×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Cost of Living in Cuenca, Ecuador | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca

Cost of Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 08, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Cuenca, Ecuador is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cuenca can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month in US Dollars, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Cuenca is usually around $10 to $15 per person in US Dollars.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

Is the cost of living in Cuenca high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Cuenca, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Cuenca is generally quite reasonable, with rent being one of the most affordable expenses. Groceries, health care, restaurants and transportation are all generally quite cost-friendly as well. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, you can find meals in some of the fine restaurants throughout the city for less than ten dollars. The cost of use of public transportation is also very low. In general, living in Cuenca can be quite affordable and enjoyable," said one expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Everyone's comfort level is different. There are a variety of price ranges for homes, condos, and apartments," wrote a person living in Cuenca.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Connect

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Will I save money living in Cuenca?

"I live on about $1000 a month as a single guy. Of course what you spend will depend on your lifestyle," explained one expat.

"Yes, it is possible to save money living in Cuenca compared to living in the United States. The cost of living in Cuenca is significantly lower than in most parts of the United States, with rent and utilities being especially cheap. Groceries and other essentials are also generally less expensive in Cuenca than in most American cities. By living in Cuenca, it is possible to stretch a budget further and potentially save money," said one person in Cuenca, Ecuador.

What is the average cost of housing in Cuenca?

If you are thinking about moving to Cuenca, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"You can buy a beautiful 2 brm 2.5 bathroom apartment from about $78,000 upwards. If you are looking for a home with a bit of land around you can go about 15 mins from Cuenca and find the most beautiful homes for $150,000 - $300,000 and of course then you have the ones that are even higher. Depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful pre-construction apartments selling from $60,000 to a large penthouse which has the most spectacular views for under $200,000. I went and paid our phone and electric bill the other day and for the two of us it was $30 for the month. Our apartment taxes are around $30 per year. Our security apartment and gas fees per month are $63.00," said one expat in Cuenca.

"The average cost of housing in Cuenca varies depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. Generally speaking, monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments within city limits average around $200 - $450, while monthly rents for two or three-bedroom apartments within city limits average around $300 - $800. Long-term rentals for a house with three or more bedrooms in Cuenca usually start at around $450 - $800 per month," wrote a person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

View More Answers

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are typical rental prices for expats in Cuenca?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cuenca can range from around $200 to $400 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $300 to $600 per month," mentioned one expat in Cuenca.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Cuenca what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Cuenca typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include a microwave, dishwasher, and other small kitchen appliances," said an expat in Cuenca.

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.

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides