Gringos drive up costs, especially in Cuenca!

Hello OsageArcher,

Kindly note that I have moved your discussion on the Cuenca forum for better views and interaction.

Regards,
Yuveshen

It's an fascinating topic of conversation. In Cuenca the expat population is estimated at 5,000-6,000 people and the city itself around 600,000. I find it interesting that (less than) one percent of the population could be driving the economy upward. I suppose you could argue the 1% theory of the rich holding 99% of the money.

I imagine it has more to do with the current federal administration. Statistics support Correa's success in improving the lives of the lower and middle classes during his tenure as president. With more income, comes more buying power. It's not all gringos shopping in Mall del Rio, or Mall de Mornay etc (there's actually very few). As a visible minority, we're an easy target. I'm sure the article also targets returning Ecuadorians that have built their wealth in Spain, the US and other countries around the world. Statistic like computer ownership, luxury items, such a colour TVs, smart phones, and sound systems also indicate that Cuenca houses well-to-do locals that are also driving prices up. I also think that the increased taxes on imported items is affecting the canasta basica, and that lies directly at the President's feet.

All that being said, haggling is an art form, but it's really hard to ask for a discount on 50 cents of tomatoes...if the locals take advantage of that and increase the prices, then we're both to blame.

About 6 months ago I read that 6 times as many returning citizens are coming to Ecuador than gringos, many of them from NYC.  If you can afford to live in NYC, Ecuador is a breeze, expect prices to rise accordingly.