The Cost of Living Index in Belize is 48.3 (NYC = 100), indicating it is affordable. Groceries (58.3) and restaurant prices (38.9) are also notably lower than NYC.

The property price to income ratio is 6.6, suggesting an affordable housing market. The Rent Index is 12.7, indicating low rental costs compared to NYC.

A Purchasing Power Index of 74.0 (NYC = 100) suggests below-average buying power for residents.

Belize has a flat income tax rate of 25% on annual income over BZ$29,000 (approx. USD 14,500), with lower incomes exempt. The General Sales Tax (GST) is 12.5%. Property taxes are low, ranging from 0.75% to 2.5% of unimproved land value, depending on the municipality.

Belize was ranked 135th in the World Bank's last Ease of Doing Business report (2019). The government is actively implementing reforms to improve the business climate, including digital initiatives and investment promotion. Challenges for foreign investors include bureaucracy and corruption.

Belize has a public healthcare system that offers low-cost or free services to residents, including expats with proper status. However, public facilities are often underfunded and have long waiting times, leading many expats to prefer private healthcare or international insurance. A social security scheme is in place, requiring contributions from employees and employers.

Deposits in Belizean domestic banks and credit unions are protected up to BZD 20,000 (approx. USD 10,000) per depositor per institution by the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC). Belize has significantly improved its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) framework, with strong central bank oversight and compliance with FATF recommendations.