Figuring out my expenses for life in Ecuador...

@juliet1980 ... I understand your frustration. Similar experience, and similar reasons for moving to Ecuador from Canada. But plenty of reasons for wanting to live in beautiful Ecuador in the first place!

Everyone you talk to here will recommend you rent in a city or town for at least a year in the area you'd consider living in before buying, for most of the reasons you just listed: How are your neighbors? Is it noisy? Are amenities & medical nearby? Safety? I'll re-post my notes on living expenses below:

Also understand that, in Imbabura province for instance, many of the rural areas are collectively owned by the indigenous ; Although you may find land for sale, you need to build a relationship with the community. Understand that you may need their permission to access local water sources, not block forage access for their animals, etc. It takes time and patience for a foreigner to insert themselves in the middle of traditional lands, and in the end they have the right to say "no". The indigenous in Ecuador have their own civil and justice systems, and are an independent society within but apart in Ecuador. Take the time to get to know the locals first! Learn the language! Ecuadorian's are very patient and encouraging as you practice your espanol (or even Kichwa).

DO NOT be a Gringa "expat" living apart from the locals - you will make yourself a target; Be an immigrant and integrate and involve yourself in your new country. Ecuador is full of hard-working, beautiful people to have as neighbours and friends. In Cotacachi, Imbabura the local Kichwa encourage: "Tranquillo", "Familia", "Paciencia", "Respeto" y "Diversidad"... all good reasons for moving here. As a Canadian, coming from a multi-cultural "mosaic" (not "melting pot"), that encourages diversity, and respect for religions, cultures, ethnicities... I couldn't live here otherwise. Ecuadorians have the same values.

EC-LIVING EXPENSES:

With the assumption you want fully furnished, but otherwise basic (no laundry, no parking, minimal decor) and AFFORDABLE;

>Apartments:

A one or two bedroom apartment can vary from $200 to $500 in smaller towns / $400 to 800 in larger cities

>Houses:

A one or two bedroom house can vary from $400 to $800 in smaller towns / $600 to $1000 in larger cities…

After that, in Cotacachi, Imbabura A very walkable, safe, clean, welcoming town where I live, my monthly expenses as a single are:

$25 - Building maintenance*

$15 - Wifi / Internet (TV)

$10 - Claro cell (Mo. plan)**

$10 - Municipio Agua (water)

$20 - EmelNorte (electric)

  $5 - 1-2 Propane tank/Mo.

*In my building of six units we contribute this amount to a fund used for building and yard maintenance. Waste and recycling varies throughout the country but it is available in most of the larger towns and cities. In Cotacachi the Municipio collects trash, a local entrepreneur collects cardboard and plastic, and the farmer down the road collects organic waste to feed his pigs! It's still makes me smile to see goats and llamas wandering through town once in a while lol...

**Download WhatsApp on your phone as it is used by EVERYONE to communicate, and it's free to use for phone calls, texts, sending data, documents, photos…

Plus I budget for personal expenses, including:

$35 - Cell no-data plan in Canada***

$25-50 - Farmers market items 

   (fruit, veggies, rice, beans…)

$25-50 - Grocery store items

   (meat, soap, toilet paper…)

$50-$100 - Eating out*** / coffee shops

$80 Min. - IESS National Health

   (17.6% of average Mo. income)

$40-$$$ - BMI Private Health

$20 - Travel (bus, taxi)

***You're likely to need to keep a Can/US phone number to receive and respond to security code verification for your credit cards, CRA/IRS tax documentation and submissions etc.

****Eating out at local Ecuadorean restaurants & cafés where breakfasts and lunches run from $2.50 to $5 each will save you a lot of money, over the gringo places with gringo prices. I prefer to contribute to the local economy, and local family run businesses anyway.

So my average total is: $370 / month not including rent; Although I did end up buying a place after six months. Yes it does have a security system, readily available in various forms: alarm, electric fence, etc.

My yearly property taxes are $40. I'll give you a moment to recover from that shock lol...

I live near the Mercado / Bus terminal in Cotacachi, and despite what you'd think, happily it's very quiet with great neighbours and all the amenities, shopping, pharmacies, access to public transportation...

