Ecuador🇪🇨
At a Glance
How Ecuador compares across key indices
Cost of Living
31 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
38/100
Healthcare
78/100
Quality of Life
130/200
Climate
95/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Ecuador
Cost of Living
31
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
8
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
34
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
28
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Cuenca
Cheapest$964/mo
Quito
$1,072/mo
Guayaquil
$1,099/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Ecuador — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
38/100
Crime Index
62/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
79/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
29 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 724 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Ecuador
Ecuador has 3 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $964 in Cuenca to $1,099 in Guayaquil. Cuenca leads on safety, scoring 54/100. Cuenca ranks highest for quality of life at 153/200.
Cuenca
$964/mo
Cuenca
54/100
Cuenca
153/200
Cuenca
80/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuenca | $964 | 54/100 | 153/200 | 80/100 | 46 |
| Quito | $1,072 | 37/100 | 123/200 | 69/100 | 65 |
| Guayaquil | $1,099 | 25/100 | — | — | 71 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Ecuador
Healthcare Index
78/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 788 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Ecuador
Pollution Index
59/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 259 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Ecuador
Average One-Way Commute
37minutes
Average
Traffic Index
157
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
163
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
5.7kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 81 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Ecuador, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Ecuador?
Ecuador has a cost of living index of 31 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $964 in Cuenca and reach $1,099 in Guayaquil.
What is the cheapest city in Ecuador for expats?
Cuenca is the most affordable city in Ecuador with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $964 for a single person including rent. Quito is the next most affordable at $1,072/mo.
Is Ecuador safe for expats?
Ecuador has a safety index of 38/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Cuenca scores highest on safety at 54/100.
What is the best city in Ecuador for expats and digital nomads?
Cuenca ranks highest for quality of life in Ecuador, scoring 153/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $964/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Ecuador?
Ecuador scores 78/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it excellent by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Ecuador cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Ecuador's cost of living is roughly 69% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 92% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Ecuador
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
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Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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