Placencia, Belize
Belize's Quintessential White-Sand Caribbean Haven...
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.
The Cost Of Living In Placencia, Belize
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.
Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | BZ$500 | Only applies within development. |
| Property Taxes | BZ$40 | |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | BZ$50 | Cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | BZ$400 | Half this if you don’t use A/C. |
| Water | BZ$50 | |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | Plans start at BZ$30 but budget BZ$75 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | BZ$129 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. |
| Household Help | BZ$320 | Twice a week. |
| Entertainment | BZ$800 | Placencia is more expensive than anywhere else in Belize. |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | |
| Gym Membership | BZ$100 | |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$50 | |
| TOTAL | BZ$3,469 |
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$2,500 | This would provide a good quality apartment. |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | BZ$50 | Cooking and heating. |
| Electricity | BZ$400 | Half this if not using A/C. |
| Water | BZ$50 | |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | Plans start at BZ$30 but budget BZ$75 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | BZ$129 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet fee. |
| Household Help | BZ$320 | Twice a week. |
| Entertainment | BZ$800 | Placencia is more expensive than anywhere else in Belize. |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | |
| Gym Membership | BZ$100 | |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$50 | |
| TOTAL | BZ$5,429 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$1,000 | Most basic kind of rental. |
| Transportation | BZ$100 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | BZ$25 | Cooking and heating. |
| Electricity | BZ$100 | |
| Water | BZ$30 | |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | Plans start at BZ$30 but budget BZ$75 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | BZ$129 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. |
| Entertainment | BZ$400 | |
| Groceries | BZ$400 | |
| TOTAL | BZ$2,214 |
Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.
