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Ecuador | Is the cost of living in Ecuador high? | Expat Exchange
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El Puente Roto (Broken Bridge) in Cuenca, Ecuador

Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?

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We asked people about the cost of living in Ecuador, they wrote...

"If you live like the Ecuadorians live, it is very cheap as the basic salary per month is $425. Costs go up the more you live like an expat and the closer you get to approximating your same lifestyle in the USA or Canada. General rule of thumb is if the locals use it, there will be an inexpensive option. If not, it is expensive. If you can find it, Campbells Chicken soup in red and white label is about $3. Apple pie filling (can of fruit) is $11. Note that basic salary here is $425 per month. Utilities like electric (appox $20-25 per month, water $10 per month, gas is propane tanks, they bring a replacement tank into your house for $3.25 and take away the empty. Cell service about $25, internet about $35-40. Total utilities about $100 per month. Diesel is $1.70 per gallon. Gym memberships are often pricier than US, same with dry cleaning and laundry service," wrote a member who made the move to Ecuador.

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"The availability of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits delivered to your door or purchased at the market are very reasonable, a household of two adults averages $200 per month for groceries. Rental properties range from $450 up based on location and size. You can purchase a beachfront home for under $200K. or off the beach from $50K. and up. Restaurants offer daily "almuerzo" specials for $3, dinner starts at $4 and up. Utilities are inexpensive, propane gas $1.75 refill, water for the cisterna $15, large jugs of bottled water $1.50, Wifi basic plan $25, electricity varies based on use of AC during the hot season (January - April), no AC. $45 - with AC, $100 and up. Transportation via bus starts at .50 cents and goes up based on destination. Taxi varies based on destination, fare starts at $2," explained one expat living in San Jacinto, Ecuador.

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Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?

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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.

El Puente Roto (Broken Bridge) in Cuenca, Ecuador
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

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