You will NOT be allowed to import your vehicle here. That's a whole different topic. Unless you do end up living in the countryside, I don't think I would ever buy a car here, it's just so inexpensive and safe (when you know when and where you're going, and follow some basic rules in common sense) to use a taxi or a bus, or private driver - and why not contribute to the local economy?

I hope you enjoy exploring Ecuador! Pick a few different regions to explore and visit the cities but also the small towns and enjoy Ecuador! But don't rush. Spend at least a week in each province or town to really get to know it, but also to relax and destress, and make your move more enjoyable!

@rkg695

Thanks so much for your in depth reply and info!!

I am confused about something though, google claims people can import car from the US to Ecuador... how come you say I would not be able to do that? I am trying to learn as much as possible...

What if I want to go on a road trip etc. I need my own vehicle. I do not know if that is something I would ever be ok with giving up. I need my own transportation, not a fan of having to take taxis etc or having to have someone escort me to where I need to go.

There's a lot of disinformation out there, most of it from people who decide to try and break the rules, or are trying to take advantage of foreigners while ignoring Ecuador's national importation laws and regulations. In all cases it's not worth getting into trouble.

ONLY returning Ecuadoreans and people in diplomatic posts can bring a vehicle from outside the country, and only new model vehicles are allowed. 'Previous model years' are still not allowed. This is to protect the economy of Ecuador, and secure the livelihood of local car dealerships, and obviously to control the quality of vehicles allowed to be sold and operated in Ecuador. Vehicles undergo very strict operational and environmental testing, in order to renew vehicle certification. I'm sure OsageArcher or CCCMedia we'll have additional comments or clarifications to this statement.

In the meantime have a read through this thread for more detailed discussion (and a sampling of the disinformation, and fact checking on vehicle importation into Ecuador):

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=672796

In any case, it's well worth buying a used vehicle in Ecuador as long as you take careful steps to inspect and certify the vehicle. (by the way the Ford bronco is assembled here in Ecuador!). Used vehicles hold their value here, which makes some more expensive by Ecuadorean standards, but a very good deal, as vehicles are well looked after for the most part. And yes I feel for you, I gave up a beautiful black and silver Dodge Durango I had just body wrapped with my tattoo on the doors lol...

Yes, vehicle rentals are readily available, although the rental insurance can be quite prohibitive from legitimate car rental agencies. And unless you have nerves of steel, the local roads and Ecuadorean drivers can take your breath away.

Until you know the road system, rules, and understand the risks involved with getting into an accident in Ecuador, it's best to hire a private driver in your initial exploration of Ecuador who can show you around, explain the laws and vehicle certification rules, the toll road system, etc; Locals know to settle matters between each other in an accident, because otherwise the police will impound both vehicles and possibly send both of you to jail, until the very slow legal system determines who is at fault.

There's a lot of disinformation out there, most of it from people who decide to try and break the rules, or are trying to take advantage of foreigners while ignoring Ecuador's national importation laws and regulations. In all cases it's not worth getting into trouble.
ONLY returning Ecuadoreans and people in diplomatic posts can bring a vehicle from outside the country, and only new model vehicles are allowed. 'Previous model years' are still not allowed. This is to protect the economy of Ecuador, and secure the livelihood of local car dealerships, and obviously to control the quality of vehicles allowed to be sold and operated in Ecuador. Vehicles undergo very strict operational and environmental testing, in order to renew vehicle certification. I'm sure OsageArcher or CCCMedia we'll have additional comments or clarifications to this statement.

In the meantime have a read through this thread for more detailed discussion (and a sampling of the disinformation, and fact checking on vehicle importation into Ecuador):
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=672796

In any case, it's well worth buying a used vehicle in Ecuador as long as you take careful steps to inspect and certify the vehicle. (by the way the Ford bronco is assembled here in Ecuador!). Used vehicles hold their value here, which makes some more expensive by Ecuadorean standards, but a very good deal, as vehicles are well looked after for the most part. And yes I feel for you, I gave up a beautiful black and silver Dodge Durango I had just body wrapped with my tattoo on the doors lol...
-@rkg695

Interesting thanks for the info!

