With postcard-perfect colonial towns, cool mountain retreats, and sunny Pacific beaches, Ecuador is a country of contrasts—and one of the most affordable and accessible places for North American expats to live well overseas.
The variety is staggering for a country the size of Colorado. Whether you’re drawn to its highland cities, coastal enclaves, or tropical valleys, Ecuador offers a pace of life that’s easy, safe, and filled with natural beauty. And with a low cost of living, temperate climate, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder Ecuador has long been a favorite in International Living’s Retirement Index.
Here are five standout destinations for expats considering a move to Ecuador in 2025…
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Cuenca
Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city, yet it retains a relaxed, small-town feel. With its UNESCO-designated historic center, colonial architecture, and thriving arts scene, Cuenca draws expats who want urban conveniences with walkability and charm.
You’ll find dozens of parks and plazas, modern shopping malls, affordable healthcare, and a well-established expat community. International dining, live music, and cultural festivals are abundant. The city is very walkable, especially in the historic core, and taxis or buses make getting around easy.
The cost of living is one of Cuenca's biggest draws. A retired couple can live comfortably on $1,600 to $2,000 per month, including rent. Furnished two-bedroom apartments are available from $600 a month. Many expats choose Cuenca for its temperate climate, which averages in the 60s and 70s year-round.
The city also offers a growing number of co-working spaces and Spanish language schools, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and those interested in learning the language. With direct bus routes to the coast and other highland towns, Cuenca is also well-positioned for weekend getaways and exploring more of Ecuador.
Loja
Nestled in the southern highlands, Loja offers a slower pace of life, a rich musical heritage, and beautiful green surroundings. This city of around 180,000 people has long been known as Ecuador’s cultural capital.
The cost of living is lower than in Cuenca. You can find two-bedroom apartments for rent at $250 to $350 a month. A couple can live here comfortably on around $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Loja also boasts a well-run bus system, a clean and safe atmosphere, and a growing yet low-key expat presence.
Strolling through the colorful parks, taking in street performances, or enjoying a coffee at a locally run café is a way of life here. Though smaller than Cuenca, Loja has good healthcare facilities, plenty of shopping options, and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Loja’s local government has invested in sustainability and infrastructure projects, which have improved public spaces and transit over the years. And with a local airport offering regular flights to Quito, it’s easy to stay connected while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle.
Vilcabamba
Just 45 minutes south of Loja lies Vilcabamba, a valley village known for its mild climate, stunning natural surroundings, and wellness-focused community. It's often referred to as the "Valley of Longevity" due to the high number of long-lived locals.
Vilcabamba attracts expats seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with a strong connection to nature. The area has become a hub for yoga, permaculture, and holistic health. The expat community here is tight-knit and socially active, with potlucks, music nights, and community gardens.
A couple can live comfortably on $1,200 to $1,500 per month, including rent. Furnished two-bedroom homes rent for less than $600. While Vilcabamba doesn’t offer big-city amenities, many residents appreciate the quiet pace and emphasis on healthy, outdoor living.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding in the nearby Podocarpus National Park and surrounding valleys. The village also hosts farmers' markets and community workshops that reflect its agrarian and alternative ethos.
Quito
Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, sits high in the Andes at over 9,000 feet and boasts spring-like weather year-round. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city features colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas.
Modern Quito offers world-class healthcare, shopping malls, international schools, and an international airport. The city’s neighborhoods are diverse: expats enjoy the artsy La Floresta district and the more suburban Cumbayá area, which offers newer housing and a warmer microclimate.
A couple can expect to spend $2,000 to $2,500 per month, including rent. Furnished apartments can be found for $500 to $800 a month, and a full-time housekeeper costs around $280 per month. Quito appeals to those who want an urban lifestyle with modern amenities and rich cultural offerings.
Quito’s public transport system, including the new metro, makes getting around easier than ever. And for those craving weekend adventures, the capital is a gateway to the Amazon rainforest, cloud forests, and volcanoes—all within a few hours’ drive.
Cotacachi
Nestled in the northern Andes, about an hour from Quito, Cotacachi is known as Ecuador’s “leather capital.” Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and near the stunning Cuicocha Crater Lake, it blends traditional Andean culture with modern conveniences. The town is walkable, safe, and has a growing expat presence.
A couple can live here on around $1,500 per month, with rentals ranging from $400–$700 depending on size and location. The lively weekly market offers fresh produce at low prices, and artisan leather shops line the main streets. Cotacachi also has good healthcare options, reliable internet, and easy transport connections to Quito and Otavalo.
What makes Cotacachi stand out is its strong sense of community. Expats consistently highlight how easy it is to feel at home here, thanks to both welcoming locals and a supportive expat network. Combined with a mild climate, walkability, and cultural richness, Cotacachi has become one of Ecuador’s most appealing “small-town” expat destinations.
Find Your Ecuador
Whether you’re after cool mountain air, a welcoming small town in the Andes, or the energy of a thriving capital city, Ecuador delivers.
Each of these destinations has something unique to offer, but they all provide affordability, natural beauty, and a lifestyle that’s hard to match. With its low cost of living, welcoming communities, and diverse environments, Ecuador remains one of the best places in the world to start your next chapter abroad.
Get Your Free Ecuador Report Here
Get Your Free Ecuador Report Here
Learn more about Ecuador and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT - Ecuador: Live Like Royalty on Your Social Security.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards, The Untourist Daily and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.