Will O. Says:
Do you have any advice for finding a place to live in Ecuador?
IL Contributor Fiona Mitchell Writes:
When it comes to finding housing in Ecuador, the timeless adage of “Location, Location, Location” is closely followed by the advice “Rent, Rent, Rent.”
Before you plunk down money on a house or condo you fall in love with at first sight, it’s best to explore cities on the coast and in the Andes mountains to see what location fits your needs.
Ecuador is a small country with one of the most diverse geographical environments and varied cultural lifestyles in the world, so there are lots of choices about where to settle, whether it’s based on climate, mountain views, beach living, or country versus city living.
Also, you need to find a place that gives you that ‘aha’ moment, and where you can build a community of friends with other expats and Ecuadorians.
When expats come for an exploratory trip, they usually scout out a short-term rental at a reasonable price close to downtown.
Rentals are more than half the cost that they are in the US, and the homes are often much larger and more extravagant. Many prefer to rent an apartment rather than a house, since these often come with conveniences such as small gyms, shared BBQ areas, pools (especially on the coast), and 24/7 security.
In the primary expat destinations, monthly rents start at around $500 for a two-bed/two-bath apartment in a modern condo building overlooking the mountains or the beach within walking distance of town. So, it’s best not to impulse buy that dream home for under $200,000 when you can rent while you look for your perfect location.
If you’re feeling nervous about finding a long-term rental, there are plenty of people on hand to help. Many local real estate agents will help you secure a long-term rental, and some even offer tours, visiting multiple properties to get a better overall impression of the rental market in your chosen city/town.
Read more about Ecuador on the IL website.
Editor’s Note of Caution on Ecuador Today (Early 2024): Ecuador remains a beautiful, friendly, good-value country where, for at least two decades now, it’s been possible to enjoy a high quality of life for relatively little.
But the political situation there became volatile in January 2024 as the government began to take on drug cartels who’d been moving in.
The people of Ecuador are as friendly and welcoming as they’ve ever been. And expats in the communities we recommend, such as Cuenca and Cotacachi, report that they feel safe. But the situation is in flux, and so our guidance is to use caution and perhaps wait for things to settle down before you visit or move.
Got a Question?
Send your thoughts to mailbag@internationalliving.com. We’ll post and respond to as many of your emails as we can right here in the e-letter.