Chone, Ecuador
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$780
Retiree Score
34.0
Safety Index
50.0
Healthcare

Chone sits in Ecuador's low-lying coastal region, a practical hub for agriculture and transport. The city thrives on traditional crops like cocoa and coffee, with many homes built on bamboo stilts to withstand seasonal floods. Daily life revolves around the Río Chone, but the rainy season can bring significant disruptions.

Living in Chone means adapting to a slower pace and navigating occasional flooding. The city lacks the tourist infrastructure of coastal hotspots, but its affordability and agricultural roots appeal to those seeking a simple, rural lifestyle. Beaches are a two-hour trip away, making weekend escapes possible.

Chone works for expats who want a low-cost, no-frills base in Ecuador's agricultural heartland. It’s not ideal for those needing urban amenities or reliable dry weather.

Can I afford Chone?

$

Chone

You could save

2,220/mo

Savings Rate74%

Monthly Costs

Rent $330
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
74/100
Retiree Score
(i)
34/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
50
Safety
0
Healthcare
50
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) *$2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) *$12
Cappuccino *$2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$58
Mobile Plan (mo) *$10
Gym (mo) *$16
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $198
1BR Outside (mo) *$170
3BR Center (mo) $381
3BR Outside (mo) *$293

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Centro
Best For
volunteers, slow travelers

Expat Life Notes

A major agricultural and livestock center in Manabí. Very authentic and safe by regional standards, but minimal for expats.

Pros

  • Low cost of living
  • Great local food
  • Safe agricultural community

Cons

  • Heavy earthquake risk area
  • Hot and humid
  • No English infrastructure

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
Annual Rainfall
2083 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Chone

Click any question to expand the answer.

Chone has a population of approximately 54,629 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $825 per month in Chone, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $330/month.

The nearest airport to Chone is GYE, approximately 166km away.

Chone is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 50.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Chone suits expats seeking a low-cost, rural lifestyle in Ecuador’s agricultural heartland. It’s not ideal for those needing urban amenities or reliable dry weather.

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