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Quito, Ecuador
Capital City

Follows Ecuador Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,170
Retiree Score
89.0
Safety Index
68.4
Healthcare
445 facilities

Living in Quito requires a thick skin and tolerance for hassle. The city's population of 1,763,275 makes it Ecuador's second-largest, but its high altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 ft) brings constant challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with 167 ecclesiastical parishes and 32 urban districts to navigate. And the city's location on the slopes of an active volcano, Pichincha, means residents must contend with the ever-present risk of eruption. However, Quito's historic charm, vibrant culture, and status as the country's political and economic center make it an appealing option for seasoned expats undaunted by the city's quirks.

Can I afford Quito?

$

Quito

You could save

1,830/mo

Savings Rate61%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$620

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
61/100
Retiree Score
(i)
89/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
63/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
68
Safety
445
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $113
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $31
Mobile Plan (mo) $17
Gym (mo) *$43
Cinema Ticket $7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $550
1BR Outside (mo) *$283
3BR Center (mo) $1,100
3BR Outside (mo) *$488

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
La Carolina, Cumbayá, Mariscal, González Suárez
Best For
digital nomads, adventurous retirees

Expat Life Notes

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.

Pros

  • ✓ Eternal spring climate
  • ✓ Very affordable lifestyle
  • ✓ Stunning natural scenery

Cons

  • ✗ High altitude sickness risk
  • ✗ Petty crime in tourist areas
  • ✗ Strict visa requirements recently

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
9°C°C - 19°C°C
Annual Rainfall
2744 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Feb, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Cumbaya, EcuadorLiving in Cumbaya, Ecuador offers suburban safety near Quito at higher costs. Ideal for wealthy retirees or remote workers prioritizing gated communities over cCuenca, EcuadorAttractiveness Score: 65.4Natal, BrazilLiving in Natal, Brazil offers aerospace jobs and beach access on a budget, but requires Portuguese skills and patience with bureaucracy.Ar Rumaylah, United Arab Emirates

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Quito

Click any question to expand the answer.

Quito has a population of approximately 1,763,275 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Quito, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Quito is UIO, approximately 20km away.

Quito is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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