Cost of living in Ecuador - 2017

Spice variety is definitely an issue and sometimes when something is available like Hungarian Paprika, a tiny bottle can cost as much as $3, and I mean tiny. The key is if you see a spice at the supermarket and it's at a reasonable price, get it because they run out. I passed up on that chance with McCormick cayenne pepper and now I can't find it anywhere.

I know it was mentioned before but getting supermarket membership cards are a must to save money. I think that's one of first things people should do after settling in their city. I got the supermaxi fairly quickly which is also good at Megamaxi but procrastinated with the Mi Comisariato card which was a mistake because the savings for some items are even bigger than the stated members price. But better late than never but had I not procrastinated I probably could have acquired enough points for imported knives they were giving away for points.

Quito Cost of living April 2017

Supermarket
Welch's grape juice 64 oz $7.89
Vegetarian Italian Sausage  300 grams $3.69
Snyder's mini-pretzels 9 oz $4
Lipton Ice Tea 500 ml bottle $0.90


Household/Home stuff
Chaide King size memory foam pillow $37

Entertainment
Movie ticket with Mi Comisariato card $5

Fast Food
Gyro Sandwich (Gyroville) $6.89
Burritto (Burrito Republik) $7

By the way...

Do you know the difference in cost between an Ecuador guineo and an Ecuador banana?

... About... 5 cents ;-)

Please note: This post is in response to a post in the New Las Olas Thread. Cost of living topics appropriately belong here.

Ecuador is definitely not for everyone. I'd like to share my perspective.

I agree about cost of living increases but there is some good in that because salaries are increasing and taxes are used to combat poverty, something that Ecuador is succeeding in. Twelve years ago how much did a nurse make? $400 a month? That's what I heard; now public sector nurses start at $1250.

A car inspection mechanic working in the public sector makes $1500 a month. A regular mechanic after completing a 3 year vocational program at an institute will start around $700-$800(if the work for a big car company they'll start $1200+), my friend's son is doing this program, he has the potential to climb all the way up to $2000 a month, and by the way his education is subsidized as they only pay $46 a month in fees.

So for a country that I personally want to call home, I don't mind the cost of living because I want Ecuadorian people to prosper which ultimately means a greater quality of life for everyone.

I agree with you statement; when cost of living is increasing than Ecuadorian people will prosper and greater quality of life for everyone in Ecuador, but you have to consider pensioner(s) expat(s), lets take from USA, where last year the SAA increase was $2.00. Than let's consider nice increases and living expenses in Ecuador, such pensioner(s) from USA with the $2.00 is not able increase its standard of living even in Ecuador.

I am glad that living standards improves in Ecuador and I hope this will continue.

El Comercio, an Ecuadorian newspaper, today published an article about remittances from Ecuadorians abroad, namely those residing in the U.S. and E.U. These millions of Ecuadorians living abroad sent back billions of dollars to help their families here.

So one may wonder – what does this have to do with cost of living?

Many Ecuadorians' incomes are supplemented similarly to the seamstress in the article who receives $800 a month from her eldest son to supplement her salary. In essence per capita for many Ecuadorians with relatives abroad is much more than what's stated on Wikipedia for instance.

El Comercio (Ecuadorian Newspaper) - Remittances from abroad help families

Cost of living - May 2017 , Quito

Beef tongue $8.85 kilogram
Fresh French Baguette $0.95 (long one)
6 pk Malta drink (maltin) $3.50 (super sweet)
Cheerios 400 grams $4.79
Tilapia $14 kilogram ("100% Natural Export Quality") 

Sophems wrote:

I have never liked seafood, and have tried some of it.  The only fish I can eat is salmon if all the skin is removed and it doesn't taste fishy and the real Chilean Sea Bass, as it's called in the US but not the real name of the fish and of course I've never seen it here.  Since moving here, my husband who loves all seafood, has developed a toxicity to all shell fish even if it's used in making sauces but doesn't have the pieces in it.  He goes through what's like sever food poisoning for 3 days, so I tell him, why should I eat seafood?  He doesn't think it's funny because he loves it.

If you like Chilean Sea Bass you need to try Corvina (sea Bass).  It's very mild and has an awesome texture.

