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DISCOVER BELIZE
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Northern Belize offers a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with stunning natural beauty, a warm climate, and a welcoming expat community. With low living costs, English as the official language, and easy access to Mexico, it's ideal for retirees and adventure-seekers alike. Popular spots like Corozal and Consejo Shores offer charm, comfort, and friendly locals in a refreshingly off-the-radar destination.
Life in Northern Belize is as diverse as its landscape.
Over the years, locals and expats have settled beside secluded tropical rivers, in hardwood forests, along traditional farmlands, and on breezy Caribbean shores. They’re drawn to the region’s simple, friendly way of life and its comforting sense of space — Northern Belize has fewer than 50,000 people spread across 2,500 square miles.
This is where the Caribbean meets Central America. Ancient Maya ruins rise beside Mennonite farmlands. The cultural mix is warm, authentic, and deeply rooted. Corozal and Orange Walk provide most municipal services, while major shopping and entertainment options are just over the border in Chetumal, Mexico.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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One of Northern Belize’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to reach — not just from Belize City, but from North America and Mexico.
Belize is served by nonstop routes from major U.S. and Canadian cities, including:
Atlanta, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Calgary, and Toronto.
Connections are also available from regional hubs such as San Salvador, Roatán, Cancún, and San Pedro Sula.
Visitors can drive in Belize using their foreign driver’s license for up to three months, after which converting to a Belize license is quick and simple — show your home-country license and pay a small fee.
Insurance is mandatory, and police checkpoints are common at the entrances of major highways.
The upgraded Northern Highway offers an easier, smoother drive between Belize City and Corozal, while smaller rural roads remain rustic but navigable with good planning.
Northern Belize is the best value destination in Belize and one of the most affordable options for retirement in the Caribbean. A couple can live well in the region for less than BZ$2,936 Belize dollars (US$1,457) per month.
By Con Murphy
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | N/A | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | US$596 to US$894 | Average: only serviced in expat developments. |
| Property Taxes | US$10 to US$248 | Rural: US$10; In town: US$248 |
| Transportation | US$148.89 | Taxis in town; Bus to Belize City; Private Vehicle (recommended if you live outside Corozal or Orange Walk). |
| Gas | US$24.82 | Cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | US$74.45 to US$248 | No air conditioning: US$74.45; Moderate air conditioning: US$119; Lots of air conditioning: US$248. |
| Water | US$15 to US$99 | Higher if you have a pool or water your lawns. |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | Basic plan: US$15; Unlimited talk and 8GB: US$25; pay-as-you-go also available. |
| Internet | US$42.43 | Bundle cable and 30 Mbps internet. |
| Cable TV | N/A | Bundled with internet. |
| Household Help | US$99 | Monthly wage working one day per week. Minimum wage: US$1.64 per hour (but consider paying US$2.50 to US$3.50 depending on the work). |
| Entertainment | US$416.90 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant. Drinks twice a week at nearby watering hole. Movie theatre trip twice a month.Movie theatre trip twice a month. |
| Groceries | US$220 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | N/A | No proper gyms available. |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$50 to BZ$100 | General practitioner: US$25; Specialist: US$35 to US$50. |
| TOTAL | US$1,687.49 to US$2,506.04 | Highly variable. |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$397 to US$596 | Very comfortable western-style apartment or house. |
| Transportation | US$148.89 | Taxis in town; Bus to Belize City; Private Vehicle (recommended if you live outside Corozal or Orange Walk). |
| Gas | US$24.82 | Cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | US$74.45 to US$248 | No air conditioning: US$74.45; Moderate air conditioning: US$119; Lots of air conditioning: US$248. |
| Water | US$15 to US$99 | Higher if you have a pool or water your lawns. |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | Basic plan: US$15; Unlimited talk and 8GB: US$25; pay-as-you-go also available. |
| Internet | US$42.43 | Bundle cable and 30 Mbps internet. |
| Cable TV | N/A | Bundled with internet fee. |
| Household Help | US$99 | Monthly wage working one day per week. Minimum wage: US$1.64 per hour (but consider paying US$2.50 to US$3.50 depending on the work). |
| Entertainment | US$416.90 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant. Drinks twice a week at nearby watering hole. Movie theatre trip twice a month. |
| Groceries | US$220 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | N/A | No proper gyms available. |
| Medical Appointment | US$25 to US$50 | General practitioner: US$25; Specialist: US$35 to US$50. |
| TOTAL | US$1,478.49 to US$1,960.04 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$248.15 | |
| Transportation | US$40 | Cheapest forms of public transport; a few taxis and buses included. |
| Gas | US$19.85 | Cooking and heating. |
| Electricity | US$40 | |
| Water | US$15 | |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | |
| Internet | US$19.85 | |
| Cable TV | N/A | Bundled with internet. |
| Entertainment | US$168.74 | |
| Groceries | US$200 | |
| TOTAL | US$766.59 |
Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.
