So many different stories

Hey Movi,

How much, that's the $64,000 question.  We're wannabe expats and have researched a lot, but it's hard to get a precise figure.  I get the impression most expats are used to quite a bit higher standard of living than we are, and so cite prices and costs that reflect maintaining the same lifestyle in Ecuador.  Our biggest worry is whether we'll be able to afford health insurance, not whether we'll be able to hire a maid.  That said, there seem to be folks able to live safely and in dignity on $900 Social Security checks.  We'll have a little more than that, but we'll need to buy a modest house and eliminate rent from our budget in order to save anything.  We're optimistic that it's do-able.  There's a lot of good information on this forum, but don't forget to read the blogs, too.  Good luck!

John

Thx John. From what I have read lots of expats pass on the health insurance cause the medical is so cheap. I will probably want to buy a house or condo myself once I find out where is best for me. Cuenca sounds very nice but the coast sounds like better weather. Who knows? Anyway thanks for your words and best of luck to you on your journey. You have a timetable for your move, I'm hoping sometime in 2013, anyway good luck.

Depending where you go is how to tell how much you will pay.  If you stay on the Gringo trail you will pay Gringo prices. We have stayed in the Northern section of Ecuador and found it cheap and safe.  Weve stayed there twice while house hunting and paid almost nothing.  Rent: $350 a month for a two bedroom,everything included, AC, pool, cable, and private parking.  Food:  We cooked at home alot but Breakfast $3 lunch $4-6 dinner $10 per person.  Beer $1 for a big beer. Gas $1.46 a gallon. Here is our blog that gives some great advice about Ecuador.  http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com

Heya Luna,

I've enjoyed reading your posts here, and I've seen your blog, but didn't realize the two were written by the same person.  I really felt for you guys when I read the story of "Old Yeller," because my ex once had a Chevy Vega [world's crummiest car] and it's shifter would come loose in your hand constantly - almost always when going from 1st into 2nd - you'd goose the thing out into traffic, pull the stick back into 2nd and - whoa, Nellie!

John