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Cost of Living in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Santa Elena, Ecuador · Population 54,565

▼ -6% vs Ecuador average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$428
Couple, monthly$762
Family of four, monthly$988

Estimated Prices in Santa Elena

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4.50per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$18.00per meal
Cappuccino$1.35each
Monthly groceries (single person)$102per month
Monthly public transport pass$16.50per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$43.50per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$12.60per month
Fitness club membership$12.60per month
Cinema ticket$3.30each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$184per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$128per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$384per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Elena is $550 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $428 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $556 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($128) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Elena

Santa Elena vs GuayaquilSanta Elena vs QuitoSanta Elena vs CuencaSanta Elena vs Santo Domingo de los ColoradosSanta Elena vs Eloy AlfaroSanta Elena vs Machala

Nearby Cities

La Libertad

5 km away · Guayas

Salinas

12 km away · Guayas

Playas

69 km away · Guayas

Puerto López

74 km away · Manabí

Pedro Carbo

83 km away · Guayas

Lomas de Sargentillo

94 km away · Guayas

Piedrahita

100 km away · Guayas

Jipijapa

102 km away · Manabí

Other Major Cities in Ecuador

Guayaquil

Guayas · pop. 3,094,420

$568 / mo

Quito

Pichincha · pop. 1,763,275

$493 / 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

Living in Santa Elena

Santa Elena is one of the key cities in Ecuador. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $428, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $128 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $988 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $762 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Elena is $550. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $556 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Elena expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $428 per month in Santa Elena including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Ecuador.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Elena?
A net salary of around $556 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Elena with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Elena is $550.
How much is rent in Santa Elena?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $184 per month in the city centre and $128 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $384.
Is Santa Elena cheaper than Ecuador on average?
Yes — Santa Elena is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Ecuador average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Elena?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $102 in Santa Elena. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $5 and a cappuccino runs around $1.
How do transport costs in Santa Elena compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Elena is estimated at $17. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Elena are estimates based on Ecuador national averages adjusted for city size (population 54,565). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.