Affordable lifestyle

The cost of living in Ecuador is quite low for expats, and the country continually shows up as one of the cheapest places to retire in the world. However, you do not have to be old to benefit from the low prices. And you don't have to live in Cuenca to take advantage of the savings. It's just that if you're of retirement age, you get a slew of extra perks and benefits that help you save even more money.

A spacious flat in Quito's city center costs significantly less than in other capital cities, whereas rent in Cuenca is slightly higher but still very affordable. The same is true throughout Ecuador for utility bills, phone bills, and groceries. Healthcare is also reasonably priced in Ecuador. Going out for a meal or drink is also less expensive than in most other countries, particularly in smaller towns. The only exception is gasoline, but public transportation and taxis are frequently very inexpensive, so there are some alternatives to owning a car. Furthermore, because the US dollar is the official currency in Ecuador, ex-pats from the US can avoid any currency exchange fees. This is one of the reasons to visit Ecuador.