'Cuenca Equador Real Cost of Living' Retirement  

Cuenca Equador Real Cost of Living

Laura (208.8.52.46) -

My husband and I are thinking about retiring in Cuenca Equador we have been there several times on vacation and like the area a lot. We are from California in the United States. We would like to rent an apartment in the area for about 6 months prior to purchasing anything.

My questions are what is the average price of a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in a nice area per month. How much money should we realistically allocate for living expenses per month for items like utilities, dinners out and groceries, transportation expenses, and private medical insurance. We have not been able to get a good handle on the true cost of living in Cuenca and are hoping someone who lives there can give us a good idea of the average cost.

Also how safe is that area for Americans to live and what area do most expats live in we been given conflicting information and would like to hear from someone who actually lives in the area.

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Comment #1 Bob (69.139.56.174) -

We are from Florida and my wife and I are considering the same move. We are visiting Ecuador for the first time in January but have friends who are very familiar with the country. Determining fair market value seem tough there because of the lack of any organized real estate association. Maybe we could share information as we obtain it. We have make several good contacts in the country.

Comment #2 Nicholas Crowder (66.167.128.213) -

If you are thinking of moving to Ecuador I invite you to read my book "Culture Shock! Ecuador". It provides you real insight into what Ecuadorians are like and the joys and pitfalls of living in Ecuador.

The 2nd edition is due out in December. I have seen it for presale at Amazon.com for only 10 dollars and some cents.

Regards,

Nicholas Crowder

Comment #3 Dennis from Upstate, NY -

I'm interested also. I would also know how far is Trocal from Cuenca?

Comment #4 Betha Arline (63.243.108.98) -

I am thinking of retiring to Ecuador and am interested in knowing real cost of living if you don't require a "lavish" lifestyle.

Comment #5 Gary from Ecuador development Group, Cotacachi -

We have lived in Cotacachi, about 2 hours north of Quito for more than a year. Nice unfurnished apartments here rent for $150-200. The problem is that it is quite expensive to buy furniture and there is no used furniture market. Once that hurdle is passed, however, things are very cheap.

Our utilities run about $25 per month, with another $60 per month for DSL internet and telephone. Long distance in country telephone calls are very inexpensive. We have a VOIP account for calls to the US and Canada.

The two of us spend about $150 per month on food, which includes all of the fresh fruit and veggies we can eat at about $12 per week.

Medical and dental costs are low. Teeth cleanings are $15, laser fillings around $20 and root canals and crowns at $120. I fell off my bike and had emergency room treatment, two x-rays, and a follow up visit all for $90. Excellent rehabilitation treatments with a variety of modern machines cost $2 per treatment.

Taxi's are $1, buses about $1 per hour. Clothing is generally somewhat higher than in the states.

Restaurants typically are $1.50 to $6 here, for very excellent meals.

We have lots of this type of info on our website, www.pro-ecuador.com

We are happy to answer questions.

• Ecuador Cost of Living

Comment #6 Stan Nation (65.182.13.16) - Mon Feb 4 15:41:04 2008

Hello in Equador,

I have been living in Costa Rica for 12 years and I am getting the itch to move to Equador. I have not decided where but not the beaches. I am interested in a cooler comfortable climate. I would be renting and moving 20' container of furniture. I would be more interested in quaint small non-working finca rather than in the cities if it is safe. Appreciate info.

Stan

Comment #7 kim barnes (68.188.72.55) - Wed Feb 6 21:54:33 2008

Looking to rent long term in 2010 but htinking of a reprieve in July for a month. Let me know the prices. I expect the best for a low price. thanks Kim

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