Best Cities for Expats in Ecuador 2026: Complete Guide

Where Should You Live in Ecuador?

Choosing where to settle in Ecuador is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Each city offers a unique lifestyle, climate, and cost of living. Here's our 2026 guide to the best cities for expats.

Cuenca: The Expat Favorite

Cuenca consistently ranks as the most popular city for North American expats, and for good reason.

Why Expats Love Cuenca

• Perfect climate: Year-round spring weather (60-75°F)
• Affordable: Average expat budget $1,500-2,500/month
• Beautiful colonial architecture: UNESCO World Heritage site
• Large expat community: 5,000+ English-speaking expats
• Excellent healthcare: Top hospitals and specialists

Cuenca Cost of Living

• Rent (nice apartment): $500-800/month
• Groceries: $200-300/month
• Healthcare: Affordable private options
• Dining out: $3-8 per meal

Best For

Retirees, those seeking community, architecture lovers, people who want temperate weather without extreme heat.

Quito: The Capital Experience

Ecuador's capital offers big-city amenities at developing-world prices.

Why Expats Choose Quito

• Cultural hub: Museums, restaurants, nightlife
• International airport: Easy travel connections
• Diverse neighborhoods: From historic to modern
• Career opportunities: Best job market in Ecuador
• Excellent schools: International school options

Quito Cost of Living

• Rent (nice apartment): $700-1,200/month
• Groceries: $250-400/month
• Transportation: $30-100/month
• Dining out: $5-15 per meal

Best For

Professionals, families with children, those wanting urban amenities, people who travel frequently.

Coastal Towns: Beach Life

Ecuador's coast offers a completely different lifestyle—warmer, more relaxed, and beachfront.

Popular Coastal Destinations

Salinas: The "Miami of Ecuador"

• Modern high-rises and condos
• Active expat community
• Hot and humid climate
• Budget: $1,500-2,500/month

Montañita: Surf and party town

• Bohemian, youthful vibe
• Budget-friendly
• Active nightlife
• Budget: $1,000-1,800/month

Puerto López: Quiet fishing village

• Whale watching hub
• Very affordable
• Limited services
• Budget: $800-1,500/month

Best For

Beach lovers, surfers, those who love tropical heat, budget-conscious expats willing to trade amenities for location.

Loja: The Hidden Gem

Often overlooked, Loja offers Cuenca's benefits without the crowds.

Why Consider Loja

• Smaller expat community: More immersive experience
• Very affordable: 20-30% cheaper than Cuenca
• Cultural city: Music and arts scene
• University town: Young, educated population
• Temperate climate: Similar to Cuenca

Loja Cost of Living

• Rent (nice apartment): $350-600/month
• Groceries: $150-250/month
• Overall: $1,200-2,000/month

Best For

Expats wanting authentic Ecuador, budget-conscious retirees, those avoiding expat bubbles.

Cotacachi: Indigenous Culture

This small Andean town near Otavalo offers a unique cultural experience.

Cotacachi Highlights

• Indigenous culture: Rich artisan traditions
• Leather goods: Famous for leather crafts
• Eco-tourism: Nature reserves nearby
• Small expat community: Tight-knit group
• Affordable: Budget-friendly living

Best For

Those seeking indigenous culture, artisan communities, nature lovers, expats wanting small-town life.

Factors to Consider

Climate Preferences

• Hate humidity? Choose highlands (Cuenca, Quito, Loja)
• Love beach weather? Go coastal (Salinas, Montañita)
• Want variety? Quito is central to everything

Healthcare Needs

• Complex medical needs? Cuenca or Quito have best hospitals
• Basic care sufficient? Smaller cities work fine
• Specialist required? Stick to major cities

Spanish Skills

• No Spanish? Cuenca has most English speakers
• Learning? Smaller cities force immersion
• Fluent? Anywhere works

Budget

• Tight budget? Loja or coastal villages
• Moderate? Cuenca or Quito neighborhoods
• Flexible? Choose based on lifestyle

Making the Decision

Our Recommendation

Visit before committing. Spend at least 2-4 weeks in your top choices:

1. Rent short-term in each city
2. Explore neighborhoods at different times
3. Talk to expats living there
4. Test healthcare and services
5. Experience the climate firsthand

Test Runs

Many expats do 90-day tourist visa trips to test cities before applying for residency. This is time well spent—choosing the wrong city leads to expensive moves.

Next Steps

Once you've chosen your city, you'll need to:

1. Choose your visa type based on your situation
2. Gather documents from your home country
3. Apply for residency with professional help

Ready to make Ecuador home? Contact EcuaPass for expert visa guidance in any Ecuadorian city.