Cost of Living in Cuenca 2026 — Still a Bargain, But the Prices Are Creeping Up
Chip Moreno
The Short Answer: Yes, It's Still Affordable
Let's get the headline out of the way: a couple can still live comfortably in Cuenca for under $23,000 a year. That's not a survival budget — that's eating out regularly, living in a nice apartment, and enjoying a quality of life that would cost you $50,000-60,000 or more in most mid-sized US cities.
But if you're coming here expecting the 2015 prices you read about on some expat blog, you're going to be disappointed. Cuenca has gotten more expensive. It's still a tremendous value — but the gap is narrowing, and you should plan accordingly.
The 2026 Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here's what a comfortable life in Cuenca actually costs for a couple in 2026:
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $650-900 | Modern 2BR with mountain views, furnished |
| Utilities | $60-90 | Electric, water, gas, internet |
| Groceries | $300-400 | Mix of supermarket and mercado shopping |
| Dining out | $150-250 | Almuerzos + occasional nice dinners |
| Transportation | $40-80 | Bus, taxis, occasional Uber |
| Healthcare/IESS | $85-265 | Depends on your plan (see our IESS article) |
| Phone (2 lines) | $30-50 | Prepaid or postpaid plans |
| Entertainment | $100-200 | Movies, concerts, drinks, activities |
| Household help | $80-120 | Part-time cleaning, 2x/week |
| Miscellaneous | $100-200 | Haircuts, supplies, unexpected costs |
| TOTAL | $1,595-2,555 | Comfortable lifestyle for two |
That works out to roughly $19,140-$30,660 per year for a couple. The average expat couple we talk to lands somewhere around $2,000/month, or $24,000/year.
Where Cuenca Is Unbelievably Cheap
Some costs here still make Americans do a double-take:
- The almuerzo: A full three-course lunch — soup, main plate with protein, rice, salad, and juice — for $2.50-$3.50 at local restaurants. This is the best deal in the entire country and most expats eat almuerzo at least a few times a week.
- Bus fare: $0.30. Thirty cents. The city bus system covers most of Cuenca and it's safe and reasonably reliable.
- Doctor visits: $40-50 with US-trained physicians. Many Cuenca doctors studied in the States or Europe, speak English, and will spend 30-45 minutes with you. Try getting that in the US for under $200.
- Dental work: A cleaning runs $25-35. A crown that costs $1,200 in the US? About $250-400 here.
- Fresh produce at the mercado: A week's worth of fruits and vegetables for two people: $10-15. The quality is outstanding — much of it was picked that morning.
- Household help: A reliable house cleaner for $20-25 per visit. Many expats have someone come twice a week.
Where Costs Are Rising
Not everything is holding steady. Here's where you'll notice the increases:
Rent is the big one. A nice furnished two-bedroom apartment that went for $500-600 a few years ago is now $700-900 in popular expat neighborhoods like El Centro, Yanuncay, or near Parque de la Madre. The influx of remote workers and expats has pushed demand up, especially for modern apartments with reliable internet and mountain views.
The minimum wage (SBU) went up to $482/month in 2026. That's good for Ecuadorian workers, but it ripples through everything — restaurant prices, cleaning costs, taxi fares, construction labor. Every time the SBU goes up, service costs follow within a few months.
Imported goods remain pricey. Ecuador's import tariffs mean that anything from abroad — electronics, certain packaged foods, name-brand clothing — costs the same or more than in the US. That jar of peanut butter you like? Probably $6-8 at Supermaxi.
IESS contributions have increased for voluntary affiliates declaring above minimum wage (we covered this in detail in our IESS fee hikes article).
Cuenca vs. the US: A Side-by-Side
To put it in perspective, here's how some common costs compare:
| Item | Cuenca | US (Mid-size city) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR apartment (furnished) | $750 | $1,800 | 58% |
| Lunch out | $2.50-3.50 | $15-18 | 80% |
| Doctor visit | $40-50 | $200-300 | 80% |
| Bus ride | $0.30 | $2.00-2.75 | 85% |
| House cleaner (per visit) | $20-25 | $120-180 | 83% |
| Monthly groceries (couple) | $300-400 | $600-900 | 50% |
| Haircut (men's) | $4-5 | $25-35 | 85% |
| Movie ticket | $5-6 | $12-16 | 60% |
The pattern is clear: services and local goods are dramatically cheaper. Imported products are roughly equivalent. Your savings depend heavily on how much you embrace the local lifestyle versus trying to replicate an American one.
Budget Tips From Expats Who've Been Here a While
Where to save:
- Eat almuerzos. Seriously. Even if you cook at home most of the time, $2.50 lunches a few times a week will save you hundreds monthly and introduce you to Ecuadorian food.
- Shop at the mercados. Feria Libre and Mercado 10 de Agosto have produce at a fraction of supermarket prices. Go early for the best selection.
- Use buses and walk. Cuenca is walkable and the bus system works. You don't need a car. Taxis across town are $2.50-4.00 when you need one.
- Pay for healthcare in cash when possible. Many doctors and dentists offer lower rates for direct payment. IESS at the minimum wage level covers your baseline; pay cash for the rest.
- Skip the imported stuff. Learn to cook with local ingredients. Ecuadorian chocolate is world-class. Local cheese is great. You don't need the $8 imported cheddar.
Where to splurge:
- Your apartment. Paying an extra $100-200/month for a place with good internet, natural light, and a view is worth it. You'll spend a lot of time at home.
- Internet. Get the fastest plan available. If you work remotely, reliable high-speed internet is non-negotiable. Budget $40-50/month for a good connection.
- Health insurance. Don't cheap out on coverage. Whether it's IESS plus cash-pay or a private plan, make sure you're covered for emergencies.
- Travel within Ecuador. Flights to the coast or Amazon are $60-100 roundtrip. Weekend trips to Banos, Vilcabamba, or the beach are cheap and spectacular.
The Honest Bottom Line
Cuenca in 2026 is not as cheap as it was five or ten years ago. But it remains remarkably affordable by any international standard. A retired couple on $2,000-2,500/month Social Security can live a genuinely comfortable life here — something that's increasingly difficult to do in the United States, Canada, or Europe.
The key is adjusting your expectations. If you try to live an American lifestyle with imported goods, a car, and private everything, you'll spend $3,000-4,000/month and wonder what all the fuss was about. If you lean into the local rhythm — mercado shopping, almuerzos, walking the rivers, enjoying $3 craft beers — you'll wonder why you didn't move here sooner.
The value is still here. You just have to meet Cuenca halfway.
Sources: Expatistan, Numbeo, Live and Invest Overseas, local price surveys February 2026
