116 cities covered · Currency: USD ($) · Capital: Guayaquil
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $4.77 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $19.08 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $1.43 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $108 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $17.49 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $46.11 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $13.36 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $13.36 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $3.50 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $198 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $138 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $413 | per month |
Guayas · pop. 3,094,420
Pichincha · pop. 1,763,275
Azuay · pop. 361,524
Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas · pop. 334,826
Guayas · pop. 295,211
El Oro · pop. 288,072
Manabí · pop. 258,697
Manabí · pop. 244,129
Loja · pop. 203,496
Los Ríos · pop. 177,792
Tungurahua · pop. 177,316
Chimborazo · pop. 177,213
Guayas · pop. 161,498
Guayas · pop. 159,970
Imbabura · pop. 157,941
Esmeraldas · pop. 155,487
Guayas · pop. 112,154
Los Ríos · pop. 98,251
Pichincha · pop. 96,647
Cotopaxi · pop. 77,267
Manabí · pop. 71,066
Cotopaxi · pop. 66,980
El Oro · pop. 60,147
El Oro · pop. 56,842
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ecuador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ecuador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ecuador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Ecuador
Living costs in Ecuador vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $456 per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.