I thought Bronco was built in Michigan?

Note: "road trip" was bad example since I never go on road trips (road trips are of no interest to me and I am a massive homebody)... but I still need my own transportation. I have no interest in having to rely on someone taking me somewhere, whether it be taxi or otherwise (that would drive me insane). There are a lot of things I need to figure out to see if Ecuador is a possible fit for me.

My dream is to live in a house where I cannot see my neighbor's house (or at least be good distance away from neighbor's house) up high in the mountains amongst nature. Country life is for me... city life or being surrounded by neighbors on top of me (like where I live right now I am literally sandwiched between two neighbors. I might as well be living in an apartment = my worst nightmare.

@juliet1980 ... "assembled" vs. "Manufactured" yes.

I hear you. Everything you're looking for is very possible and very available in Ecuador. I enjoyed renting a house and large piece of land in the countryside outside of Cotacachi. Once I save some money I am quite certain I will probably build a house somewhere in the mountains of Imbabura province: Intag Valley, Cumbaya, Lago San Pablo, Atuntaqui... or Azuay province (near Cuenca): Banos de Agua Santa, Azogues, Paute... there's just so many beautiful places, and every valley has a different micro climate.

@juliet1980 ... "assembled" vs. "Manufactured" yes.
I hear you. Everything you're looking for is very possible and very available in Ecuador. I enjoyed renting a house and large piece of land in the countryside outside of Cotacachi. Once I save some money I am quite certain I will probably build a house somewhere in the mountains of Imbabura province: Intag Valley, Cumbaya, Lago San Pablo, Atuntaqui... or Azuay province (near Cuenca): Banos de Agua Santa, Azogues, Paute... there's just so many beautiful places, and every valley has a different micro climate.
-@rkg695

Interesting! Sadly I cannot visit Ecuador until a couple of years from now. I cannot wait to check it out... I just want very simple life (many would consider boring but for me it is heaven... I even got rid of my TV almost a decade ago) in the mountains where I can grow at least some produce I can eat, the rest I buy.

@juliet1980 ... I sent you a private message with my Instagram where I post a lot of walks and hikes in the countryside if you're interested. I would also encourage you to talk with my friend LindaEcuador on this forum and check out her website:

https://rosehavenfarm.net/

She can give you a good idea of what it's like living in the remote countryside in Ecuador, life as a woman in Ecuador, growing your own food, etc.… She's a wonderful resource!

@juliet1980 See below. No question is dumb Juliet! Only the ones not asked. See below.

Making the decision to move to Ecuador was one of the smartest moves I have ever made. I have been here in Southern Ecuador now for three years and absolutely love it here in the mountains. The weather is perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold and it allows me to grow food year-round which was important for me. In Colorado, I was constantly struggling to survive and here I literally live like a millionaire.

1.How much does private health insurance cost in Ecuador? In the US it is costing me over $600/month… it is CRIMINAL and KILLING me. I had to cancel health insurance so I have no insurance now even though I desperately need it. I am DISGUSTED with US healthcare system.

I am 58, healthy woman and my insurance is $82 per month. I have used the healthcare system twice in three years and both times it was a wonderful experience.

2.How much does internet service cost to have in your home and is it usually cable or DSL? In the US it is costing me 60 bucks/month... expensive!! It was only 30 bucks a couple of years ago… INFLATION INFLATION INFLATION getting worse and worse!!!!!

I have the middle range of internet and it's $28 per month. FIBER!!!!! Very reliable and super fast and I literally live on the top of a mountain! I just ran a speed test for you! Down - 91  Up - 86  Ping - 18

3.How much does sewer/water bill usually cost there for a 3br/2ba 1200 sq ft house? I would be living far up in the mountains (where is it nice cool/colder weather… not awful hot weather) so I won't have to worry about electric bill... which by the way my electric bill was over $300 last month in Arizona (hell hole). I do not know how much more I can take of this.

I have two springs on my property so do not pay for water and I have my own sewage system so NO COST! My electric bil averages aroun $7 per month. I can tell you that when I was living in town my water/sewage bill was usually $11 per month but that was because I was watering an orchard.