Northern Belize offers far more to do than most people expect — especially nature lovers, hobbyists, and expats seeking a slower, more engaging lifestyle.
For retirees, or anyone above the age of 45, will find that the Belize’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) residency program is a good choice.
The only requirements to qualify for Belize’s QRP program are that you or your spouse be 45 years of age or older, that you consider yourself to be retired, and that you show that you have a minimum monthly income of at least US$2,000 per month to support yourself in Belize.
As we get older, we start to ask ourselves where we dream of spending the rest of our lives, where the best place to retire is, and where can we have a real adventure overseas…
Close to home, nestled below Mexico on the turquoise Caribbean seaboard, is a near-perfect paradise.
It’s English-speaking, has subtropical weather year-round, and is situated at the confluence of the Yucatán, Caribbean, and Central American cultures…
Belize has it all. It’s blessed with natural wonders, like warm waters, the Mesoamerican barrier reef, jungles teeming with fauna, and the spectacular Blue Hole—a 407-foot-deep cenote off the Belize coast that is a scuba divers’ mecca.
The cost of living here is lower than the States: it’s possible to live a fulfilling life for as little as US$1,200 per month, or you can live a life of luxury for less than most other Caribbean nations will cost.
Average year-round temperatures are in the mid-80s, and when it does rain here, it’s mostly warm showers. On top of all this, Belize is a tax haven, and just a stone’s throw from the States…
Yet many can’t find this little jewel of a country on a map…
It doesn’t make international news headlines but if often ranks as one of the best places in the world to retire.
With a tiny population, everywhere in Belize has a small town feel. Strangers smile and say good morning, happy to stop and chat when they pass each other on the street.
Belize has little history of political unrest. In fact, it’s one of the most stable countries in the region, politically and economically…
In northern Belize, some of the best areas to live are Corozal and Consejo Village.
Corozal is both the name of a district and a town in northern Belize. Nestled on the Bay of Chetumal, Corozal Town is only a nine-mile hop from the Mexican city of Chetumal, the state capital of Quintana Roo.
It’s a lovely, laid-back, inexpensive place and home to the biggest population of expats in this part of the country. Yet even with 13,000 people, it has a small-village feel. It offers all the services, amenities, and community activities of a much larger town.
The weather here is better than the south, too: it gets 57 inches of rain per year—half that of Toledo, the most southern district of Belize.
Corozal is the recommended basecamp for anyone exploring northern Belize. It lies 84 miles north of Belize City and 68 miles from the international airport.
Many start their Belize adventure at Tony’s Inn & Beach Resort, which you pass as you drive into Corozal from the direction of Belize City. It’s one of the original expat hangouts and a great place to meet people and get local advice.
There are plenty of other places to stay while exploring the area, too, like Scotty’s, Jamrock, Tortuga’s, Mars Caribbean Gardens (for great Belizean food), and Corozal Blues.
Nearly three times as many people live in the villages of Corozal District compared to Corozal Town.
Rentals in Corozal are much more reasonably priced than in the other waterfront destinations in Belize… But finding them is difficult; the best value ones aren’t listed with a realtor or on rental websites. In fact, the only rentals that realtors bother to handle are the high-end ones.
The best option for finding great value accommodation is to ask locals and expats or drive around looking for rental signs.
Renting a big American-style house in a private development on the water will cost much more than good-quality local housing…
Some love living in an expat community; others prefer the savings and adventure of living in a local village. It depends on your preferences and your budget.
