Ecuador Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$563

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Ecuador Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Ecuador presents a cost-effective environment for expats and remote workers, with low utility costs and competitive internet prices relative to the average salary. However, inflationary pressures over recent years indicate a need for careful budgeting, especially as costs have risen faster than wages. Investors should consider the balance between affordability and rising living expenses when evaluating property opportunities in Ecuador.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Utilities cost approximately $50 per month, which is about 8.8% of the average monthly salary.
•Internet plans average around $40 per month, taking up 7% of the average salary, with acceptable speeds for remote work.
•Mobile phone plans are relatively inexpensive, averaging $15 per month, or about 2.7% of the average salary.
•Total monthly expenses for utilities, internet, and mobile plans can reach approximately $105, which is 18.5% of the average monthly salary.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the past decade, utility and internet costs have increased at a rate outpacing salary growth, indicating a tightening of disposable income for residents.
•Internet infrastructure has improved, leading to more competitive pricing and faster speeds, making Ecuador increasingly attractive for digital nomads.
•Inflation has periodically spiked, impacting the cost of living and reducing the real value of salary increases.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats and remote workers should budget approximately $150-$200 monthly for utilities and connectivity, ensuring they account for potential cost increases.
•Investors should be mindful of inflationary trends that could erode rental yields and affect property valuations.
•Digital nomads seeking value should consider cities like Cuenca, where internet infrastructure is strong and living costs remain competitive.
•The relatively low cost of living presents an opportunity for real estate investors to attract long-term tenants seeking affordability.

Market Context

Compared to other South American countries like Colombia and Peru, Ecuador offers competitive living costs, though slightly higher internet and utility prices. The country's growing digital infrastructure positions it well against regional counterparts, making it an attractive destination for both expats and digital nomads.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.