Cost of living, Quito, June 2017

Dove soap - 3 pk , $3.32
Old Orchard Cranberry Juice - 64 oz, $9.80
Bath towel, made in Ecuador, 140cm x 72cm $13
Lancome 5 color pallete, $69
English novels in Spanish translation - $5-$12


Electric per kilowatt $0.139 (rates vary by usage, the more electricity you use the higher the rates because the lesser the subsidy, the $0.139 is for a ~$50 bill)

Cost of living, Quito July 2017

Bowling 1 game for 2 people $5.00/$7.00, weekdays, weekends.
Turkey drumstick $5.50 kilogram (megamaxi)
Evaporated milk 400 ml, $2.15 (MM)
Sweet & Coffee 340 grams coffee, $6.00 (MM)
Peanut Butter Peter Pan, 1 pound, $5.99 (sale, normally $7.49)
Cream cheese light 250 grams, local brand $2.25 (MM)
Fiamma diced tomatoes 400 gram can, $0.99 (wooooohooooo cheapest ever )

Ok. Yes naturally you will lose on the pbj. Why not go to Tarqui and get the real deal?

ddagencylv wrote:

Ok. Yes naturally you will lose on the pbj. Why not go to Tarqui and get the real deal?

Perhaps, but a jar lasts forever without the kids so I don't mind. But if I come across it I'll give it a try.

Thanks for the information can you please tell me more about the cost of living there? thanks

ROBERT KASIBANTE wrote:

Thanks for the information can you please tell me more about the cost of living there? thanks

There is a lot of valuable information on this thread and throughout this website with regards to cost of living. You can use the search function to find out a lot more information for members who live in Ecuador.

Like many other countries,Ecuador's cost of living varies  from area to area, city to city, and even within the same city too. With time you should be able to fill out a budget using your own information and information you've gathered. Keep in mind, you will be doing yourself a disservice if you omit expenses because they may lower your quality of life. For instance some people complain about the cold and humidity, and a solution for that costs money like using heat more and a dehumidifier and more importantly is living in a home that is not susceptible to high humidity and even mold.

The following are some expenses to think about and while not comprehensive they do cover many expenses.


 

Rent/Mortgage
Gas
Electricity (make sure to allocate heating if you'll live in colder areas)
Water
Health Insurance
Grocery
Cellular
Transportation (e.g. car payment, insurance, maintenance, gas)
Public Transportation
Clothing
Travel Local
Travel Abroad
Hobbies (e.g, cycling, hiking)
Eating Out
Entertainment Out (bowling, cinema, etc)
Subscriptions (netflix, cable etc)
Consumer Products
Internet
Pocket Money
Allowances for kids
Pets/Pets care
Salon Services (e.g haircuts, cosmetics)
Home Improvement
Maid
Schooling/Language courses
Books
Dental Care
Gym Membership

It would appear that the cost of living in Ecuador has risen dramatically in the 4 yrs since I was last there traveling. Judging from the prices on things in general that many of you have quoted on, Ecuador is no longer so cost effective as it once was......In most cases even more expensive than Panama which is doing its best to catch up to tax riddled Costa Rica........and is now quite a bit more expensive than Colombia. If one were to still consider Ecuador as a desireable living option it wouldnt be becuz of cost........But like Costa Rica which has lost a huge amount of tourism and expat investment dollars in recent history, there will still be many folks who simply prefer it for a variety of reasons other than CHEAP..........Just becuz its not CHEAP does not mean its not a good place to be........and its a very effective way to get rid of all the low ballers who are just hangin around, only there for ONE single reason...........

Good point dumluk. In terms of cost and stability, you are still $$ ahead. I do know some who have moved to Cartagena and Cali - both for costs and climate as well as flight frequency to the states.  Some people think they can make the adjustment, but really cannot.

Heres what numbeo.com has to say on the subject. If their numbers are to be believed, then just about everything in Ecuador costs considerable more than Colombia or here in Panama, with the exception of public transportation (buses and taxis and internal flights) Some of the prices quote seem absurdly high to me:  https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/c … y2=Ecuador

Cost of living August 2017 update:

European wine prices in some restaurants have definitely decreased and in one place from $10 a glass to $6. So the trade agreement is materializing in some ways for consumers.

I also tried the local peanut butter which only has peanuts and salt as ingredients, it's okay, and cost was $1.60 for 225 grams. But I also got another jar of JIF crunchy (793 grams) because it had one of the lowest prices to date, $8.15. The creamy was $14 something so that raises eyebrows.

