ECUADOR REAL ESTATE 

 Latest Jahua Pacha Pictures 

Ecuador Real Estate: Cotacachi, San Clemente, and Mindo, Ecuador

 

Living in Ecuador

Cost of living

By Lola Young

I hear many people that refer to Ecuador as the land of eternal spring. In deed it is a wonderful climate, but there is a vast difference depending on which part of the country you’re in. In the beach area the climate is warmer much different than in the mountains where in the morning you may need a jacket and by the evening a fire in the fireplace feels cozy. Many people come to Ecuador to retire because they love the climate.

Many come to Ecuador to retire due to the low cost of living. Retiree’s living on a fix income such as Social Security and/or Pensions where their income will stretch much further here. I have visited with several retirees’ that tell me they live an excellent life here on $12,000 per year. My friend Carolina that lives in Cotacachi states she lives on $400.00 per month, she does own her home. Most of these people have purchased their homes and do not have rent due each month. One couple rents a nice three bedroom home for $150.00. Their groceries cost them $200.00 Utilities average around $30.00 and DSL and telephone $60.00 per month. Long distance calls are inexpensive and you can get a Skype or a Vonage account to call the US and Canada.

Here is a picture taken at the vegetable market in Otavala. Notice the HUGE Cabbage!

In Ecuador you will have excellent access to medical care and state- of- the- art equipment. Health Care cost is very inexpensive. A friend that was visiting me got a spider bite; we took him to the clinic where they give him Intravenous medication and oral Meds. For a total cost of $20.00 and that included a second visit too the physician to ensure it was healing appropriate. Office visits run $15.00 per visit, if you need a specialist it will cost around $20.00. X-Rays and Blood Labs are also very cheap. Root canals and crowns will cost around $100.00. Fillings cost $15.00 each.

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the second largest city, Population is 1.8 million. It’s high in the mountains at 9350 feet or 2530 meters. The largest city is Guayaquil. It has a population of 2 million. These two

cities are the most expensive place to live in Ecuador. If you are looking to live very economical try the rural areas. Ecuador Real estate property and rentals are cheaper. One of my favorite places in the Andes Mountains is Cotacachi. It’s about one and half hours from Quito, close enough to a large metro, but without the noise or polluting buses.

Domestic help will cost $6 - $10 dollars per day. A full time gardener will charge around $300.00 month. Most retirees don’t need a full time maid or gardener, part time help is all that’s needed. If buying in a gated community that is included in the HOA fee. If you liked living back in the 50’s this is the place for you. Prices are cheap, but at the same time most things are modern. Taxis in Cotacachi charge $1, in the city area. Bus rides to Ibarra 30 minutes away charge .50.

 

Ecuador Real Estate