Is it cheaper to retire in Belize or Costa Rica?

Belize is cheaper than Costa Rica, though both sit in a similar Central American bracket. Belize’s moderate lifestyle costs around $1,275 per person per month, while Costa Rica sits at $1,550, a gap of about $275. The two countries share a lot of cost DNA: cheap local produce, expensive imported goods, similar housing markets outside the major cities, and comparable healthcare costs. Costa Rica wins on healthcare quality, infrastructure, and political stability. Belize wins on language since English is the official language, and slightly cheaper coastal real estate. For retirees specifically, Costa Rica has a more developed expat community with established Pensionado visa programs, while Belize is less bureaucratic. For the full side-by-side, see our Costa Rica page and Belize page.