Foreign Property Ownership In Ecuador
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Cost Of Living In Ecuador
Cost Of Living In Ecuador
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 US$2.50 at many mom-and-pop restaurants.
Owning Your Own Apartment In Ecuador
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$0 | |
| HOA Fees | US$150 | Not required in houses or some older apartments, usually less than $200 in a luxury gated community. |
| Property Taxes | US$17 | 0.025 – .5% of the value of the property, as determined by the municipal government. |
| 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$25 | |
| Cell Phone | US$13 | Basic plan with calls + 10gbs data. |
| Internet and Cable TV | US$36 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit. |
| Household help | US$70 | Two full-days visits per week. |
| Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Water | US$11 | |
| Entertainment | US$250 | For two people dining out at mid-range restaurant six times a month (with drinks, dessert, and tips). Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free. |
| Total | US$1,058 |
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Owning Your Own House In Ecuador
| 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. |
| Internet and Cable tv | US$36 | |
| Cell Phone | US$28 | Basic monthly plan with unlimited minutes, calling, texting, and 10GB of data. |
| Household help | US$70 | Two full-day visits per week. |
| Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit. |
| Entertainment | US$250 | For two people dining out at mid-range restaurant six times a month (with drinks, dessert, and tips). Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free. |
| Maintenance | US$100 | |
| Total | US$1,076 |
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Budget For Renting An Apartment In Ecuador
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$400 | 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$50 | Little heating or air conditioning needed. |
| Phone | US$15 | for landline, includes 200 minutes (From ETAPA). |
| Internet and cable tv | US$36 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$30 | A basic doctor/clinic appointment; per visit. |
| Household help | US$70 | Two full-day visits per week. |
| Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Entertainment | US$200 | For two people dining out at mid-range restaurant six times a month (with drinks, dessert, and tips). Orchestra, theater, and cultural activities are usually free. |
| Total | US$1,357 |
Average Cost Of Owning A Car
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car registration | US$166 | There is a “green tax” for large vehicles. |
| Insurance | US$25 | 3-4% the value of the car. |
| Maintenance | US$50 | |
| Fuel | US$50 | Gas is 65 cents per liter and Diesel is 78 cents per liter. |
| Car total | US$291 |
Ecuador - FAQs
Does Ecuador Have A Residence Visa?
Yes. The Ecuadorian residency process follows two steps. Firstly, you need to hold a temporary resident visa. Once you have this you can apply for a permanent residency visa. The application for residency needs to be in Ecuador.
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