Looking for information about Cuenca cost of living? You are in the right place! And if you keep reading, you learn everything there is to know about the most beautiful city of Ecuador!
You want to visit, or even move to, the most beautiful city of Ecuador and you are wondering “What is the cost of living in Cuenca?”. Well… you will be happy to know that Cuenca is a rather cheap city to live in or travel to in comparison with bigger cities like Quito or Guayaquil.
And I have much more to tell you about the Andean city… Is it safe? Is Cuenca worth visiting? What are the pros and cons of living in Cuenca, Ecuador? Soon you will know everything there is to know about this place!
This article highlights Cuenca cost of living, the pros and cons of living there, the safety, and so much more for you to plan the best trip possible!
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CUENCA
Before diving deep into Cuenca cost of living, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the most beautiful city of Ecuador and my honest answers after living there for almost two years.
(If you want to go directly to Cuenca cost of living, go this way!)
Is Cuenca Ecuador safe?
Most people considering visiting, or moving to, Ecuador are worried about their safety. It is true that Ecuador isn’t the safest country in the world. But with some precautions, you will be fine there.
I have been living here for almost two years and never had a problem. And that’s only because I am being careful and wise when it comes to safety measures. If you want to know more about general safety in Ecuador, I have a full article on the blog!
Cuenca in the other hand is known as one of the safest cities in Ecuador, if not the safest. You still have to be careful, like everywhere in the world I believe, but your safety there shouldn’t be a concern.
Is Cuenca Ecuador worth visiting?
YES, YES, YES! It absolutely is. Cuenca is considered as the most beautiful city in Ecuador and when you visit, you will quickly understand why! Its colonial architecture and narrow streets put her on the UNESCO List!
What is Cuenca Ecuador know for?
Cuenca is known for a multitude of things. The colonial architecture in the historic center, the majestic Cathedral located in the Parque Calderon, the Turi viewpoint overlooking the city… And I am not even talking about the natural surroundings that will blow your mind!
What are the pros and cons of living in Cuenca Ecuador?
After spending almost two years living there, the only downside of living in Cuenca might be that the city is rather small. So if you are someone that needs novelty on a daily basis, you might get bored.
Otherwise, the positive parts are endless. The weather is nice (never too hot, never too cold), the surroundings are beautiful and if you are a nature lover you will have endless possibilities, the city is safe and beautiful… And for the rest, I will let you discover for yourself!
Cuenca Cost Of Living
Now, let’s dive in what you are really interest about: Cuenca Cost of Living!
ACCOMMODATION while traveling
If you are taking a trip to Cuenca and are looking for an accommodation, you have several options. Some are more expensive than others, so you will have to choose depending on your budget.
- Hostels and shared rooms: I believe it is the same all around the world, but your cheapest option would be to stay in a hostel, in a shared room. You can find a bed in a shared room in the center of the city for less than $10 per person. So if you are on a budget, that should be your go to!
- Bottom of the range hotels: If you don’t want to spend much money but still want your own room for privacy, you can easily find private rooms for $15 in some hotels in the center of the city. Just take a look on Booking, but remember that most hotels in Ecuador charge per person and not per room. So if you are traveling with someone, don’t forget to specify that the room will be for two people. You don’t want any surprise when checking in!
- More luxurious hotels: As we say, the sky is the limit. If you don’t have to stick to a budget, you will find more luxurious hotel in Cuenca. From $40 to $100+. I am not really familiar with these places, so the best would be for you to do your own research. But if you are into Luxury travels, don’t worry, you will find what you are looking for in Cuenca.
- Airbnb: If you are traveling with a group, Airbnb is always a great option. You will have the comfort of a house with the price of a hostel.
MOVING TO CUENCA
Now, if you are planning to move to Cuenca, you are going to want to rent a flat or a house long term.
I have been through this process and here is what I can tell you about it!
- Where to look? If you are looking to rent an apartment in Cuenca, you should look on Facebook marketplace (loads of agencies publish their real estate there), and the website Plusvalia.
- Cost of renting a place long term in Cuenca: If you are coming from Europe or North America, you will find it really cheap. You can find one-bedroom flats in a safe area of the city for as little as $200 a month. Just remember if you are on a budget, the more recent the flat, the more expensive the rent will be.
- Cost of the utilities: Electricity and water are also cheaper in Ecuador than they are in Europe or North America.
As an indicator, I live with my boyfriend, and we pay $10 of water and $10 of electricity per month. For the both of us! I know it’s crazy.
As there is no heater in the houses in Ecuador, it will significantly reduce the cost. And in Cuenca the air conditioning isn’t necessary, so that’s a major plus too!
FOOD IN CUENCA
As it is all around Ecuador, food is relatively cheap in Cuenca. But here are some tips to reduce the cost of it, either you are traveling or moving there full-time.
- Eating out: If you want to eat out without blowing your budget, avoid fancy places and look for smaller and local restaurants. First, the food will probably be tastier (I came to realize that the less pretty the place, the best the food is! Ultimate tip? Look for plastic chairs!) and you will divide the cost of your meal by 5! Ask for an “almuerzo” for lunch, and you will have a soup with a main dish for less than $3. In the evening, ask for a “merienda”.
- Grocery shopping: If you want to cook for yourself, go to the local farmers market to do your grocery shopping! Products will be fresher than in the supermarkets and way cheaper! Plus, what better way to discover the Ecuadorian culture and way of living?
If for some reason you want to go to the supermarket, the cheapest are Aki and Tia. Supermaxi is the most expensive of all, and prices will be similar to European prices.
EXTRAS WHEN MOVING TO OR VISITING CUENCA
Fortunately, living doesn’t stop at sleeping and eating. While you are in Cuenca you might have extra expenses to add to your cost of living. Such as, going for a coffee, partying, visiting the surroundings, buying clothes…
Here is a quick overview of what your “unnecessary expenses” might look like!
GOING OUT
- Going for a coffee or a pastry: If you are going for a coffee and desert with friends, or by yourself, prices won’t differ much with other countries. A coffee will cost you between $1.50 and $3, depending on how crazy you go with your drink, and a pastry between $2 and $4.
- Going for a drink and partying: Well, the cost of your night out depends on how much you are going to drink really and what you are going to do. For more details, I have a full article on Nightlife in Cuenca where everything is explained!
- Visiting the surroundings: There is a lot to see and to do around Cuenca. Ingapirca, The Cajas National Park, Baños, and a multitude of small villages. If you want to keep the cost of these excursions low, take the bus. Just go to the bus station and ask someone how to get where you want to go. Ecuadorian people are really helpful, and they will be happy to help you out!
SHOPPING
- Clothes and beauty products: I find clothes and beauty products kind of expensive in Ecuador, and in Cuenca too. For cheaper clothes, take a look at the small shops surrounding the farmers markets. But if you need a product in particular, you will have to go to the mall and pay a more expensive price!
INTERNET
- Telephony and internet: It doesn’t matter if you are traveling through Ecuador or moving to Cuenca, you are probably going to need a phone plan and internet. Regarding the phone plan, I’d advise you to go to Claro and ask for a pre-paid plan or an annual membership if you are staying longer. Prices will differ, but it is usually $10 for 10 gigas of internet, $15 for 15 gigas, and so on…
For internet for your home, if you are living in the historic center of Cuenca, you have no choice, you will have to subscribe to Etapa. They might have some offers when you go there, so check their website first!
