Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Ecuador, they wrote...
"The cost of living down here is a fifth to a quarter of what it is up north if you are at all frugal. This from twelve years of experience in the south, Cuenca and Vilcabamba. Frugal, doesn't mean not spending money, it means spending it with maximum effect. Finding cheaper ways to accomplish the same end. Nothing wrong with being frugal, or cheap.....unless it causes pain. The current minimum level of income for a retiree here in Ecuador is $1200. It was less but went up. That should be plenty down here. The folks who come down BECAUSE it is cheaper don't last. I don't know that many people do come for the cost of living. The cultural hurdles filter the candidates. More than half leave before five years in spite of the cost of living. For emotional reasons. The only real way to answer this question is for you to come down, for at least the 3 months, more is better, and see. You can sample a hundred expats and come up with an idea. The quality of our lives is emotional, not financial," said another expat in Ecuador.
"Prices are and product availability and servicing is changing rapidly. Though many things have always been cheaper (food and lodging) technological products were very dear 10+ years ago, they are not now. I bought a new computer yesterday and the price (with a bit of shopping) was 5% more expensive for the same thing on Amazon.com. us. I double-checked, all specifications. That being said, if you are looking for a city and country cheaper than Cuenca, there are plenty. They simply will be far less fun," wrote a member who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.
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Other Questions:
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Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
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.