Country-wide, the cost of living in Ecuador is about as inexpensive as it gets in Latin America. 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. Dinner out in Ecuador is inexpensive, and a three-course lunch can still be found for one dollar at many mom-and-pop restaurants.
Cost of Living in Ecuador
The Cost Of Living In The Ecuador
Owning your own apartment
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$0 | |
| HOA Fees | US$120 | Not required in houses or some older apartments |
| Property Taxes | US$17 | |
| Transportation | US$50 | For taxis and motos around town, plus gasoline for personal car use. |
| Gas | US$6 | Used for hot water and cooking |
| Electricity | US$30 | |
| Telephone | US$60 | |
| Internet and cable tv | US$44.91 | Up to 10GB, 110 channels |
| Cell Phone | US$28 | Basic monthly plan with unlimited minutes, calling, texting, and 5 GB of data. |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit |
| Household help | US$40 | Two four-hour visits per week; 5 per hour |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Water | US$11 | |
| Entertainment | US$172 | Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free |
| Total | US$908.91 |
Owning your own house
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$0 | |
| HOA Fees | US$0 | |
| Property Taxes | US$25 | Based on a large house in town |
| Transportation | US$50 | |
| Gas | US$6 | Used for hot water and cooking, subsidized |
| Water | US$11 | |
| Electricity | US$70 | Little heating or air conditioning needed. |
| Telephone | US$1.99 | |
| Internet and Cable tv | US$44.91 | Up to 10GB, 110 channels. |
| Cell Phone | US$28 | Basic monthly plan with unlimited minutes, calling, texting, and 5 GB of data. |
| Household help | US$40 | Two four-hour visits per week; 5 per hour. |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit |
| Entertainment | US$172 | Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free |
| Maintenance | US$100 | |
| Total | US$878.90 |
Renting an apartment
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$300 | Unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment of 75–80 square meters in the town center with a walled garden and gated entry. |
| HOA Fees | US$100 | Average: HOA is often required of renters |
| Property Taxes | US$0 | |
| Car costs | US$0 | An unnecessary burden in the city |
| Auto Insurance | US$0 | |
| Transportation | US$50 | For taxis and motos around town, plus gasoline for personal car use. |
| Gas | US$6 | Used for hot water and cooking |
| Electricity | US$70 | Little heating or air conditioning needed. |
| Telephone | US$1.99 | for landline, includes 200 minutes (From ETAPA, July, 2018) |
| Internet and cable tv | US$44.91 | Up to 10 GB, 110 channels |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit |
| Household help | US$40 | Two four-hour visits per week; 5 per hour |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple |
| Entertainment | US$172 | Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free in Cuenca |
| Total | US$1,806.90 |
Owning a Car
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car registration | US$12.50 | |
| Insurance | US$54.17 | |
| Maintenance | US$50 | |
| Fuel | US$40 | Gas is $1.48 and Diesel is $1.03, subsidize |
| Car total | US$156.67 |
*Note: The budgets listed on this pages are for Cuenca, Ecuador.