Also found good deals on Greek yogurt 4 x 150 grams for $2.60, and olives too, SNOB brand 100 grams net for $1.55. Yes I love Mediterranean food, and with my new grill, and delicious pita bread from Mi Comisariato I'm going all out tomorrow with shish kebabs, and side dishes. If they can lower the Feta Cheese that would be perfect it's currently about $7.50 for 250 grams, which is out of my league. I'm not paying the equivalent of $30 for a kilogram of Feta.

But yeah BBQs are great way to have a great time without spending too much money. For the meat it's best to use better local cuts or even Uruguayan beef.

Do you know one theory as to why local beef is tougher to chew than imports? Most of the cattle are in the highlands and they develop muscles going up and down the mountains and hills.

Hello -

One of our primary reasons for considering a move to Ecuador is the cost of Health Care in the US. Even if all other costs were equal the lower (assumably) cost of Health Care would be huge benefit for retirees considering the $250K estimate for a 65 year old couple to live out their retirement in the US.

I don't see anything on this tread about Health Care or the associated costs?

Thank you in advance for any real life information you can provide.

Opsman64 wrote:

the lower cost of Health Care would be huge benefit for retirees considering the $250K estimate for a 65 year old couple to live out their retirement in the US.

I don't see anything on this tread about Health Care or the associated costs?

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Opsman.

To find health care threads, go to the forum's welcome page and type into the search box:

health care, healthcare, hospitals or other search terms.

  -- cccmedia

Opsman64 wrote:

Hello -

One of our primary reasons for considering a move to Ecuador is the cost of Health Care in the US. Even if all other costs were equal the lower (assumably) cost of Health Care would be huge benefit for retirees considering the $250K estimate for a 65 year old couple to live out their retirement in the US.

I don't see anything on this tread about Health Care or the associated costs?

Thank you in advance for any real life information you can provide.

In general the cost of healthcare in Ecuador is undoubtedly cheaper similarly to the rest of the world developed or otherwise when compared to The U.S.  So in this sense you should have no concerns. As for exact costs it will definitely vary but everything I have heard and read supports the fact that Ecuador's healthcare is cheaper. Possible obstacles may be language, finding specific specialists and in some cases specific medicine which can be imported with proper paperwork.

September 2017 Cost of Living North Quito

Laser teeth whitening (3 sessions) $200
Woolite black 1 liter $4.50
Diamond aluminum foil 25 feet $1.79
Organic Zucchini 500 grams $0.75
Organic Yellow Zucchini 500 grams $1.28
Organic Kale 150 grams $1.60
Organic Jalapenos 150 grams $0.55
3 Haas Avocados 680 grams total weight $0.75 (better and cheaper than Mercado)
Mineral water 6 liters $0.90
Vacuum Cleaner Powerful HEPA 1800w $120 (after 40% discount sale)


*grocery prices with member card
** organic produce is certified

Cost of living really depends on where you want to live. If your single or a couple with no kids than you are free to live anywhere you want no need to look for good schools. Healthcare might be an issue depending how old you are. I am a 56 year old male living in the Loja area which has a nice springlike climate all year. No need for aircon here saving a lot on electricity. My rent for a 750 sq. foot house on 1 hectare of land in a modern house in a gated community is 300 dollars a month. Food runs me about 250 a month and that is shopping with free abandon to buy everything i like, including fillet minon, cheeses imported ,turkey and chicken also chop meat 1% lean and stew beef all grass fed by the way. I also get some imported supplies like exotic oils and supplements from a service here that brings stuff in from the USA but not necessary to count as most comming here may not get that.  Electric, water, trash, gas are dirt cheap maybe 25 per month for all. Internet 40, cable TV Directv with english movies and news from USA about 45 depending on your plan I get the gold package which offers even free NFL football. Transportation 1.25 bus for 45 minute ride shared taxi on the same route costs 2 dollars one way. I go into the main city once or twice a week to get food supplies and other things at Supermaxi I also shop elsewhere and the taxis run about 1.25 in the city.  I would say travel expenses run about 100 per month. If you have bigger than a size 9 shoe as a man forget finding shoes here they just don't carry the larger sizes, clothes here are just to cheap and to small for my body I get stuff like that when I visit the usa.
Medical is great or was but now you need to show proof of health insurance to live here, I was self insuring and going to the best clinic here in Loja SanAgustin doctor specialists run 30 dollars and meds here are cheaper than the usa and no prescription needed if you know what you need can bypass the doctors visit dental is real cheap teeth cleaning and fillings run about 30 dollars each. Hair cuts run me 4 dollars and a full course Ecuadorian style meal is 3 dollars which includes big bowl of soup, than main course chicken beef or fish with rice beans and vegetable and juice drink and tiny desert. I have a girl come to my house and clean it every week 10 dollars a visit, entertainment runs me about 55 dollars a month for taking girls out or going to a club miscellaneous expenses maybe another 45 a month. I also go to Cuenca 4 times a year for traveling and medical stuff so including everything it comes out to about 1100 a month but that includes getting a lot of stuff from the USA and medical treatments in Cuenca if you bypass that stuff maybe  950  for a healthy adult no problem.

