This haven is somewhat of a secret in the Caribbean… Seventeen miles of the most beautiful, vacant, white sandy beaches… Dazzling turquoise blue water, teeming with fish… Cooling trade winds gently caress the palm trees, and white beaches that offer perfect launching grounds for excursions to the myriad of cays that abound around this little peninsula of paradise…
Placencia is a 17-mile long sand spit that is at most only a quarter-mile wide. The one-time fishing village turned quiet tourist destination boasts high-quality developments, high-quality people, and little to no crime… just an abundance of
deserted white beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed luxury.
What to do in Placencia
Today, tourism is the mainstay of the peninsula. The natural riches Belize enjoys makes scuba diving and snorkeling in the many marine reserves a spectacular experience.
Placencia offers some of the best culinary options in all of Belize. From Indian, Italian, gelato, and pizza to fresh fish and authentic local cuisine, there is a surprising amount on offer for such an intimate location. Placencia has a casino and a golf course accessible by a short boat ride and a spa located in the village.
There is a small but significant expat group on the peninsula. In Placencia, you find all sorts of expats to meet and socialize with. The majority of all new developments are bought by newcomers, and social outlets available to expats have been increasing.
Cost of Living in Placencia
The cost of living in Placencia is higher than in some other places on the mainland of Belize. However, this does not mean that life is exorbitantly expensive here. Rent for a single unit can be as low as US$500 per month.
While one can find household help for prices all the way down to minimum wage of US$1.75 per hour, it’s highly recommended that you don’t underpay those who have access to your home.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, many people go to the Fishermen’s Cooperative at the end of the main street. There you can shop around and buy a variety of foods and other items for very reasonable prices.
Penny-Pincher’s Budget for Placencia, Belize
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$1,000 | Most basic kind of rental. |
| Transportation | BZ$100 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | BZ$15 | Cooking and heating |
| Electricity | BZ$100 | |
| Water | BZ$30 | |
| Telephone | BZ$100 | |
| Garbage Collection | BZ$30 | |
| Internet | BZ$80 | |
| Entertainment | BZ$400 | |
| Groceries | BZ$400 | |
| Total Monthly Expenses | BZ$2,301.00 | US$1,142.00 |
Apartment or House Rental Budget for Placencia, Belize
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$2,500 | This would provide a good quality apartment. |
| Property Taxes | – | |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | BZ$15 | Cooking and heating |
| Electricity | BZ$350 | |
| Water | BZ$50 | |
| Telephone | BZ$200 | |
| Household Help | BZ$200 | 4 times per month |
| Entertainment | BZ$800 | |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | |
| Gym Membership | BZ$100 | |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$50 | |
| Total Monthly Expenses | BZ$5,431.00 | US$2,695.00 |
Apartment or House Ownership Budget for Placencia, Belize
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | - | Not included (Large variation in price) |
| HOA Fees | BZ$500 | Only applies within development |
| Property Taxes | BZ$40 | |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | |
| Gas | BZ$15 | Cooking and heating |
| Electricity | BZ$350 | |
| Water | BZ$80 | |
| Telephone | BZ$200 | |
| Garbage Collection | BZ$40 | |
| Internet | BZ$75 | |
| Cable TV | BZ$46 | |
| Household Help | BZ$200 | 4 times per month |
| Entertainment | BZ$800 | |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | |
| Gym Membership | BZ$100 | |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$50 | |
| Total Monthly Expenses | BZ$3,496.00 | US$1,735.00 |