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Cost of Living in Quito

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador · Population 1,763,275

▲ +8% vs Ecuador average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$493
Couple, monthly$879
Family of four, monthly$1,141

Estimated Prices in Quito

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$20.52per meal
Cappuccino$1.54each
Monthly groceries (single person)$116per month
Monthly public transport pass$18.81per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$49.59per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$14.36per month
Fitness club membership$14.36per month
Cinema ticket$3.76each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$217per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$151per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$452per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Quito is $627 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $493 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $641 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($151) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Quito

Quito vs GuayaquilQuito vs CuencaQuito vs Santo Domingo de los ColoradosQuito vs Eloy AlfaroQuito vs MachalaQuito vs Manta

Nearby Cities

Sangolquí

15 km away · Pichincha

Pomasqui

20 km away · Pichincha

Machachi

33 km away · Pichincha

Cayambe

49 km away · Pichincha

Otavalo

57 km away · Imbabura

Cotacachi

64 km away · Imbabura

Atuntaqui

70 km away · Imbabura

San Antonio de Ibarra

72 km away · Imbabura

Other Major Cities in Ecuador

Guayaquil

Guayas · pop. 3,094,420

$568 / mo

Cuenca

Azuay · pop. 361,524

$456 / mo

Santo Domingo de los Colorados

Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas · pop. 334,826

$456 / mo

Eloy Alfaro

Guayas · pop. 295,211

$456 / mo

Machala

El Oro · pop. 288,072

$456 / mo

Manta

Manabí · pop. 258,697

$456 / mo

Portoviejo

Manabí · pop. 244,129

$428 / mo

Loja

Loja · pop. 203,496

$428 / mo

Living in Quito

Quito is one of the key cities in Ecuador. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $493, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $151 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,141 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $879 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Quito is $627. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $641 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quito expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $493 per month in Quito including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Ecuador.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Quito?
A net salary of around $641 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Quito with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Quito is $627.
How much is rent in Quito?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $217 per month in the city centre and $151 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $452.
Is Quito cheaper than Ecuador on average?
No — Quito is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Ecuador average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Quito?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $116 in Quito. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $5 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Quito compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Quito is estimated at $19. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Quito are estimates based on Ecuador national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,763,275). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.