Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 88)
Quito, Ecuador, sits at 2,850 meters above sea level in the Andes, giving it a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. The city of 1.8 million people offers several popular expat neighborhoods, including La Carolina, Cumbayá, Mariscal, and González Suárez, each with its own character and appeal for foreign residents.
Living costs in Quito are remarkably low, with a cost of living index of 35 out of 100 compared to New York City. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $483 per month, while outside the center it drops to $313. A three-bedroom in the center costs $950, and outside the center it is $547. Monthly utilities run $29, internet is $28, and a mobile phone plan costs $18. A monthly public transport pass is $21, and a gym membership is $46. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $6 per person, while a mid-range three-course meal for two is $55, and a cappuccino is $3. The average monthly net salary for locals is $603. For a single adult, a budget-tier lifestyle including rent totals $408 per month, a mid-range tier totals $655, and a comfortable tier totals $912. Excluding rent, a single person's monthly costs average $620, and a family of four averages $1,850.
Safety in Quito is rated with a safety index of 80 out of 100 and a crime index of 22 out of 100 (lower is safer). The air quality index is 40 (lower is better), and healthcare quality is rated as good. English proficiency is common in tourist areas, and the expat community size is medium.
For those looking to stay long-term, Ecuador offers the Ecuador Rentista Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,446 per month, and the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $548 per month. The nearest airport is UIO, located 10 km from the city. With an overall expat score of 88 out of 100, a FIRE score of 90, a retiree score of 79, and a digital nomad score of 78, Quito suits budget-conscious expats, retirees, and remote workers seeking a low-cost, safe, and comfortable base in South America.
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Quito on a budget budget comes to about $562 a month for one adult, with $313 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $96.00 on groceries, $24.00 on dining out, $33.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $75.00 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$313/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$96.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$24.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$33.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$75.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Quito on a mid-range budget comes to about $697 a month for one adult, with $313 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $128 on groceries, $60.00 on dining out, $100 on entertainment and lifestyle, $75.00 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$313/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$128/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$60.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$100/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$75.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Quito on a comfortable budget comes to about $1,098 a month for one adult, with $483 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $180 on groceries, $200 on dining out, $139 on entertainment and lifestyle, $75.00 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$483/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$180/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$200/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$139/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$75.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $482.78/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Quito's cost of living compares with Cumbaya
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Quito ranks among Ecuador's safer cities with a strong safety index, though petty theft and pickpocketing remain concerns in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid displaying valuables, stay out of southern neighborhoods like La Mariscal after dark, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Violent crime against expats is uncommon, but gang activity exists on city peripheries. The historic center and upscale northern zones (Mariscal, Cumbayá) are generally secure for daily life. Overall, Quito is manageable for expats who exercise standard urban precautions and avoid isolated areas at night.
See how Quito's healthcare compares with Cumbaya
Subtropical highland climate; often called eternal spring.
Unique high-altitude city with colorful culture and nomad hubs.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Impakt Coworking | Located in the La Carolina neighborhood, Impakt offers a modern and vibrant workspace with ergonomic chairs, fast internet, and a community-focused atmosphere. It's a great option for digital nomads seeking a collaborative environment. |
| Workósfera Coworking | Situated in the heart of Quito, Workósfera provides a comfortable and professional setting with various membership options. They offer private offices, meeting rooms, and a communal workspace, making it suitable for both individual workers and teams. |
| Regus - Quito, La Carolina Park | A reliable option in the La Carolina area, Regus offers a professional and well-equipped workspace with flexible terms. It's a good choice for those who prefer a more corporate environment and appreciate the consistency of a global brand. |
| Coworking Labs | Located near the Naciones Unidas area, Coworking Labs offers a friendly and affordable workspace with a focus on community and collaboration. It's a good option for digital nomads looking for a more local and relaxed atmosphere. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Quito long-term? Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $548/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Quito? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Quito's digital nomad life compares with Cumbaya
Quito is a high-altitude capital with a well-established expat scene, offering a mix of modern urban life and incredible access to the Andes.
Areas of Quito that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Lively, touristy, nightlife central
The heart of Quito's tourist scene, La Mariscal is known for its hostels, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Many expats and digital nomads choose this area for its convenience and social scene. However, it can be noisy, crowded, and experience higher petty crime rates than other neighborhoods.
Historic, cultural, architecturally stunning
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Centro Histórico boasts beautiful colonial architecture, churches, and plazas. While stunning, living here can be challenging due to traffic restrictions, noise, and a lack of modern amenities in some buildings. It's popular with those seeking cultural immersion, but requires Spanish language skills.
Upscale, residential, panoramic views
Located on a hillside overlooking the city, Bellavista offers stunning views and a quieter, more residential atmosphere. It's home to many upper-middle-class Ecuadorians and expats. Expect higher rents and a need for transportation, as it's not as walkable as other areas.
Bohemian, artsy, residential
La Floresta is a charming neighborhood with a bohemian vibe, known for its art galleries, independent cafes, and restaurants. It's more residential than La Mariscal but still offers a good selection of amenities. It's popular with artists, students, and expats seeking a more authentic experience.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $483/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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