I arrived in Ecuador on February 1st, 2025, and I’ll be honest—those first few months were more intimidating than I expected.
I landed in Cuenca, where my main focus was getting my visa sorted out. Between appointments, paperwork, and making sure everything went smoothly, I stayed in my comfort zone. Thankfully, the process went well, and by March 13th, I received my temporary residency visa, the first step on my path toward citizenship.
Even though my Spanish is solid and I’ve lived throughout Latin America—Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and parts of Guatemala—I was still nervous. Simple things, like going to Mercado 10 de Agosto, Cuenca’s massive downtown market, felt overwhelming at first. That hesitation surprised me.
Because of that nervousness, I defaulted to the easiest option: ordering food.
At the time, my Airbnb cost around $600–$700 per month, which isn’t bad. The problem wasn’t rent—it was everything else. I was constantly ordering delivery, eating out, and avoiding conversation without fully realizing it. One meal here, another there… suddenly my monthly spending climbed to $2,300–$2,400. That wasn’t why I moved to Ecuador.
Eventually, reality set in. I was spending too much, gaining weight, and becoming less social—ironically doing the opposite of what makes life in Ecuador enjoyable.
So I made a shift.
Instead of ordering food, I started walking to restaurants. Cuenca is incredibly walkable. I’d order in person, exchange a few words, get familiar with faces. Slowly, my confidence grew—and my bills dropped.
Fast forward 10 or 11 months, and my routine looks completely different. Now, I go straight to the supermarket, buy what I need, greet the staff, have quick conversations, and move on with my day. That simple change alone cut my monthly expenses dramatically. Today, my cost of living averages $1,200–$1,500 per month—a savings of about $1,000 every single month.
Another turning point was joining a gym. I’m currently in Quito, and gym memberships here typically range from $20 to $40 per month. That small investment changed everything. Even modest gyms become social hubs. The staff know your name, you make friends, and it naturally encourages healthier habits.
Eating healthy in Ecuador is just as easy as eating poorly—if not easier. Sure, fast food exists, but local markets are full of fresh meat and produce. There were weeks where I spent $15–$20 on groceries and ate well the entire time. My diet became simple: red meat, chicken, potatoes, broccoli. Cooking for yourself naturally limits overconsumption, and the weight comes down without feeling restricted.
If I wanted to be extremely strict, I could realistically spend $200–$300 per month on food—and that’s with variety.
The biggest lesson? Eating out adds up fast, and extravagance isn’t necessary here. I still go to the mall, watch movies, and go on dates—but Ecuador doesn’t demand excess. No one expects $120 dinners. I had to ask myself: Why would I expect that of myself here?
Socializing doesn’t have to be expensive either. You can go to bars, sure—but you can also walk, talk, and connect. Ecuador has a strong social culture rooted in everyday life.
If you’re visiting Ecuador for a week, it’s normal to splurge. I recently met a traveler doing just that. But when you live here, your highest expense should be rent. Let that be your ceiling.
At the end of the day, cost of living isn’t just about numbers—it’s about priorities. Are you here to impress, or are you here to build a meaningful life?
For me, the answer became clear.
https://www.instagram.com/livingin.ecuador?igsh=czluYTdmbWpqcGNt