Ecuador Cost of Living

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We have several inquiries recently about the Ecuador cost of living. With inflation rampant in the U.S., (even if the CPI doesn't reflect it, those living on fixed incomes know) many are wondering if they can live more effectively in Ecuador.

The condos we are offering for sale offer a particularly good bargain for those who want to live here without much hassle. We received a message from M. from Canada as follows:

Hi,

Wondering about expenses and cost of living, utilities, condo fees, taxes %, parking etc? Thanks. M


Hi M,

We are not setting condos fees yet, waiting until we have sold the condos and can form a condo association. The amount of the fees depends on the services that the residents request. We do know that maintenance of grounds will be $20 per month per unit.



I do not expect the fees to go over $60 per month. As a purchaser of one of the condos, I will do my best to keep fees as low as possible. An added benefit is you can offer your unit as a vacation rental when you are not here, if you desire.

A resident in Primavera I paid his taxes last week. They were $36 for the year. A friend of ours who has a beautiful 12 acre country retreat and health care facility for sale on the market for $1.3 million said she paid her taxes the day before yesterday. The bill? $16. Contact us for more information on this property.

There is a parking lot directly between the two buildings. Each condo will be deeded one parking spot.

Linda and I spend approximately $150 per month for food. A week's supply of fresh and mostly organic fruits and vegetables is around $13. We sometimes find that we purchase too much, due to the low prices, and we end up throwing some away. We forget that the food here isn't irradiated! This picture is one weeks purchase. Cost: $11. Those organic red bell peppers cost $.10 each! We are in heaven!




Our electricity is $20 per month, water $2.50. Cooking and hot water gas costs $1.60 per tank. We use one tank every two months for cooking.

Roses are $2 for two dozen, other flowers are cheaper. Taxi's around town are $1 per trip. Bus to Otavalo is $.25, to Ibarra is $.45. A collective taxi to Quito is $7.50. (2 hours away) Automobile gas is $1.48 a gallon, and has been the same price ever since we arrived here.

Household furnishing insurance is $70 per year. High speed internet is $50 per month. Telephone service is $6.50 per month, and long distance calls in country are very cheap. Direct TV runs about $35 per months with a number of English channels. I have a Voice over Internet phone with unlimited incoming and out-going calls to the U.S. for $27 per month.

Dental care is inexpensive and good. I had oral surgery last week. An hour and a half in the chair cost $79. The next day, the dentist called to see how I was doing. Try that in the U.S.! Linda is getting a zirconia cap. Cost $240. Teeth whitening is $125 per mouth. haha. Cleaning $18. Here is a picture of Linda getting her prep work.



Medical care is also quite good in Ibarra, about 30 minutes from here. An excellent cardiologist lives here in Cotacachi. A very good Canadian chiropractor has an office in Ibarra. Office calls are $30. You can get a great (fantastic would be a better word) shiatsu massage by an American for $25 per hour in Otavalo, 10 minutes from here. Another good local masseuse will come to your home for $15.

A fine 2" thick Chateaus Briand steak in a white table clothed and black vested waiter local restaurant will cost $6.00. If you want to eat in a local comedor, you can get lunch all over town for $1.50. Or you can splurge and go to the 5-star La Mirage restaurant and Spa and get lunch for $15, a four course dinner for $35 and a luxurious massage for $80.

Excellent organic coffee is $3.45 per pound.

I get my hair cut from a local beautician for $2.

This should give you an idea of the Ecuador cost of living. Please ask if you have more questions