| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) | $300 – $400 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | $200 – $300 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | $1,000 – $1,200 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | $800 – $1,000 per square meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | $20 – $30 |
| Transportation (Taxi Start) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Transportation (Taxi 1km) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | $0.80 – $1.00 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | $1.20 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | $0.70 – $0.90 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | $3.50 – $4.50 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | $20 – $30 |
| Utilities (Monthly, Basic for 85m2 Apartment) | $50 – $70 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | $150 – $200 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | $200 – $300 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | $300 – $400 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | $400 – $500 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Machala
“The cost of living in Machala is considered to be relatively low compared to many other cities around the world. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Machala are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing significantly less than in many other countries. Public transportation in Machala is very cheap, making it an affordable option for daily commuting. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and car maintenance. Healthcare in Machala is also relatively affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. However, the quality of healthcare can vary, and private health insurance is recommended for more comprehensive coverage. Overall, the cost of living in Machala is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a vibrant city on a budget,” said one expat living in Machala.
Can I live in Machala on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Machala for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll need to make some adjustments and be smart about your spending. For instance, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out at high-end restaurants frequently or having a large, luxurious apartment. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Machala is a city with a lower cost of living compared to many places in the world. You can find a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300-$400 a month. The neighborhoods of Unioro and Ficoa are quite affordable and safe. They have all the basic amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Puerto Bolivar and El Cambio are a bit more upscale and therefore, more expensive. You might want to avoid these if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Groceries will cost you around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce at a lower cost. Eating out is also quite affordable if you stick to local eateries instead of fancy restaurants. Utilities including internet, electricity, and water will cost you around $100 a month. Public transportation is also quite cheap, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in some other countries. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Public healthcare is free, but the quality can vary. Many expats opt for private healthcare which can cost around $70-$100 a month for a good plan. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, hike in the nearby mountains, or explore the local culture and history. So, while you might have to make some sacrifices, living in Machala on $1,500 a month is definitely doable. You just need to budget wisely and be willing to adapt to a different lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Machala.
Can I live in Machala on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Machala for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite low compared to many other places. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. The neighborhoods I would recommend are Unioro and Ficoa, they are safe, have good infrastructure and are close to shopping centers and other amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like El Bosque and La Pradera are a bit more upscale and therefore more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re on a budget. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, they usually cost around $100 a month. Groceries can be quite cheap if you buy local products and cook at home, you can spend around $200 to $300 a month. Eating out is also affordable, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 to $15. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is very cheap, a one-way ticket costs less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, gasoline is also quite affordable. Health insurance is another thing to consider. You can get a good plan for around $70 to $100 a month. Of course, there are some sacrifices you have to make. For instance, imported goods are quite expensive due to high import taxes, so you might have to give up some of your favorite brands. Also, while Machala has many modern amenities, it’s not as developed as some bigger cities, so you might miss some things you’re used to. But overall, I think the low cost of living and the relaxed lifestyle more than make up for these minor inconveniences,” said one expat living in Machala.
Can I live in Machala on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Machala for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the world. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $400 to $600 a month. The neighborhoods of Unioro and Ficoa are quite affordable and offer modern amenities. They are safe, have good infrastructure, and are close to markets, restaurants, and parks. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Puerto Bolivar and El Cambio are a bit more expensive. They are closer to the beach and have more upscale housing options, but you might find the cost of living there a bit higher. When it comes to utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you’re looking at around $100 a month. Food is also quite affordable here. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other groceries for about $200 a month. Eating out is also quite cheap. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is quite efficient and cheap. A one-way ticket costs less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are also quite low compared to many countries. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. The healthcare system in Ecuador is quite good and affordable. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $30 to $40. If you need any medications, they are also quite cheap. However, there are a few things you might need to adjust to. While Machala has many modern amenities, it’s not as developed as some major cities. You might not find some of the luxury goods or brands you’re used to. Also, while people here are friendly and welcoming, not everyone speaks English, so you might need to learn some basic Spanish. But overall, I think you’ll find that living in Machala on $5,000 a month is quite comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life without having to worry too much about your expenses,” commented an expat living in Machala.
