Is the cost of living in Ecuador high?

"The cost of living down here is a fifth to a quarter of what it is up north if you are at all frugal. This from twelve years of experience in the south, Cuenca and Vilcabamba. Frugal, doesn't mean not spending money, it means spending it with maximum effect. Finding cheaper ways to accomplish the same end. Nothing wrong with being frugal, or cheap.....unless it causes pain. The current minimum level of income for a retiree here in Ecuador is $1200. It was less but went up. That should be plenty down here. The folks who come down BECAUSE it is cheaper don't last. I don't know that many people do come for the cost of living. The cultural hurdles filter the candidates. More than half leave before five years in spite of the cost of living. For emotional reasons. The only real way to answer this question is for you to come down, for at least the 3 months, more is better, and see. You can sample a hundred expats and come up with an idea. The quality of our lives is emotional, not financial," wrote a member who made the move to Ecuador.

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"The availability of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits delivered to your door or purchased at the market are very reasonable, a household of two adults averages $200 per month for groceries. Rental properties range from $450 up based on location and size. You can purchase a beachfront home for under $200K. or off the beach from $50K. and up. Restaurants offer daily "almuerzo" specials for $3, dinner starts at $4 and up. Utilities are inexpensive, propane gas $1.75 refill, water for the cisterna $15, large jugs of bottled water $1.50, Wifi basic plan $25, electricity varies based on use of AC during the hot season (January - April), no AC. $45 - with AC, $100 and up. Transportation via bus starts at .50 cents and goes up based on destination. Taxi varies based on destination, fare starts at $2," explained one expat living in San Jacinto, Ecuador.