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San Ignacio, Belize

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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.

San Ignacio: Laid-Back, Yet Bustling

San Ignacio, originally El Cayo, is located in the western part of the Cayo District of Belize. It is the hub of the area and the second largest settlement in the country. The town has an area of roughly 2.5 square miles. It is connected to its “sister city” Santa Elena by an elevated bridge

Although San Ignacio is a popular destination for tourists with many sites to explore including the Mayan ruins, a Forest Reserve, caves, butterfly farms, botanical gardens etc., the town maintains its local island vibe surrounded by raw, natural beauty. There is a sizeable expat community that lives in San Ignacio and others who live on the coast often escape to San Ignacio during tourist season when the beaches become more crowded.

The San Ignacio, Belize, lifestyle caters to those looking for a life that is healthy, slow-paced, and relaxed. Weekly markets turn into social events where everyone comes to buy local, reasonably-priced produce, herbs and regional food. It is a backpacker’s dream with trails to hike and an eco-tourism haven with species of plants and animals on display in all their glory.

The Cost Of Living In San Ignacio, Belize

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
MortgageNot included here as too variable
HOA FeesBZ$300Most properties in San Ignacio don’t have HOA fees, only in a handful of “gringo” developments.
Property TaxesBZ$25BZ$25 in town, BZ$3 outside town.
TransportationBZ$400You’ll need a car in San Ignacio; expect to spend this amount minimum per month on gas and maintenance, and more if you’re doing a lot of driving. Gas is BZ$11 a gallon.
GasBZ$50For cooking and hot water.
ElectricityBZ$400Using air conditioning (cut this figure in half if you forego it).
WaterBZ$50BZ$50 in town; if you have a pool or irrigate your garden from main water expect to pay more. BZ$15 outside town.
Cell PhoneBZ$30Most basic plan.
InternetBZ$129For 40 Mbps.
Cable TVBundled with internet or BZ$60 without.
Household HelpBZ$320Two visits per week, BZ$40 per day.
EntertainmentBZ$380Social outing: BZ$30 per person; Dinner and drinks for two: BZ$40-BZ$50; Drinks for two: BZ$10.
GroceriesBZ$600Basic items for a couple.
Gym MembershipNo proper gyms available.
Medical AppointmentBZ$40A basic doctor/clinic appointment, per visit.
TOTALBZ$2,724Doesn’t include mortgage cost.

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
RentBZ$1,500Unfurnished, two-bedroom, modern house in town. If you’re willing to live in a more local-standard home, you could cut this in half. If you’re renting within a gated community, you might need to spend more.
TransportationBZ$400You’ll need a car in San Ignacio; expect to spend this much per month on gas and maintenance.
GasBZ$50For cooking and hot water.
ElectricityBZ$400Using air conditioning (cut this figure in half if you forego it).
WaterBZ$50BZ$50 in town; if you have a pool or irrigate your garden from main water expect to pay more. BZ$15 outside town.
Cell PhoneBZ$30Most basic plan.
InternetBZ$129For 40 Mbps.
Cable TVBundled with internet or BZ$60 without.
Household HelpBZ$320Two visits per week, BZ$40 per day.
EntertainmentBZ$380Social outing: BZ$30 per person; Dinner and drinks for two: BZ$40-BZ$50; Drinks for two: BZ$10.
GroceriesBZ$600Basic items for a couple.
Gym MembershipNo proper gyms available.
Medical AppointmentBZ$40A basic doctor/clinic visit, per appointment.
TOTALBZ$3,899

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
RentBZ$500Local-style bungalow in outlying village or basic apartment in town.
TransportationBZ$50
GasBZ$35For cooking and hot water.
ElectricityBZ$85
WaterBZ$30
Cell PhoneBZ$30
InternetBZ$99
Cable TVBundled with internet or BZ$60 without.
EntertainmentBZ$2402 nights out a week, local food and drinks.
GroceriesBZ$400Basic items for a couple.
TOTALBZ$1,469

Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.

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