What Does It Really Cost to Live in Cuenca? A Detailed 2025 Monthly Budget

The number one question on the mind of every prospective expat is simple: “What’s the bottom line?” For years, Ecuador, and Cuenca in particular, has been famous for its incredibly low cost of living. The enticing legend that “a couple can live well on $1,500 a month” has driven a wave of retirement to this Andean city.

In 2025, is that number still a reality, or is it a relic of a bygone era?

The answer is a qualified “yes”—but a budget of $1,900 to $2,100 is a much more realistic target for a full, “expat-style” life that includes conveniences you’re used to. The key takeaway is that a comfortable, amenity-rich life is still possible for a fraction of the cost in any comparable North American city.

While it’s possible for a frugal couple to live on $1,500 a month , this would likely mean living in a less-sought-after area, forgoing a car, and cooking most meals at home. A more comprehensive budget, representative of the lifestyle most North American expats seek, looks closer to the $1,905 monthly breakdown provided by International Living.

Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a couple in Cuenca, based on 2025 data, and explore the range of options within each category.

1. Housing: Your Biggest Expense

Housing is your largest variable, but even at the high end, it’s a bargain.

• The “Expat Standard” (Rent): A modern, 2-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in a desirable neighborhood (like El Centro, Ordoñez Lazo, or near Av. Pumapungo) will run between $500 and $750.  A high-end, all-inclusive (utilities, internet, building fees) 2-bedroom apartment with a terrace and mountain views can be found for around $750.
• The “Frugal” Option: Modest 2-bedroom apartments in less-sought-after areas can be found for as little as $300-$400. A 1-bedroom in the city center averages $400-$600.
• The “Luxury” Option: A luxury duplex penthouse in a prime neighborhood can top $1,300, but this is the ceiling of the market.

2. Food: A Major Area of Savings

This is where you have the most control.

• Groceries: A couple’s monthly grocery bill can range from $300 (if shopping primarily at the local mercados for fresh produce) to $500 (if shopping primarily at “gringo” supermarkets like Supermaxi for imported goods).
• Dining Out: This is incredibly affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10. A full, three-course meal for two people at a nice restaurant costs around $30. A budget of $250/month allows for dining out at a nice restaurant six times a month.

3. Utilities & Transportation: The “Walkable City” Advantage

• Utilities: A bundle for electricity, water, gas (for cooking and hot water), and high-speed internet typically costs $100 to $120.
• Transportation: Most expats find they do not need a car. The city is incredibly walkable. Public transport is cheap and efficient: a monthly bus pass is just $15, and a taxi ride across town is rarely more than $3.
• Car Ownership: If you choose to own a car, a budget of $140/month can cover maintenance, insurance, and fuel. Gas is also very cheap, at around $1.50 per gallon.

4. Healthcare & Extras: The “Affordable Luxuries”

• Healthcare: As detailed in other articles, this is a known, manageable cost. A couple on the public IESS plan will pay around $95 per month. A private plan can range from $70 to $230 per person.
• Extras: Many expats enjoy affordable luxuries they couldn’t back home. A weekly maid service, for example, costs only about $100 per month.

A Sample “Comfortable Expat” Budget (Couple)

Here is a realistic budget, based on the International Living model, that allows for a comfortable, amenity-rich lifestyle.

The data is clear. The $1,500 legend is still possible, but it requires a frugal lifestyle. A more realistic budget for a lifestyle that includes a modern apartment, a car, a weekly maid, and frequent dining out is just over $2,000. This is still remarkably low, given that the average US Social Security benefit for a couple can be $2,900 or more.

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