Cost of Living October 2017 (North Quito), following prices from Mega Maxi

Lemon supermarket brand $2.86 kilogram
Organic tomatoes certified $2.48 kilo
Tilapia (whole fish) $6.30 kilo
Tilapia (fillet) “healthy water” $13.99 kilo
Diamond aluminum foil 75 feet $5.00
DHOY “Healthy Shots” 3 pack $1.80
Cream cheese, low fat, supermarket brand 250 grams $1.60
Cranberry juice (Peruvian) 1 liter $2.48
Tea, Hornimans premium blend, 25 bags $2.48
---------------------------------------------

Crepe, chicken with mushroom and cheese and coffee $6.00 at El Español. By the way, the coffee at this place is organic. I didn't know that before but when they upgrade their take away cups to those that are similar to Juan Valdez the print on it states such. If you like milder coffee then you'll like their coffee.

Quito for the most part now sounds crazy expensive........but I suppose it depends on your barrio......Loja sounds more latin style doable.........How does Manta compare with Loja.....

When it comes to grocery prices in Quito the difference is not significant from area to area. Supermarket prices are consistent whether the supermarket is in North or South Quito. Of course, using my previous list as an example, one can buy cheaper tomatoes that are non-organic. The lemons I bought were the cheapest because the name brand ones were about $4.50 a kilogram, but then again lemons are expensive at this time, but it's a cost reality.

One can also buy cheaper aluminum foil, but I bake my food, and the supermarket brand is too thin and leaks and defeats the purpose of less cleaning. One can save about 75 cents a kilogram on tilapia fillets if they buy the non "healthy water", variety.

One can also buy cheaper tea bags, the ones I quoted are closest to Lipton.

Thank you for this post.  We live in a small rural town in the USA.   Some of the food prices seem on par with what we pay here.

59classic wrote:

Thank you for this post.  We live in a small rural town in the USA.   Some of the food prices seem on par with what we pay here.

Yes for groceries there isn't any savings with the exception of fruits and vegetables. The savings here are mainly from services for instance a washed and ironed dress shirts are $1.75, pants are $3.50. A suit is $7.

Transportation is much cheaper, as is healthcare. Rent is also cheaper in general especially when compared to more expensive cities, and as everyone else knows local lunch "almuerzo", is also cheap. I had 1 BBQ chicken wing (local style), rice, Quinoa soup and artificial juice today for $3.

Aluminum foil here is like a commodity for anything decent.  I buy all that stuff at Walmart and bring it with me, but the weight kills me.  Same goes for spices, salt, toiletries and contacts.  That's why I have to do a trip soon.  My contacts and dog food supplements run out with in 2 months.  I can't get Bausch & Lomb contacts here and the brand they sell here (same brand in the US irritates my eyes).  I tried them here again and I just can't wear them.  My eye dr in the US, says I must have a reaction to a substance the contact is made from.  Same happens with the disposables with Bausch & Lomb, but not near as bad.  So I wear the dailies, which works for me.  The savings between what I can get a year for in the US for daily disposables  and the monthly disposables here, it almost pays for my airfare.  So the savings for that alone pays for my 3rd luggage bag and my normal overweight fees, except for now, when airfare is ridiculous.  At least I have time to make my list and throw most things in my amazon cart for when I'm ready to order.

