What is the healthcare system like in Belize?

Belize has a healthcare quality index of 70/100. A doctor visit is listed as BZD 60-120, and private health insurance is listed as BZD 240-440/month. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Belize?

Belize has an average temperature of 25.8. The comparable climate indicator records 41 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Belize

Retirement planning in Belize depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.

At a glance Costs and planning

59.6Overall research score

38.7Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living36/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety38.7/100Safety index

Healthcare70/100Quality index

Average temperature25.8°CYearly average

Why Belize

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Whether Belize fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.

What stands out

English is the official language
Foreign income tax-exempt under retirement programme

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: BZD 2,000-3,000
One bedroom, suburbs: BZD 1,600-2,400
Three bedrooms, city center: BZD 3,600-5,000

Monthly essentials

Groceries: BZD 700-1,100
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: BZD 240-400
Health insurance: BZD 240-440/month

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program
Minimum annual income: USD 24,000
Processing time: Usually 1–3 months
Income tax: 25% flat for residents; 0% for foreign-sourced income under QRP

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 38.7/100
Intentional homicide: 0.281 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 41 days per year
Doctor visit: BZD 60-120
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Belize

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Caribbean island lifestyle on Belize’s largest and most developed cay, English is an official language; local integration support varies

Rent: BZD 1,800-3,600/month
Safety: 72

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Belize

What is the cost of living in Belize?

The relative PPP price-level score for Belize is 36/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as BZD 2,000-3,000, while health insurance is BZD 240-440/month.

Is Belize safe for expats and retirees?

Belize has a safety index of 38.7/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.281 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Belize?

The healthcare system in Belize has a quality index of 70/100. A doctor visit costs BZD 60-120, and health insurance typically costs BZD 240-440/month per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Belize?

Belize lists the route “Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program”. The published minimum-income field is USD 24,000 per year and processing is Usually 1–3 months. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Belize?

Retirees in Belize face income tax rates of 25% flat for residents; 0% for foreign-sourced income under QRP. Property tax is Municipal property tax varies by location and inheritance tax is No single national rate; estate and transfer rules vary. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Belize?

Belize has approximately 68,706 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include San Pedro (Ambergris Caye).