Cost of living in Ecuador in 2026

Hello,

I live (spend the winters) in Tonsupa, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. November to April)

I've been doing this for the past 10 yrs.

Cost of living has increased as expected, but, still, very much affordable.

Housing, depends on your needs. Ample choices, from bachelors, 1, 2, 3, bedroom apartments to large houses. I own a Villa (75 m2) in an enclosed safe community. The actual average cost for similar units is: US. $ 55,000.00  much less of what I paid in 2015.

Property taxes: $ 50,00 / yr.

Transportation, buses still $0.30 /per ride.

All type of restaurants from fancy ones to local typical sites where you can have a complete "lunch" , soup, main entry and juice for an average of $4,00

Electricity: $25,00 / month

Gas: used for cooking and dryer $3,50 / month

Internet: Excellent fiber optic service $23,00/month

Mobile: I use Movistar, plan for adults over 65,  $8,00/month

Recently, I had a loose dental implant "realigned/fixed"  for a cost of $60,00

In general, I can compare the cost of living between Canada and Ecuador  4 : to 1

Hopefully, I will continue my trend to spend winters in Tonsupa  Ecuador  from November to April.

@marcomueses

Hello,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and helpful overview of your experience living in Tonsupa.

All the very best

Bhavna

I track every cent we spend and have since moving here in 2013.

2025 COST OF LIVING MONTHLY AVERAGES:

We rent a fully furnished, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment which includes electric, water, sewer, gas, internet, building fees, 24 hour security, two elevators, trash removal, back-up generator and storage unit. 

RENT                                                                                                              $560.00

ELECTRIC                                                                                                       Incl./Rent

WATER / SEWER / GAS / APARTMENT FEES / TRASH                              Incl./Rent

INTERNET                                                                                          I          Incl./Rent

PHONES                                                                                                       $20.69

NETFLIX                                                                                                        $11.82

GROCERIES                                                                                                  $301.54

GROCERIES (Non-Food)                                                                             $58.90

LIQUOR / WINE / BEER                                                                               $34.43

TRANSPORTATION                                                                                      $39.65

DINING OUT                                                                                                 $230.27

HEALTH INSURANCE                                                                                   $91.62

DOCTORS / DENTISTS / Rx / etc.                                                               $870.67

MISC.                                                                                                             $551.60

GIFTS / DONATIONS                                                                                    $72.48   

@edoconnor

Since 2013 ! Have you noticed any major changes or significant increases over the years?

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed breakdown of your monthly expenses.

Regards

Bhavna