San Ignacio, Belize
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)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable |
| HOA Fees | BZ$300 | Most properties in San Ignacio don’t have HOA fees, only in a handful of “gringo” developments. |
| Property Taxes | BZ$25 | BZ$25 in town, BZ$3 outside town. |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | You’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. |
| Gas | BZ$50 | For cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | BZ$400 | Using air conditioning (cut this figure in half if you forego it). |
| Water | BZ$50 | BZ$50 in town; if you have a pool or irrigate your garden from main water expect to pay more. BZ$15 outside town. |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | Most basic plan. |
| Internet | BZ$129 | For 40 Mbps. |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet or BZ$60 without. |
| Household Help | BZ$320 | Two visits per week, BZ$40 per day. |
| Entertainment | BZ$380 | Social outing: BZ$30 per person; Dinner and drinks for two: BZ$40-BZ$50; Drinks for two: BZ$10. |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | – | No proper gyms available. |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$40 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment, per visit. |
| TOTAL | BZ$2,724 | Doesn’t include mortgage cost. |
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$1,500 | Unfurnished, 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. |
| Transportation | BZ$400 | You’ll need a car in San Ignacio; expect to spend this much per month on gas and maintenance. |
| Gas | BZ$50 | For cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | BZ$400 | Using air conditioning (cut this figure in half if you forego it). |
| Water | BZ$50 | BZ$50 in town; if you have a pool or irrigate your garden from main water expect to pay more. BZ$15 outside town. |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | Most basic plan. |
| Internet | BZ$129 | For 40 Mbps. |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet or BZ$60 without. |
| Household Help | BZ$320 | Two visits per week, BZ$40 per day. |
| Entertainment | BZ$380 | Social outing: BZ$30 per person; Dinner and drinks for two: BZ$40-BZ$50; Drinks for two: BZ$10. |
| Groceries | BZ$600 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | – | No proper gyms available. |
| Medical Appointment | BZ$40 | A basic doctor/clinic visit, per appointment. |
| TOTAL | BZ$3,899 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | BZ$500 | Local-style bungalow in outlying village or basic apartment in town. |
| Transportation | BZ$50 | |
| Gas | BZ$35 | For cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | BZ$85 | |
| Water | BZ$30 | |
| Cell Phone | BZ$30 | |
| Internet | BZ$99 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet or BZ$60 without. |
| Entertainment | BZ$240 | 2 nights out a week, local food and drinks. |
| Groceries | BZ$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| TOTAL | BZ$1,469 |
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