Rent a basic, local-style house for US$200 per month; with US$300 to US$500 you can rent a nice, medium-sized local-style home in Corozal with sea views.
For US$800 to $1,000 per month, you can get a local rental overlooking the water.
Basic health care services are reliable and inexpensive at local hospitals and clinics in Corozal, but serious issues are sent to the public Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City.
Seven miles northeast of Corozal and two miles from Chetumal is Consejo Village. It’s popular among expats for restaurants like Smugglers Den, an upmarket restaurant that does American and Caribbean cuisine, and Buccaneers Palapa Restaurant, which serves local food at reasonable prices.
Consejo Shores is a successful and thriving residential development close to Consejo Village. It boasts 1.25 miles of oceanfront, a nine-hole golf course, and over 120 established homes.
Many expat friends living here believe it’s the best location in Belize. Another expat development in this area is Mayan Seaside—a popular but quiet development. The main activities here are water volleyball on Thursdays and drinking beers on the dock.
Expats in northern Belize are welcomed by the local communities, and in turn, treat locals with respect and consideration.
Remember that as an expat living in Belize, you’re a guest: treat people with respect, and don’t try to change the habits of people of Belize.
Things will take longer than you expect here, and stressing about it won’t make any difference…
The cost of living in northern Belize is lower than in the States.
Certain items like gasoline, imported processed foods, imported liquor and wine, and electronics cost significantly more in Belize.
With this in mind, it’s easy to tailor your habits to keep costs down. Swap your scotch for one of the dozens of great local rums available. As single man, I spend less than US$50 on groceries and household items per week, not including alcohol.
Electricity costs more than in the States but you find that the major appliances often are designed to use a lot less power than U.S. models.
Water is metered in the towns but is most often a flat rate of US$5 or US$7.50 per month in the villages. Water outages happen semi regularly in the villages, so investing in a water vat and pressure system is a good idea.
A main course in a basic local eatery starts around US$3.50, and a beer or rum and coke costs US$2.50.
Higher-end restaurants serving international cuisine can run from US$7.50 to US$15 for all but the most expensive imported foods. A fancy cocktail in a nice bar or hotel with imported liquor will cost you US$6 to US$10.
One of the great advantages of Belize is the low cost of general labor. You can hire a house-cleaners for as little as US$2 per hour, but I always pay the person who has access to my home a bit more.
Therefore, ask around for references when hiring someone, and pay more if you find someone who can also cook.
Yard maintenance or outdoor help is available for as little as US$17.50 per day, but I pay US$20 to US$25 for someone who is good. If your worker has to bring their own equipment, they charge more. Investing in your own equipment pays off quickly.
If you’re a laid-back, nature-loving person with a sense of adventure, you’ll love northern Belize.
Healthcare in Northern Belize is straightforward, affordable, and well-suited for retirees who want basic services nearby and more advanced care just across the border.
These prices make routine care easy and budget-friendly.
Northern Belize is widely considered one of the most stable and laid-back regions of the country. The area’s small towns, friendly culture, and political stability contribute to a comfortable day-to-day environment for expats.
Belize has a remarkably calm political history. Since independence, only one demonstration ever got out of hand, and the country is consistently cited as one of the most stable in Central America.
Belize is affected by less than 5% of Caribbean hurricanes, meaning fewer storm threats than many other coastal destinations in the region.
Overall, Northern Belize offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where retirees feel comfortable and supported.
Northern Belize is a very attractive destination to people who are looking for a consistently warm climate. The climate is subtropical. Temperatures range from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The area boasts the most hospitable climate in the country.
Most importantly, the region enjoys trade winds coming off the ocean and has two seasons. The rainy season is between June and December and the dry season covers December to May.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025
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Travelers can enjoy Belize quite safely. Above all, take all necessary precautions such as always keeping your belongings on you, avoiding flashy jewelry, and always locking up your home and car.
Belize, like any other country on the planet, has its petty crimes. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out and about. Avoid walking and driving alone at night.
Overall, yes it’s safe to drink tap water in Belize. However, most people prefer bottled water due to the taste.
Yes. It’s safe to swim in Belize. You should always be aware of your surroundings when in the ocean, but it is a safe activity to partake in.
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