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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Manta 2024
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Cost of Living in Manta

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Manta, understanding the the cost of living in Manta helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Manta - Cost of Living in Manta

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Manta is around $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $700 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $250 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $450 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Manta varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Manta is inexpensive and reliable. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $0.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2.50. Car rentals are also available and the cost of a rental car for a day is around $50.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Manta is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1.50, a liter of milk costs around $1.50, a dozen eggs costs around $2.00, and a kilogram of rice costs around $2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Manta is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5.00, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10.00, and a meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $20.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Manta is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment is around $30 per month. The average cost of water for a two-bedroom apartment is around $10 per month. The average cost of internet for a two-bedroom apartment is around $20 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Manta varies depending on the school and the grade level. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around $200 per month. The average cost of tuition for elementary school is around $400 per month. The average cost of tuition for middle school is around $500 per month. The average cost of tuition for high school is around $600 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Manta

"The cost of living in Manta can be very affordable, especially if you plan to rent an apartment or house in the city. Groceries, transportation, and general living costs are much cheaper than in many other cities, so living here can be a great way to save money and live comfortably. Additionally, most restaurants tend to be fairly reasonably priced, making it easy to dine out without breaking the budget," said one expat living in Manta, Ecuador.

Can I live in Manta on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Manta for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Ciudadela Universitaria, Tarqui, or Santa Marianita. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities. On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barbasquillo or San Mateo, as they can be quite pricey.In terms of housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep costs down. You can find decent one-bedroom apartments for around $300-$400 a month, but if you're willing to share with roommates, you can cut that cost in half. Utilities are generally affordable, but you might have to cut back on excessive use of air conditioning or heating to save on electricity.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I recommend using public transportation, which is quite affordable and reliable. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, and taxis are also reasonably priced for occasional use.Eating out can be a bit of a luxury, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Local markets offer fresh produce at low prices, and you can find affordable staples like rice, beans, and pasta. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, stick to local eateries rather than high-end restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities will also need to be budgeted carefully. You can find affordable options like going to the beach, hiking, or visiting local parks. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies, attending concerts, or joining a gym.Overall, living in Manta on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on housing and transportation costs, and being frugal with your food and entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Manta.

Can I live in Manta on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Manta for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Ciudadela Universitaria, La Pradera, or Santa Marianita. These neighborhoods are not only budget-friendly but also offer a decent quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barbasquillo or San Mateo, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment or house for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $100 to $150 per month. Keep in mind that you might have to compromise on certain amenities, like a swimming pool or gym, to stay within your budget.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Manta. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 per month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out at local restaurants can be quite cheap, with meals costing around $3 to $5. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or frequently eating imported foods, your food expenses can quickly add up.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with bus fares costing around $0.25 to $0.50 per ride. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive, with most rides within the city costing around $3 to $5. If you plan on owning a car, keep in mind that gas prices and maintenance costs can be higher than in some other countries.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of affordable options in Manta. You can enjoy outdoor activities like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring nearby towns for little to no cost. Movie tickets and other entertainment options are also reasonably priced, usually costing around $5 to $10 per person.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Manta, Ecuador is achievable if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Manta.

Can I live in Manta on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Manta for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Manta is a growing city with a mix of traditional and modern living, so you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs.When it comes to housing, there are several neighborhoods to consider. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out Ciudadela Universitaria or Barrio Jocay. Both of these areas have a good mix of housing options, from apartments to houses, and you can find something nice for around $500 to $800 a month. These neighborhoods are also close to shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.On the other hand, if you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like San Mateo or Barrio Umina. These areas are known for their luxury homes and beachfront properties, and the cost of living can be significantly higher. Rent in these neighborhoods can easily go over $1,500 a month, which might not be the best option if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 budget.As for other expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Manta is generally quite affordable. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all reasonably priced, so you shouldn't have any trouble making ends meet. Eating out at local restaurants can also be quite affordable, with many meals costing around $5 to $10. Of course, if you prefer to dine at more upscale establishments, you can expect to pay a bit more.One thing to keep in mind is that while Manta does have modern amenities, it's still a developing city. You might not find all the same conveniences you're used to back home, but I've found that it's easy to adapt and embrace the local way of life. Overall, I think you'll find that living in Manta on a $5,000 a month budget is not only doable but also quite enjoyable," commented an expat living in Manta.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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