The Cheapest Places to Live: Ecuador
August 28th, 2009 Posted in Cheap Latin America Travel, Destination reports, International living/working, Travel bargains
Where’s the cheapest place to live in the Americas? Well, it could be Nicaragua, Honduras, Paraguay, or any other number of places. But if you want a mix of cheap prices, good weather, and plenty to hold your interest, my money would be on Ecuador. It’s got mountains, jungles, cloudforests, beaches, and vibrant cities all in one package.
I’m heading down there myself in October so I’ll report back later with prices on the ground right now. But for one thing, those prices are in U.S. dollars so they don’t fluctuate much. Bring a lot of coins though: from what I hear you’ll be looked at as a crazy rich person if you try to pay with a twenty. Dollar bills rule. The list of “what you can get for a buck or less” from here in The World’s Cheapest Destinations is a long one.
International Living just named Ecuador the top retirement haven in the world in its annual list of the best places to retire. They cited its natural beauty, pleasant climate, pockets of colonial architecture, and cheap health care (like $25 doctor visits). They highlighted places where nice two-bedroom apartments go for $300 a month and places right on the beach go for $500 or $600 a month—less in the off-season. You can buy a comfortable house or condo almost anywhere in the country for under 60 grand. The editor of International Living just bought a new penthouse with a fireplace and terrace (1,000 square feet) in the mountain town of Cotacachi for $51,000
If you’re of retirement age, there are some nice incentives, like 50% off domestic airfares, 50% off public transportation, and discounts on international flights on some carriers. You can eat well for a few bucks at lunchtime no matter what your age is.
We’re taking our sabbatical in Mexico next year, but if I were advising someone with no attachments on where to get the most out of life for the least amount of money, Ecuador would be competing at the top of the list.
[Cuenca, Ecuador flickr photo by erikdeleon]
Related post: Cheapest Places to Live 2009
6 Responses to “The Cheapest Places to Live: Ecuador”
By OurExplorer Sightseeing Tours on Aug 31, 2009
It seems that Ecuador is more a destination of good value. Wish you a great journey in Eduador! If you want to explore with some local people, you may check out our guides at
http://www.ourexplorer.com/Listing.aspx?type=tourguide&Country=Ecuador
Happy Exploring! : )
By ASP on Aug 31, 2009
The funny thing about Ecuador is that dollar bills do not rule, but instead dollar “Sacagawea” coins rule as the dominant currency form – I hadn’t seen one in 5-6 years here in the States, and that must be where all of them got off to.
By Anna Michaels on Sep 1, 2009
Hi…its an interesting and important piece of information that you have given about Equador.I’ll surely try to make it my next travel destination.
Regards
Anna Michaels.
By Anna Michaels on Sep 2, 2009
Travel blogs like this really interest me a lot and as i had mentioned earlier, i’ve found your article “The Cheapest Places to Live: Ecuador” very interesting.
I’m also working for a site http://www.journeypacific.com which is totally based on travel/honeymoon/vacation in New Zealand, Fiji, Australia…etc. I’m sure
you’ll enjoy it.
However, i was wondering if you could review my site in your blog too.I’m sure visitors to your blog would enjoy reading about Journey Pacific and plan their vacation accordingly.
Let me know what you think.
Regards
Anna.
By Erica on Oct 10, 2009
I have stumbled onto your blog post because our family is thinking about a move there next July. We currently live in Puerto Vallarta with our 2 small children. Please Please keep us informed on your Oct. visit (cost, sites, people ect) Im really excited to see what you write about. Thanks again!
By Barbara on Oct 15, 2009
How is it in Puerto Vallarta these days?