4.I would be having my vehicle shipped there from the US. My vehicle (Bronco which I LOVE very much and is my forever vehicle)… since I would be moving to Ecuador permanently I assume I can CANCEL my car insurance in the US and get new car insurance in Ecuador? I am confused how much would car insurance cost me in Ecuador? Vehicle cost 50k… (if that helps calculate car insurance). I would be living far up in the mountains on several acres (so hopefully without a neighbor squashed right next to me). I am sure I would end up getting bicycle and riding my bike 99% of time to buy produce... but I still want to keep my vehicle (in my garage).

Bringing a vehicle here is complicated and expensive as well as buying a vehicle here as well. I ended up buying a motorcycle for mountain riding and short trips. Anything longer and I have my kid and his taxi to drive me. Most people just use the taxi services here because it's much easier and it's inexpensive. The insurance here is factored into your registration or matriculation. I pay $128 PER YEAR for insurance on my brand new motorcycle.

I did start out with a bicycle here yet the roads are mostly dirt so unless you are a avid mountain bike rider then it's not so easy! I ended up selling my mountains bike and I choose to walk to the local store or to town to buy produce.

5.I cannot wait to visit Ecuador to see what is possible for me to buy a house on several acres (far out in the mountains) so that I am NOT sandwiched between loud neighbors blasting music or dogs barking right next to my house (my WORST nightmare). It only bothers me if it is right next to my house of course. For my health I need peace and quiet in my actual house. The best neighbor is the one you never hear!! I have heard they love to blast loud music and lots of barking dogs in Ecuador… that is 100% cool… I just can't have it right next to my house. I do not want to hear that in my home!!

Everything that you mentioned is exactly why I live up on the mountain.  I couldn't deal with all the loud music and constant dogs barking either. It's completely normal here and of course most Americans are not use to that. I absolutely love my neighbors because they aren't close and they watch out and take good care of me. YOU MUST visit before you decide to move. I recommend you come and stay for a least a month or so just to get a feel because it is completely different than the US.

6.I assume I could have alarm system installed (so that if my house is broken into at least it will *beep* very loud to alert me) so that I am at least awake before I get murdered.

I do not have bars on my windows or an alarm system. I feel completely safe where I am. We have a Whatsapp Neighborhood Watch and the few houses that are on the mountain where I live really take care of each other. I am the only gringa which works very well for me. You now have the option to install a police app on your phone that you can push and summon the police immediately. I'm trusting my neighbors because they are closer.

7.I assume there will be no waste management far up in the mountains… so I would have to drive my waste to dump somewhere? I saw on youtube that nobody in Ecuador uses garbage cans? Oops. I would definitely use garbage can so animals don't tear open the bags.

I take a taxi to the big city once a month to do my shopping and my driver takes down what little garbage that I have which is minimal. In some places there are garbage pickup once a week and you take your garbage down to a certain spot or dumpster and they pick it up. It's cool because the garbage trucks sound like 'ice cream' trucks! LOL!

8.It looks like gas prices average $2.40/gallon in Ecuador?

Yes, that's correct! I think right now where I live it's .63 per liter. Because I have a motorcycle I usually just keep a 5 gallon canister filled at my house for the motorcycle and farm equipment.

@juliet1980 ... I sent you a private message with my Instagram where I post a lot of walks and hikes in the countryside if you're interested. I would also encourage you to talk with my friend LindaEcuador on this forum and check out her website:
https://rosehavenfarm.net/
She can give you a good idea of what it's like living in the remote countryside in Ecuador, life as a woman in Ecuador, growing your own food, etc.… She's a wonderful resource!
-@rkg695

Thanks!!

I was conversing with LindaEcuador in another thread I posted.

@juliet1980 See below. No question is dumb Juliet! Only the ones not asked. See below.
Making the decision to move to Ecuador was one of the smartest moves I have ever made. I have been here in Southern Ecuador now for three years and absolutely love it here in the mountains. The weather is perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold and it allows me to grow food year-round which was important for me. In Colorado, I was constantly struggling to survive and here I literally live like a millionaire.