I like Sophems posts because they reflect reality. And by the way I do the same thing for instance I'm shopping Black Friday sales and will get them when I get them. It helps with the budget because otherwise it would be difficult for me to maintain my middle class lifestyle if I had to pay upper class prices for many items that I use regularly.

I have no problem with paying 50% more than regular price for items, but when it's more than double I have a problem with that. I shop at some places without thinking twice like ZARA, Paco Express, SuKasa, and these places offer good deals, but some other places get on my nerves.

Quito November 2017 price (all prices SuperMaxi)

Energizer batteries  C Max, pack of 2, $3.50
Lysol spray disinfectant spray $6.50
Mexican V-8 Juice 1 can, $1.69
Colgate Floss $3.39
Gala Apples 2.25 kg
Chicken Drumsticks $4.75 kg

For some reason, here in Manta, I can no longer find Lysol products at all.  In 2014, before my major travel escapade, I found Lysol wipes in Commisarioto.  Since then, I have been unable to find any Lysol products here.  Since my last post on contacts, I realized, I don't wear Bausch & Lomb, but Acuvue.  But again, a real life example.  I can get right now a years worth of daily contacts in the US for $323 delivered to a US residence.  I have now obtained my Ecuador/international prescription for $40 and will order my contacts and send to my step son, who will ship to me when I go to Miami.  My husband's contacts cost $125 a box for 6 disposable contacts here, which I can get in the US for $29.95. 

This is why I continue to buy all toiletries and any vitamin supplements, including pain relievers in the US and bring back with me.  The savings is huge for us, but may not be representative of all expats.  One female gringa example is hair color.  I know for a fact my hair style only really holds blonde color well, & processes very fast, of which I have verbally disclosed to 2 different hair stylists here in Manta.  1 who spoke perfect English, & the other who was referred to me and my North American friend by an Ecuadorian who lived/speaks perfect English and translated for us, has burned my scalp until I had blisters, but neglected the warnings by me that the color needed to come off because my scalp was burning,  Needless to say, I paid US prices $85-100 for highlights (& they wouldn't do the diff colors that I normally would choose) just for a burnt scalp and red over processed color to my hair.  I tried the box sets from fybeca/super maxi, but was never sure how long to process my color since I had never ever used color on my own hair.  I was used to getting my hair colored (& never the same) every 4-6 weeks.  Now that I had a professional give me the color amount and solution amount on color & processing solution (still not sure what you call it), I can buy the color and solution at Sally's in the US (excluding any sales), which costs me $3-5 to color my hair myself.  To put it into perspective, I went to our new mall, showed the lady a picture of the haircut I wanted, & 3 Times had to say cut another inch off.  When she was finally done, & I gave up, I thought my haircut was acceptable.  When I got home and fixed my hair, I realized my hair on both sides of my face is ridiculously uneven.  But that's what a $95 hair cut in Miami without blowing it dry and a & $15 hair cut here gets you.  And that's the best hair cut with a wooden round brush gets you in Ecuador.  That's why I waited almost a year to get a hair cut, but just couldn't take it anymore.  Within the next few weeks, I will get my hair cut again and report back, from my husband's she(it), not sure what the political term for trans/questionable gender is in ecuador and really could care less!! I will pay top dollar for someone to just cut my hair even.  And to not sound racist, that's just white girls problems relating to hair.  Keep in mind our hair has different texture than Ecuadorian's and if you get it colored or cut the outcome could be different than what you are accustomed to.  I have even walked into salons in Quito, who have refused to work with my hair.  AND I respect their honesty and prefer it to having my scalp literally blistered.  I've never experienced a peeling scalp until I moved here.  Then everyone thinks you have dandruff, of which I give al new unknown respect to. 

But in the whole reality of life, Ecuador has taught me thru numerous life lessons, what is really important in life and what isn't.  It's not always an easy life lesson, but I just figure if it doesn't hurt in one way or another (& that includes giving to others who need help), then it's not a real life lesson!!  I'm still asking what's left for me to learn before I'm able to return to the US, but with all the “so called” terrorist's attack's, I figure life isn't so bad here after all.

“Mexican V-8 Juice 1 can, $1.69”


I have an easy tomato juice recipe, which we have converted into a tomato/bloody marry recipe I can share.  Just pm me.  I freeze any excess for later use and it's way cheaper than store bought stuff, even here.

On the weekends I like to spend one day sightseeing and conversing with Ecuadorian friends in my lovely city.

