Costa Rica vs Belize for Expats: Which is Better?

When choosing where to live abroad, expats often face a trade-off: Belize offers a lower cost of living, while Costa Rica provides more developed healthcare and infrastructure.

Belize vs Costa Rica for expats explores these differences to give retirees and professionals some insights to evaluate which country suits them best.

This article explores:

• Is Belize better than Costa Rica for expats?
• Is living in Belize expensive?
• Is Costa Rica more expensive?
• Where is the best place for expats to live in Belize?
• Where do the majority of expats live in Costa Rica?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Why are some countries better for expats?

Countries that attract expats usually offer a combination of:

• Political and economic stability: Predictable governance and low risk of civil unrest.
• Affordable living expenses: Rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare that fit expat budgets.
• Good healthcare and infrastructure: Accessible hospitals, clinics, and reliable utilities.
• Cultural openness and language: Friendly locals, English-speaking communities, or easy language acquisition.
• Expat support networks: Clubs, social groups, and online communities that ease integration.

Both Belize and Costa Rica appeal to expats for many of these reasons, but differences in lifestyle and infrastructure make each country unique.

How many expats live in Belize?

As of 2023, Belize hosts over 62,000 registered immigrants, including more than 13,000 Canadians and over 9,000 Americans.

This expatriate community constitutes approximately 15% of the country’s total population.

Many expats are retirees or remote workers from the US, Canada, and Europe, drawn by Belize’s English-speaking environment, tropical climate, and relaxed lifestyle.

Popular expat hubs include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Corozal, where services cater to international residents.

The modest size of the expat community offers a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle but may also mean fewer expat-focused amenities compared to larger destinations.

Nonetheless, Belize’s appeal continues to grow among those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

How many expats are there in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica hosts a larger expat population, estimated at over 500,000 in 2022, with most from the US and Canada.

Many settle in areas like the Central Valley, Guanacaste, and Lake Arenal, drawn by quality healthcare, stable infrastructure, and a well-established expat network.

The sizeable community provides social opportunities, services in English, and a support network that makes integration easier for newcomers.

Which is better for expats, Costa Rica or Belize?

Costa Rica is generally better for expats seeking strong infrastructure, reliable healthcare, and a stable environment, making it ideal for those who prefer a well-established expat community.

Belize, on the other hand, attracts English-speaking expats who want a slower-paced, Caribbean lifestyle with lower population density, often appealing to retirees and digital nomads looking for a relaxed way of life.

What is safer, Costa Rica or Belize?

Costa Rica is generally safer, particularly in tourist and expat-heavy areas, with violent crime being less common than in many Central American countries.

Local authorities prioritize safety in popular regions, making it more secure for residents and visitors.

In Belize, safety varies widely: urban areas like Belize City have higher crime rates, while islands and rural regions tend to be much safer.

Expats are advised to carefully research neighborhoods and follow standard safety precautions.

According to the Belize Crime Observatory, Belize recorded a murder rate of 19.7 per 100,000 people in 2023, with 87 homicides reported that year.

In contrast, Costa Rica’s homicide rate reached 17.2 per 100,000 people in 2023, a 38% increase from the previous year.

However, Costa Rica’s homicide rate decreased to 16.6 per 100,000 people in 2024, reflecting a slight improvement.

While Costa Rica’s overall homicide rate is slightly lower, Belize’s murder rate has been decreasing in recent years, indicating improvements in public safety.

Both countries have areas with higher crime rates, so it’s essential for expats to research specific neighborhoods and exercise caution accordingly.

Is Belize or Costa Rica more expensive to live?

Costa Rica is generally more expensive to live in than Belize, particularly in coastal or expat-heavy areas like Guanacaste and the Central Valley.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San José averages around $600–$900 per month, while groceries and imported goods can add significantly to living costs.

Healthcare, though high quality, can also be pricey for private care.

Belize is slightly more affordable, especially outside major tourist areas.

Local produce, utilities, and services often cost less than in Costa Rica, although imported goods and certain expat-focused amenities can still be expensive.

For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Belize City typically ranges from $450–$700 per month, depending on location.

Overall, expats on a moderate budget may find Belize easier to manage financially, while Costa Rica offers more infrastructure but at a higher cost.

Where does Belize rank in healthcare?

Why do expats leave Belize?

Expat departures from Belize are often due to:

• Limited healthcare options outside main cities.
• Occasional political and economic instability.
• Crime in certain urban areas.
• Challenges in finding long-term employment outside tourism and teaching.

Why are expats leaving Costa Rica?

Some expats are leaving Costa Rica due to:

• Rising cost of living in popular regions.
• Bureaucratic delays in residency and permits.
• Traffic congestion and growing urbanization.
• Desire for lower-cost alternatives in neighboring countries.

Why do expats move to Belize?

Belize draws expats because of:

• English as the official language, making communication easier.
• Relaxed Caribbean lifestyle with a focus on outdoor and water-based activities.
• Opportunities for retirement with relatively straightforward residency options.
• Less crowded, slower-paced living than Costa Rica.

Why do so many expats live in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica attracts expats for:

• Established expat communities with strong social networks.
• High-quality healthcare and modern infrastructure.
• Diverse climates and natural beauty, from beaches to mountains.
• Political stability compared with other Central American countries.

Where do expats go in Costa Rica?

Popular expat destinations in Costa Rica include:

• San José & Central Valley: Mild climate, healthcare, amenities.
• Guanacaste: Coastal lifestyle, beaches, and tourist-friendly areas.
• Arenal/La Fortuna: Volcano views, adventure tourism hubs.
• Nicoya Peninsula: Blue Zone, long-living communities, slower pace.

Where do most expats live in Belize?

Top areas for expats in Belize:

• Ambergris Caye: Beachfront living, English-speaking, tourism-focused.
• Placencia: Coastal town with relaxed lifestyle and small expat community.
• Belize City outskirts or rural areas: More affordable options with proximity to amenities.

Is it better to retire in Belize or Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is often preferred by retirees seeking stability, comprehensive healthcare, and well-developed infrastructure.

Its strong expat community, reliable public services, and access to modern amenities make it appealing for long-term retirement planning.

In contrast, Belize attracts retirees who prioritize a slower, English-speaking Caribbean lifestyle with lower population density and a more relaxed pace of life.

While Belize offers beautiful coastal and island locations, retirees may need to plan carefully around healthcare access and infrastructure.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on whether a retiree values convenience and services (Costa Rica) or tranquility and a Caribbean environment (Belize).

Conclusion

When evaluating Belize vs Costa Rica for expats, the choice comes down to long-term goals and daily living priorities.

Costa Rica attracts those seeking structured services, reliable healthcare, and a large expat network, whereas Belize appeals to individuals who value a laid-back lifestyle, English-speaking communities, and closer connections to the Caribbean.

Careful consideration of personal preferences, community fit, and lifestyle expectations will help ensure a fulfilling expat experience in either country.

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