Home » Central and South America » What is the cost of living in Ecuador compared to the US?
Definitions
STAT | Ecuador |
---|---|
Real estate prices > Rent index | 14.16 Ranked 102nd. |
Real estate prices > Rent per month > 3 bedroom apartment > City centre | $628.41 Ranked 114th. |
Transport prices > New car > Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or similar | $25,000.00 Ranked 59th. 25% more than United States |
Contents
- 1 Is Ecuador an expensive place to live?
- 2 How much does it cost to live in Ecuador for a year?
- 3 What is the average rent in Ecuador?
- 4 Are things cheaper in Ecuador?
- 5 Can a US citizen move to Ecuador?
- 6 How long can a US citizen stay in Ecuador?
- 7 How much money do I need to retire in Ecuador?
- 8 What are the pros and cons of living in Ecuador?
- 9 How much is a gallon of gas in Ecuador?
- 10 How much is a meal in Ecuador?
- 11 Can US citizens buy property in Ecuador?
- 12 Where do most expats live in Ecuador?
- 13 Do they speak English in Ecuador?
- 14 Is Ecuador a bad place to live?
- 15 Why does Ecuador use the US dollar?
- 16 Does Ecuador get cold?
- 17 Is Ecuador safe to retire to?
- 18 How safe is Ecuador?
- 19 What language do they speak in Ecuador?
- 20 What is housing like in Ecuador?
Is Ecuador an expensive place to live?
Ecuador is one of the least expensive countries in the world in which to live. Everything from the price of real estate and rent to the cost of hiring a full-time maid and dinner out is lower. And you won’t have to forego First-World conveniences in major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.
How much does it cost to live in Ecuador for a year?
Sample monthly budget for a single person living in Cuenca:
Expense | U.S.$ |
---|---|
Entertainment (one person dining out six times a month with drinks, dessert, and tips) | $120 |
IESS (social security) healthcare | $65 |
Monthly total: | $1,440 |
Yearly total: | $17,280 |
What is the average rent in Ecuador?
Summary of cost of living in Ecuador
Food | |
---|---|
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $632 |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $339 |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $51 |
Are things cheaper in Ecuador?
Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in South America.
Unless you really, really pay attention to everything. From our experience a daily budget of 22€ per person would be more relevant.
Can a US citizen move to Ecuador?
Tourist visas are simple to obtain for most visitors and are valid for 90 days, although they can be extended up to 180 days. Most simply require a passport valid for at least 180 days from entry. Visitors from the US and EU countries can simply arrive in Ecuador with a valid passport and receive the visa.
How long can a US citizen stay in Ecuador?
90 days
Staying on a Tourist Entry
When you first enter Ecuador, you will receive a T-3 tourist stamp in your passport, allowing you to stay in the country for 90 days. If you wish to stay more than 90 days within a year, go to an Ecuador consulate in your home country and apply for the 12-IX visa.
How much money do I need to retire in Ecuador?
Your Social Security benefit, pension or annuity can go far in Ecuador. A retiring couple can live comfortably for about $1,800 per month.
Cost to Retire in Ecuador.
Expenses | Cost per Month |
---|---|
Car maintenance and fuel | $140 |
Food | $400 |
Entertainment | $120 |
Healthcare | $65 |
What are the pros and cons of living in Ecuador?
Pro: Cost of living in Ecuador is still quite cheap. Plus, modern commodities are becoming more common, even in small cities of the country. Con: Prices are going up in Ecuador. Foreigners still tend to pay more than Ecuadorians.
How much is a gallon of gas in Ecuador?
Ecuador Gas Price per gallon.
Ecuador Gas Price.
Mean: | 1.80 USD/gal | |
---|---|---|
Median: | 1.97 USD/gal | |
Min: | 1.17 USD/gal | (Dec 1992) |
Max: | 2.31 USD/gal | (Dec 2016) |
How much is a meal in Ecuador?
Cost of Living in Ecuador
Restaurants | Edit |
---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 3.00$ |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 28.50$ |
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 6.00$ |
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 2.00$ |
Can US citizens buy property in Ecuador?
There are no restrictions on foreign real estate investment in Ecuador. Anyone can freely buy property in Ecuador upon their arrival using only their passport as identification. The Ecuador constitution guarantees the right to buy and hold property for everyone, citizens and foreigners.
Where do most expats live in Ecuador?
Cuenca Ecuador
With more than 10,000 expats from North America and Europe, Cuenca is the most popular expat destination in Ecuador. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it’s a beautiful old-world Spanish colonial city with all the modern conveniences.
Do they speak English in Ecuador?
The official language of Ecuador (and therefore Galapagos) is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Is Ecuador a bad place to live?
Ecuador is a relatively safe country to live in. But you should understand that not all of Ecuador is safe to live in and that larger cities see higher rates of crime. In fact, there are many places in Ecuador that are safe to live. Some of those places include Vilcabamba, Cuenca, and Cotacachi.
Why does Ecuador use the US dollar?
Why does Ecuador use US currency? Ecuador decided to switch their money to the US dollar from the old Ecuadorian Sucre back in the year 2000. Before this change, the inflation rate for the local Sucre currency was notoriously high and unstable.Ecuador also now has almost no control of its money supply.
Does Ecuador get cold?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold.Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler.
Is Ecuador safe to retire to?
Ecuador is a very safe place to retire. Expats living in Ecuador feel less stress and more relaxed than when they lived in the U.S. In general Ecuador is a very safe place although some expats do recommend taking more care when visiting the capital Quito.
How safe is Ecuador?
Overall, Ecuador isn’t the safest of destinations, but if you use your common sense and avoid traveling to places that are known as dangerous, you’ll no doubt have a safe trip. Due to civil unrest and protests in late 2019, travelers have been told to exercise a higher degree of caution.
What language do they speak in Ecuador?
SpanishEcuador’s official language is Spanish, but Quichua, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador.
What is housing like in Ecuador?
Here is what you can generally expect: The Mountains – Most homes are made of brick or cement block. Old colonial homes were constructed with mud, clay and straw. Roofs are usually clay tiles or flat cement rooftops where clothes are hung out to dry.

About Shelia Campbell
Sheila Campbell has been traveling the world for as long as she can remember. Her parents were avid travelers, and they passed their love of exploration onto their daughter. Sheila has visited every continent on Earth, and she's always looking for new and interesting places to explore.
FAQs
How much cheaper is Ecuador than us? ›
United States is 2.5 times more expensive than Ecuador.
How far does a dollar go in Ecuador? ›In Ecuador USD 1 = USD 1. So far, so good. BUT, Ecuador is notorious for its lack of small change. When you travel to Ecuador, don't bring bills any larger than $20.
How much money do you need to retire in Ecuador? ›...
Cost to Retire in Ecuador.
Expenses | Cost per Month |
---|---|
Entertainment | $120 |
Healthcare | $65 |
Miscellaneous | $80 |
Monthly total | $1,440 |
While it might not be your typical expat hot spot such as Singapore or the UAE, people all around the world move to Ecuador for its promise of a higher quality of life, gorgeous scenery, low cost of living, and warm and welcoming locals.
What is the cost of 1 gallon of gas in Ecuador? ›...
Ecuador Gasoline prices, 30-Jan-2023.
Ecuador Gasoline prices | Litre | Gallon |
---|---|---|
USD | 0.634 | 2.400 |
EUR | 0.584 | 2.211 |
And within Ecuador, cities like Cuenca and Loja have living costs less than you'll find in other major cities throughout the region. In fact, they are among the cheapest you'll find for cities that still have the full complement of city amenities.