Here are some typical costs:

Breakfast
Chicken empanada (Chilean) with 1 freshly ground coffee (Loja) $3.25

Game of chess, free

Lunch
At Mercado central 1 plate Corvina, ceviche, potatoes and 1 “negra” beer $7

Newspaper expresso de Guayaquil $0.70

2 coffee, 2 desserts at nice café at centro histórico $10

1 bag mangoes about 20 small ones, very ripe, for $1 (all fruits/veggies from ladies in centro histórico

1 bag limes about 1.5 kg for $1

1 bag tomatoes very hard ones, just the way I like them $1

Transportation $0.75 (3 buses)
Amazonas and naciones unidas to ejido park 0.25
Ejido park to Central mercado 0.25
Mercado central to Quicentro 0.25 (Night time bus)

December 2017,

Locally made leather low cut lace up boots $65. Similar quality ones at malls can cost between $99-$149. I bought these from the leather district in Quito or Amazonas in Mariscal. Anything leather or wool buy from places that specialize in such.

Shaggy rug, “ultra-soft”, made in Belgium 170x120cm $112

100% coconut water 355 ml, $1.25

Greek yogurt 225 grams, $1.50

Chicken fried rice, seafood fried rice, spring eggroll, soda, water $25 (Chinese restaurant)

Michelada 3 for $6, at a beer garden

INKA burger with fries and soda $4.50

Looks like the failing dollar doesnt buy much in Ecuador anymore either.......Jeez, just might have to fall back to the Sucre..........

For consumer expats who are making a home from scratch things are costly. And many things are double the cost such as TVs. I'm still not done furnishing my unfurnished rental apartment and doing it gradually because some prices are downright scary and I can't buy something that I'm uncomfortable buying because of price. 

So when people say Ecuador is cheap, I am absolutely convinced that they are not consumers. And it's understandable, but there are expats who regard Ecuador as their new home and not simply treating it as a stopgap. Others say, well we're minimalist or frugal or whatever other appropriate term is used.  But not everyone is like that, and it doesn't change the fact that things are costly.

Some will quote the big bottles of beer which are sold for 3 for $6 or $7 at some bars. I know about those places and I hang out with friends there sometimes. But sometimes one wants to listen to a little Rock, in a nice ambiance where a pint is $4.50. There's this and there's that, can one state it's cheap based on the 3 bottles for $6? That would be dismissing the reality of costs. This is also true for dining out, and even clothing as some people buy for instance no-brand jeans at mercados in South Quito for $15, but a pair of Levi's is how much?

I really don't know what world your living in. Ecuador is relatively cheap compared to most Western Countries. My father lives in Manta and he spends maybe $60 a month on groceries. That includes eating out. Yes, the fine dining establishments will charge you "Nobu" prices but why would you eat that when you can grab fresh Vegetables from Tarqui (It's gone now due to earthquake) and fish from the playa. Even if you do the restaurants I know are $25 on the high end.

Entertainment? A futbol game for $15 prime seats? Mi Comesario has nice Peruvian wines for $5 all day.

Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize, Colombia are all ideal. He feels very safe in Ecuador.

Your father spends $60 a month on food in Manta? Which is generally considered a more expensive city to live in Ecuador......Is that a misprint? Does he eat only rice and beans and repollo?  I spend about $150 per month on food here in Chiriqui Panama, and thats eating fresh tuna or dorado at (now approx) $3.00 a lb...........when the catch is good, I fill my freezer......and I spend on gormet items like imported pesto or sesame tahini...but basically as you suggested, buy my fruits and veges from the open market or the kioskos along the interamericana and brown rice from Costa Rica which is better quality, and fish and more fish.......Dont eat meat, nor pork, dont drink milk (which is about $1.30 a quart here, almost never eat cheese, even yogurt is more expensive than the States here at about .80 for a standard size cup.......So I thought I was doin well only spendin $150 a month.......Pls explain how you do it on $60 in Manta.......Whats the price of fresh fish at the docks if yur buyin straight from the pescadores?

Breakfast daily is $2.00, although he told me about a cafe that has desayunos for $1.75. He is a senior so with his Sedular, everything is 1/2 off or he reclaims at end of the month. He cooks 2x week and Dorado fish is $1.50 lb. So $60 - $80 month is realistic for him. Does that make sense?