable rates. Homeschooling is another better if you prefer.
Same as you will the availability of large universities in Mexico that attract students from all over the world for higher education. Here are some cost estimates for education in Belize & Mexico:
i). Belize
| Public schools | Free except for uniforms & books |
| Private school for primary education | $3,000+ a year |
| High School | $720 to $1200 per year |
| University of Belize | $675 (tuition for 15 credits hours) per semester for Belizean citizens$1,350 for students from foreign countries. |
ii). Mexico
| Private kindergarten and preschool | 4,500 MXN-25,000 MXN (200 USD-1,150 USD) |
| Private school | 6,000 MXN-16,000 MXN (275 USD-735 USD) |
| Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México tuition | Mex$0 – Mex$1,800 |
| Universidad de Guadalajara tuition | 262 MXN (Domestic tuition)31,970 MXN (International tuition) |
09. Internet Plan
When you travel or plan to stay in any country, the most crucial thing that you need to consider is the availability of wifi. The availability of solid internet throughout Belize City is a bit rare.
Internet prices are higher with the slowest bandwidth. But, some places have even better wifi like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. That’s because these are the most living areas and many people moved there.
It is about Mexico, you will get the best options for an internet connection. But in a few places, you will be ensured the fastest speed intent compared to other parts.
That includes Mexico City, Puerto Escondido and La Paz with internet speeds up to 20 Mbps. Well! Now take a look at the internet cost in both cities:
| The price of Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) in Belize City | BZ $90 | USD $44.91 |
| The price of Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) in Mexico City | Mex$372. | USD $ 20.12 |
Finding A Job In Belize vs Mexico
If you are planning to get settled in a new country, the first thing that you need to concentrate in finding a job. The difficulties of finding a job in a new city mainly depend on your status. But as you are immigrating thus the fact comes come much harder than the ones who were born in that country.
Especially, when you are trying in Belize, there are several reasons it’s going to be tough. The core ones are most of the quality jobs are for Belizeans and Belizean residents first and foremost. Still, there is good availability of a handful of jobs in Belize that you get in based on experience.
Also, expats work in various industries like teaching English or the health and medicine field if you are from the Medical sector. Or, you can join NGO jobs in Belize in various fields like ecology, community and strategic planning, journalism, or information technology.
The same fact goes for expats in Mexico as well. If you’re not a Mexican citizen or a permanent resident, it will seem more challenging to find a job. Basically, employers prefer to hire a Mexcian in their companies.
For this instance, you can manage Mexican Temporary Residence Work Visa to have a valid job here. Here is the list of the most popular jobs in Mexico for expats this year:
- Teaching English
- Resort jobs
- Industrial engineering
- Digital marketing
- Veterinary medicine and zootechnics
- Architecture
- Product manager
- UX designer
- Web developer.
Salaries & Financing In Belize vs Mexico
The salaries of Belize are distributed on a few scales or indicators. That includes the median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range. In general, the average salary is higher than in the other parts of Central America.
The average salary is around 800 USD per month whereas the minimum & maximum salary in Belize ranges from 990 BZD to 17,500 BZD.
If we are taking a look at Mexico City, the salaries are not as high here as in the US. The average wage in Mexico is 519 MXN/Day or 592.409 USD/Month, much less compared to Belize City. Basically, the cost of living in Mexico is lower and that does account for a lower salary in this city.
The median salary in Mexico is about USD 1,660/month that is representing the middle value of a set of salaries.
Rounding It Up- Which Is More Affordable? Belize Or Mexico?
Certainly, Mexico is more affordable than Belize. Belize will cost you up to 80.5% more expensive than Mexico, whether you want to live or plan a trip here.
You’ll expect great expenses in Belize for rental costs, buying groceries, and utility bills, even though there are noticeable differences between earning amounts in Mexico and Belize.
But besides living costs, safety would be another concerning fact between these two major nations of America. For this instance, you can go through our dedicated guide to figure out which will safer place between Mexico and Belize with having lower crime rate and violence.
Areas Of Belize That Are More Expensive
In Belize, there are certain areas that are expensive due to denser populations, being closer to city centers, and having popular transportation systems. Also, the high cost of housing makes these places more luxurious than the smaller ones. Let’s have a glimpse at the expensive areas in Belize City:
i). San Pedro
San Pedro is the most popular town in Belize, located on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye, it is the most wealthy side of Belize City. The cost of living in this town is up to 39% more expensive than the national average.
If you are living here alone you’d expect to pay $108 ad the average daily cost in Belize City is $71. Besides housing and daily costing, healthcare costs in San Pedro are less affordable than average in the US.
ii). Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is another expensive destination in Belize. It is basically an island and the higher property values on this island make it costlier.
Plus, the cost of living on this island is expensive due to tourism and many more tourists and expats here than in other parts of the country. A couple will expect to pay up to $2,900 per month, including rent if they are preferring a simple lifestyle on this island.
iii). Placencia
Placencia is one of the most expensive destinations in Belize City. Due to dazzling beaches, luxury hotels, and quality food and drink establishments, the place has dense popularity with tourists and expats living.
A couple needs to expense about $2,500 per month to lead a modest lifestyle in this place. Simply a villa in Placencia will cost on average $1,348 per night.
iv). Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is the most expensive destination in Belize City. The cost living of in this place is now almost at the US level.
On the contrary, if you’re travelling here, you should have a good budget of $42.00 USD per day as a solo traveller.
Areas Of Mexico That Are More Expensive
There are a few luxurious areas in Mexico where the cost of living is comparatively higher than in other parts of the city. Mainly, the places are drawn to the top area due to high job opportunities, good availabilities of restaurants and other amenities. That’s the reason many more expats and locals continue to flock to these city centres.
1. Los Cabos
Los Cabos is the most expensive city in Mexico. There is always seen an increase in the prices of basic products which are higher than in any other Mexican city. In Cabo, all the essential products are imported from the US and you will find everything priced in American dollars.
The average cost of living in Cabo San is about $4800 per month if you are alone here. Plus, the cost of living for a family is $6,156 / month. However, you can expect to pay US$15 – US$25 per meal in restaurants.
2. Cancun
Cancun is considered one of the most expensive destinations in Mexico, especially where you are compared to Mexico City. Due to having sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting nightlife, the city is always populous by tourists and expats.
The average travel cost to Cancun is about 100 $US per day. For those who plan to live here, the estimated monthly cost for a single person would be about $ 601.1 without rent costs.
But overall, it is an insanely beautiful place to visit. Take a look at our comparison guide between Belize vs Cancun to ensure your next fluent trip.
3. Monterrey
Monterrey is listed as the most luxurious and expensive city in Mexico. This is because, the city is abundant with various light and heavy industries, agricultural industries and international business offices.
The cost of living in Monterrey is almost similar to that of Mexico City. The estimated cost for a single person for living in this city is Mex$ 25,918 including the rent cost and other expenses.
Wrap Up!
Well! Considering all things, it’s cheaper, on average, to live in Mexico than it is to live in Belize. Even if you plan a vacation in any of these two countries, you can expect to pay more for Belize to stay in hotels, food budget, transportation expenses or while exploring natural activities on your own.
However, after thoroughly reading out comparison guide, there should be no confusion left over on whether is Belize cheaper than Mexico. But still, if you want to know more, just hit the comment box explaining your query. Our travel experts will come up to you with the best suggestion.
About Ishaque
I am a frequent traveler who likes to explore the beauty of the earth and live an independent lifestyle. Also, I am working as a freelance writer to support my independent lifestyle. Learn more about us.