Are you considering a move to Quito, Ecuador, and wondering about the cost of living? Quito is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Quito and help you understand whether $1337 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $480.45.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
38.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.46 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.68 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.72 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.38 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.98 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
5.93 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
6.38 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.05 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.22 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.01 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.74 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.06 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.8 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.3 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.39 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.76 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25800.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
35.27 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
35.58 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
15.38 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
6.56 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
276.15 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6886.25 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
42.86 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
45.38 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
98.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
95.91 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
414.41 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
247.92 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
637.69 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
463.46 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1412.5 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1195.38 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
480.45 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
11.86 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Quito come to a total of approximately $1337. This includes an average monthly rent of around $414 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $53 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $423 per month.
Living in Quito appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $480.45. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Quito, you would likely need an income exceeding $480.45.
In Quito, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $480.45, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Quito is approximately $414. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $247.92 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Quito can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $311 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Ecuador can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Ecuador.
You need to be careful as in any other country and watch out for pickpockets. You should also know that all Ecuadorian citizens and visitors are required to carry ID at all times and roadside police might check and request from you to show your ID. You can show your passport or the verified copy of it, since it is not advisable to carry your passport wherever you go, due to the numerous thieves.
The public transportation in Quito can be dangerous and increase the number of robberies happen on buses and at the stations. Also, you should not take interstate buses that stop and pick up passengers at night as they are often used by many criminals to attack passengers. It is advisable not to use unlicensed taxis in Ecuador. Official taxis are not dangerous and they can be recognized by orange license plates or white plates with an orange stripe on the top and video cameras inside. If you decide to drive, bear in mind the fact that serious accidents are very common, due to careless driving, speeding, and badly maintained vehicles.
The risk of being pickpocketed in Quito is very high, especially in tourist locations where thieves use different strategies to rob you. Expensive jewelry and gadgets should not be shown when walking around. You need to watch your bags on public transport as well.
Ecuador is very prone to numerous natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. It is situated in an area of intense seismic activity, and when coming there, you should get familiar with safety procedures. Some volcanoes are in a state of eruption and the rainy season, which runs from December to May, can be risky. Due to high temperatures, strong winds, and little rain, forest fires can occur.
The high risk of being kidnapped and seriously attacked is high and it makes Quito a very dangerous place. If it happens to you, you need to cooperate and do not resist. Give them the money and valuables that they want and avoid being seriously hurt or injured. Victims are usually forced to withdraw money from ATMs to be released. Take particular care in ‘La Carolina’ and ‘El Ejido’ parks, the districts of ‘La Mariscal’, ‘La Floresta’ and ‘La Marin’, the bus terminals and the old town. Armed robbery is a constant hazard throughout Ecuador, so travel in a group whenever possible.
The risk of a terrorist attack is very low in Ecuador. There is no recent history of terrorism, but the heightened threat of terrorist attacks globally exists, so it can never be ruled out.
The most frequent scammers are taxi drivers who take advantage of travelers. As you can be easily distracted and have all your possessions stolen before realizing it, you need to watch your bags on buses. One common scam involves a thief impersonating bus staff who will ask you to put your bag somewhere you cannot see it. So, you should always have your bag on your lap. Another way of distraction is when a thief is pretending to sell sweets and after spilling them all over you, his friend steals your belongings. Ignore persons asking for money under any pretext, including begging children.
There are not many reports of foreign women being assaulted here, but if you are traveling alone, you should pay attention to your surroundings, since you might get some unwanted attention from men. Incidents of attacks and serious sexual assault against foreign women have increased lately and criminals often use drugs to subdue victims. Quito is not immune to crime, so do not go wandering off the main streets.
There are some countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia whose citizens must obtain a visa before coming to Ecuador. On the other hand, citizens from other countries can visit Ecuador without a visa for stays less than 90 days long but need to provide evidence of a return on the arrival. You can apply for a visa in case you decide to stay more than 90 days at the Ecuadorean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. ATMs are available almost everywhere but take care when withdrawing money from them. The Ecuadorean-minted 5c, 10c, 25c, and 50c coins are also used but the only legal currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. Credit cards and travelers’ cheques are accepted.
Because Quito lies between two mountain ranges and its altitude is 2,800 meters, it has a fairly constant cool climate. The annual average temperature is 14 °C and it is considered to have two seasons: a rainy winter and dry and windy summer. Once the sun goes down it can get cold, so it is advisable to bring warm clothes.
Different airports can be used when coming to Quito, and some of them are the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre is located about 18 kilometers east of Quito with an average of over 220 daily flights.
A travel insurance policy is always a good choice when coming to Ecuador. It will save you unnecessary trouble in case you have some medical problems or loss of personal things.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 64°F | 64°F | 64°F | 64°F | 65°F | 65°F | 65°F | 66°F | 66°F | 65°F | 65°F | 65°F |
| Temp | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 56°F | 55°F | 55°F | 55°F |
| Low | 49°F | 49°F | 49°F | 49°F | 49°F | 48°F | 48°F | 48°F | 48°F | 48°F | 48°F | 49°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C | 17°C | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C |
| Temp | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C |
| Low | 9°C | 9°C | 9°C | 9°C | 9°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 9°C |