[link under review] much does private health insurance cost in Ecuador? In the US it is costing me over $600/month… it is CRIMINAL and KILLING me. I had to cancel health insurance so I have no insurance now even though I desperately need it. I am DISGUSTED with US healthcare system.

I am 58, healthy woman and my insurance is $82 per month. I have used the healthcare system twice in three years and both times it was a wonderful experience.


2.How much does internet service cost to have in your home and is it usually cable or DSL? In the US it is costing me 60 bucks/month... expensive!! It was only 30 bucks a couple of years ago… INFLATION INFLATION INFLATION getting worse and worse!!!!!

I have the middle range of internet and it's $28 per month. FIBER!!!!! Very reliable and super fast and I literally live on the top of a mountain! I just ran a speed test for you! Down - 91  Up - 86  Ping - 18


3.How much does sewer/water bill usually cost there for a 3br/2ba 1200 sq ft house? I would be living far up in the mountains (where is it nice cool/colder weather… not awful hot weather) so I won't have to worry about electric bill... which by the way my electric bill was over $300 last month in Arizona (hell hole). I do not know how much more I can take of this.

I have two springs on my property so do not pay for water and I have my own sewage system so NO COST! My electric bil averages aroun $7 per month. I can tell you that when I was living in town my water/sewage bill was usually $11 per month but that was because I was watering an orchard.

4.I would be having my vehicle shipped there from the US. My vehicle (Bronco which I LOVE very much and is my forever vehicle)… since I would be moving to Ecuador permanently I assume I can CANCEL my car insurance in the US and get new car insurance in Ecuador? I am confused how much would car insurance cost me in Ecuador? Vehicle cost 50k… (if that helps calculate car insurance). I would be living far up in the mountains on several acres (so hopefully without a neighbor squashed right next to me). I am sure I would end up getting bicycle and riding my bike 99% of time to buy produce... but I still want to keep my vehicle (in my garage).

Bringing a vehicle here is complicated and expensive as well as buying a vehicle here as well. I ended up buying a motorcycle for mountain riding and short trips. Anything longer and I have my kid and his taxi to drive me. Most people just use the taxi services here because it's much easier and it's inexpensive. The insurance here is factored into your registration or matriculation. I pay $128 PER YEAR for insurance on my brand new motorcycle.
I did start out with a bicycle here yet the roads are mostly dirt so unless you are a avid mountain bike rider then it's not so easy! I ended up selling my mountains bike and I choose to walk to the local store or to town to buy produce.



5.I cannot wait to visit Ecuador to see what is possible for me to buy a house on several acres (far out in the mountains) so that I am NOT sandwiched between loud neighbors blasting music or dogs barking right next to my house (my WORST nightmare). It only bothers me if it is right next to my house of course. For my health I need peace and quiet in my actual house. The best neighbor is the one you never hear!! I have heard they love to blast loud music and lots of barking dogs in Ecuador… that is 100% cool… I just can't have it right next to my house. I do not want to hear that in my home!!

Everything that you mentioned is exactly why I live up on the mountain.  I couldn't deal with all the loud music and constant dogs barking either. It's completely normal here and of course most Americans are not use to that. I absolutely love my neighbors because they aren't close and they watch out and take good care of me. YOU MUST visit before you decide to move. I recommend you come and stay for a least a month or so just to get a feel because it is completely different than the US.

6.I assume I could have alarm system installed (so that if my house is broken into at least it will *beep* very loud to alert me) so that I am at least awake before I get murdered.

I do not have bars on my windows or an alarm system. I feel completely safe where I am. We have a Whatsapp Neighborhood Watch and the few houses that are on the mountain where I live really take care of each other. I am the only gringa which works very well for me. You now have the option to install a police app on your phone that you can push and summon the police immediately. I'm trusting my neighbors because they are closer.

7.I assume there will be no waste management far up in the mountains… so I would have to drive my waste to dump somewhere? I saw on youtube that nobody in Ecuador uses garbage cans? Oops. I would definitely use garbage can so animals don't tear open the bags.


