Living in Ecuador - International Living Countries

By living in Ecuador, you'll be able to enjoy a quality of life that's hard to beat anywhere else in the world. If you like the outdoors, dream of owning a Spanish colonial home in a colonial city, or want to spend hours strolling on an undeveloped beach, then living in Ecuador may be for you.

This small South American country that straddles the equator is one of those rare places that offers something for nearly everyone. With three distinct geographical zones on the mainland, plus the renowned Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers living opportunities on the beaches of the Pacific, in the cooler highland climates, and a in a nature-lover’s paradise near the Amazon Basin.

Because of the country’s equatorial position, the weather never varies by much. On the coast and the eastern base of the Andes the temperature will range from the high 70s F to the mid-80s F every day of the year. The upper reaches of the Andes Mountains are cooler with average highs of mid-60s F to mid-70s F depending upon altitude and cloud cover. It’s easy to find your ideal climate by simply moving down or up in altitude.

In the major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, you can enjoy all of the Western conveniences you are accustomed to. New cars abound, including several brands made right here in Ecuadorian factories. Everyone has cell phones, and Internet connections are just as common. World-class restaurants serve excellent meals, yet you’ll be hard pressed to pay more than $50 for a dinner for two, drinks included.

Small town life is alive and well in Ecuador, too. Popular among expats is Cotacachi with its craft village vibe, the hot spring-laden town of Baños, and Vilcabamba where local residents are rumored to have unusually long lifespans.

Living in Ecuador, you’ll also have access to excellent medical care. In the bigger cities, you’ll find hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as specialists in all fields and physicians with private clinics. The average visit to the doctor’s office costs just $20, with a specialist running about $20 to $25.

Live Comfortably in Ecuador from $1,600 a Month

While it’s true that the cost of living in Ecuador is low, some expats use the low cost of living as a means to enhance their lifestyle. Many foreign residents have a main home in the city, but also have a country home, a beach property, or even property in another country, something that would be more difficult to do in the U.S. It’s also possible to increase your traveling, own nice cars, or partake in other diversions that this low cost of living can afford you.

Expats regularly report living quite comfortably on between $1,600 and $2,200 per couple. Several residence options exist and it’s a relatively simple process for retirees with a pension or Social Security income. To add to the appeal, a flight back to the U.S. for visits is a mere six-hour journey.

Ecuador is also a hub of culture and tradition. From the indigenous inhabitants to the Incan empire, the Spanish conquistadors to the Latin liberator Simon Bolivar, many people have molded Ecuador. And today you can see the influence everywhere. Statues are devoted to military heroes and native leaders. Architecture blends European influence with Andean artwork and makes for an eclectic mix.

10 Reasons to Live in Ecuador

Whether you want to live, invest, vacation, retire, or simply relax in Ecuador, you’ll find the perfect combination of climate, culture, and affordability to make your dreams come true.

See below for 10 reasons to live in Ecuador.

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