5 Best Places to Retire in Ecuador

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 best places to retire in Ecuador. If you want to check out our detailed analysis on an Ecuadorian retirement, you may go to 12 Best Places to Retire in Ecuador.

5. Salinas

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Salinas is the perfect town to enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle without having to compromise on modern amenities. Stunning beaches, delicious seafood, whale watching, and other water sports add to the beauty and appeal of retiring to this coastal town. There are plenty of shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and similar conveniences. The lack of fast food outlets, in turn, motivates healthy eating options, and retirees get to enjoy a healthier lifestyle here. An expat retiree can live in Salinas for an average of $1,500 per month.

4. Guayaquil

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Guayaquil’s bustling and vibrant city is an economic hub, offering the biggest amenities, job opportunities, and business prospects for expat retirees. Located on the west banks of the Guayas River, the city is revered for its modern infrastructure and quality healthcare as well. The cultural scene is vibrant here, and there are many galleries, festivals, and museums to explore. The cost of living for a single expat retiree is around $975 per month, with one-bedroom apartment rent costing around $514 per month on average. There are a wide range of restaurants too and a growing expatriate community to socialize and keep company.

3. Quito

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, is a popular retirement destination amongst individuals who respect it for its cultural richness, mild climate, and modern healthcare. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the first cities to be declared so due to its colonial architecture, geographical beauty, and other historical treasures. There is a diverse dining scene as well, and retirees get to enjoy both local and international cuisine. The Andes mountains provide opportunities to engage with nature and even hike, while a growing expatriate community means more people to have fun within the city. A single expat retiree can live on less than $2,000 per month.

2. Cotacachi

Insider Monkey Score: 7

The charming, small town of Cotacachi is an active expat community in Ecuador. Foreigners love to retire here for its relaxed, slow pace of life, scenic beauty, and mild climate. Its location in the Andean highlands grants it a mild and temperate climate, which is why it is often called the “Land of Eternal Spring.” The town plays host to numerous cultural events, and there are festivals and parades throughout the year. A couple can easily live here in between $1,200 to $1,800, while $900 is enough for a single expat retiree.

1. Cuenca

Insider Monkey Score: 8

The happening city of Cuenca in Ecuador is home to the beautiful Tomebamba River waterfront, historic architecture, and cobblestone streets. The Andean highlands grant it a picturesque view, and so do the landscapes such as mountains, valleys, and rivers. The climate remains mild and pleasant due to the city’s elevated location, so retirees will find living here comfortable. The healthcare system is well-developed here as well. Moreover, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, home to numerous historical places, museums, art galleries, and theaters. A single individual can live in the city for $1,000 per month, with one-bedroom apartment rent costing between $200-$400.

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