I take a taxi to the big city once a month to do my shopping and my driver takes down what little garbage that I have which is minimal. In some places there are garbage pickup once a week and you take your garbage down to a certain spot or dumpster and they pick it up. It's cool because the garbage trucks sound like 'ice cream' trucks! LOL!


8.It looks like gas prices average $2.40/gallon in Ecuador?

Yes, that's correct! I think right now where I live it's .63 per liter. Because I have a motorcycle I usually just keep a 5 gallon canister filled at my house for the motorcycle and farm equipment.
-@elcirculo090

Awesome thanks for all the info really appreciated!! It seems my biggest hold up is the no vehicle thing. If I could get a bike (perhaps motorized bike of some sort... hopefully won't be stolen) then I happily use that instead to go and buy produce

@elcirculo090 ... 😂 those garbage trucks make me hungry every time lol... 🤪🍦🍧

@rkg695 RIGHT! I remember the first time I heard one! I got so excited and ran out to get some ice cream. Boy was I disappointed.  Luckily even way up on the mountain where I live a real ice cream truck comes twice a week!

It's allowed me to BAN sugar from my house and still get a fix! LOL!

FYI - Here's a few links to other interesting discussions on this forum, for you to peruse (grab a coffee ☕️ 🤪😂) warning, I and a few others are writers or very passionate about Ecuador, run-on sentences ahead lol:

Saved Expat . com / Ecuador Postings:

1- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5715430

2- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 37#5691072

3- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 29#5680412

4- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 56#5672788

5- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 67#5572042

6- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 39#5563664

7- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 40#5556363

8- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 18#5547039

9- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 15#5524784

10- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 26#5515253

11- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … =2#5494926

12- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 90#5490659

13- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 11#5438848

14- https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 56#5437330

@rkg695 Wow thanks, I currently live between Costa Rica and Medellin, I love Medellin but i dont stay more thank 180 days because of the tax laws, I spent 6 weeks in Ecuador less than 2 years ago, Salinas was nice, I love Banos but to far from the city. I am a city boy, Gye was to sketchy for me. Quito was interesting, I did not make it to Cuenca, I plan to go back in a few weeks, I know there are lots of expats in Cuenca, How about Quito? Thank you for your detailed response. also how is the current climate in terms of safety? My buddy says to me be careful, meanwhile we are in Medellin and i say to him, its not like im living in Butte Montana and going there. Hope im making sense  Thanks

@elcirculo090 Thanks for the information, this may seem petty but one of the things i love about Medellin and San Jose is that they have a pricesmart, When i was traveling thru Ecuador i did not find anything like that. Do you know of a large store in Ecuador similar to Pricesmart. Thanks, it is not the biggest thing but its likes whipped cream

@rkg695

Wow thanks for so much info!! I am going to check out every single one of those links you provided. Thanks!!!

to **** I can not believe it.......I have never heard a person having that many

"wishes" to find a place in Ecuador, that many "demands"....***.....before

anyone wants to live outside their country, read, read, read about the country

you now want to go too, read, read, read History!!! so that you get a feeling of

its atmosphere, its people, its whole living system.......**** I come from Denmark, Germany, Ecuador, US and must say

that my 11 years in Guayaquil and Cuenca has been one of my best years because

I went with an open heart and mind .

@Regitze33373 Hello,

You might want to reconsider your post ... You are probably addressing your message to the wrong member.

Even so, we invite members to be compassionate and caring towards members .

Regards

Bhavna

@juliet1980

1. I pay $36 per month from Ecuasanitas

2. Internet, $35 per month for fiber optic. Fiber optic probably won't be available in rural mountains, but Starlink satellite is available now.

3. Water & Sanitation $12. Electric $60 (i am in Guayaquil so I run AC most days).

If you are far enough in the rural mountains, you will likely need your own well and septic.

4. Vehicle importation is nearly impossible. If you need a car, buy one here.

5. Acoustic anechoic foam panels can be imported and put in the corners of rooms to reduce noise. Retrofitting a house with double pane glass windows and heavy curtains will reduce noise. Caulking around all doors and windows also helps.

6 yes

7 yes

8. Gas is that price for now because it's subsidized and price controlled by the government.