Caye Caulker, Belize

Tourism dominates Caye Caulker's economy almost entirely—over 50 hotels, dive shops, and water-sports operators employ most residents. Fishing and snorkeling guide work are common, but wages are modest ($200–400/week for guides). If you're not in hospitality or tourism services, you're either remote-working or running a small business catering to backpackers. The island has no traditional job market; you either serve tourists or you don't.

Rent for a one-bedroom in town runs $750/month, but that's for basic Caribbean standards—no AC, frequent water outages, and internet that cuts out during storms. Water taxis to Belize City cost $15–20 and take 45 minutes; there are no roads, just sandy paths. Healthcare is minimal; serious issues mean a boat ride to the mainland. English is spoken widely, but Spanish helps. Bureaucracy for residency is straightforward compared to other countries, though hurricane season (June–November) means real infrastructure risk.

Expect perpetual beach-bar weather, fresh seafood, and a permanent backpacker vibe—think less "retirement haven" and more "extended vacation." The expat community is small and transient; weekends mean snorkeling, diving, or drinking at split-level beach bars. The island suits digital nomads on tight budgets, diving enthusiasts, and people who genuinely prefer chaos and humidity over stability.