Cost of Living in Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador · South America
$1,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
36
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
60
Quality of Life
Moderate
42
Safety Index
Below Average
2.0M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.35 |
| Monthly Pass | $16 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.45 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.65 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $650/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $650 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Ecuador
Cost of Living in Quito — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Quito, Ecuador is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Quito has a cost index of 36, making it around 64% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Quito costs around $300/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 30 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Quito scores 60/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 62/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Quito is approximately $650/month. With a purchasing power index of 48/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Quito
The average monthly salary in Quito is approximately $650. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 48/100.
Healthcare Costs in Quito
Healthcare quality in Quito is rated 62/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Quito
Quito has a quality of life score of 60/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Quito
Students living in Quito should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Quito
Expats moving to Quito often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Quito, Ecuador is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 36 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Quito
Living in Quito offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 36 and a quality of life score of 60/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $650 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Quito provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Ecuador and around the world.
Key Facts About Quito
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,000
- Cost Index: 36
- Rent Index: 30
- Average Salary: $650
- Quality of Life: 60/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Ecuador
- Currency: USD
Is Quito Expensive?
Quito has a cost index of 36 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Quito compare to other cities?
Quito is located in South America with a population of approximately 2.0M. At a cost index of 36 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Quito stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Quito?
The average cost of living in Quito, Ecuador is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 36 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Quito?
Rent in Quito varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Quito alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Quito expensive to live in?
Quito has a cost index of 36 compared to New York City (100). At 36, Quito is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,000.
What is the quality of life in Quito?
Quito has a quality of life index of 60/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in South America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Quito compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Quito with any city worldwide. Quito's cost index is 36 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Quito?
Many residents live comfortably in Quito with a monthly budget of around $1,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Quito good for expats?
Quito is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Quito?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Quito.
Is Quito cheaper than New York?
Yes, Quito has a cost index of 36 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Quito?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Quito.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Quito
Cheapest Ways to Live in Quito
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Quito typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $300/month compared to $480/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Quito, Ecuador.
Is Quito Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 48/100 and a quality of life score of 60/100, Quito is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 36 relative to New York City, Quito remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Ecuador has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Quito Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Quito", "Quito monthly expenses 2026", and "is Quito affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,000, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 62/100, Quito offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Ecuador.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026