Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
Last updated on Jan 07, 2023
Summary: The population of Quito is 2.7 million people. Quito is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history. Expats love the city's colonial architecture, its friendly people, and its proximity to the Andes Mountains. The weather in Quito is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24 Celsius). The average cost of living in Quito for an expat is around $1,500 USD per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $400-600 USD per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $600-800 USD per month.
What do I need to know about living in Quito?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Quito, they said:
"Be prepared for pollution and robbery problems. Quito also has a large traffic issue and makes it hard to get around at busy hours of the day. The altitude is sometimes hard for people with asthma or the elderly. In general, it's still a small city and has a friendly welcoming attitude. It's easy to get away on weekends and go to the mountains for fresh air. The night life is fun and exciting in the mariscal area. I would research the city really well before renting or buying. Find the safer neighborhoods like Quito, Tenis or Gonzalez Suarez where there are many other expats," added another expat in Quito.
International Health InsurancePassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
GET A QUOTE
What do I need to know before moving to Quito?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Quito, they said:
"THis process esp with minimal Spanish is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, trust me. I have struggled at times and have lived before out of the United States in South America. Visit, do your homework, trust that you will be taken advantage of (as I have several times with trusted Ecuadorians) and you REALLY have to WANT TO MOVE HERE sometimes to simply stay here. I am overall happy with my move/immigration to Ecuador but it is tough and challenging esp as a soltera at times, very tough," added another expat in Quito.
"Rent, learn, then leave. Keep in mind I have no business interest here so I am just being honest. You can deposit money into your bank acct & if want to know your balance after your deposit they charge you a fee, service in Ecuador is terrible. Ask for a roll of quarters, & be refused! No reason, just be told no," remarked another expat who made the move to Quito.
Answer Question & View More Answers
How do I find a place to live in Quito?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Not easy... I was offered a teaching job at PUCE , then denied it when my papers came through very late but I knew the barrio where I wanted to live -- however, it has gone up in price and there were few options available. I walked around in the neighborhood I wanted to finally settle in and found what I need. This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED way to discover a good apt in Quito," added another expat in Quito.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Quito?
"A "suite" or two rooms and bath, lovely little place, good dueno and furnished nicely with condominio fee monthly it's $460. in the swanky neightborhood of Gonzalez Suarez. Noise here is bad," added another expat who made the move to Quito.
What is the average cost of housing in Quito?
If you are thinking about moving to Quito, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Much lower. I bought an apartment for under $30k and I have rented another for just $150 a month," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.
How do I meet people in Quito?
When we asked people living in Quito about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"DAMAS - Damas Norteamericanas y Britanicas - meets once a month and does service projects for the community, we have an English book library and a play group for moms with young kids. English Fellowship Church - all English speaking Advent St. Nicholas Church - 3 services in English, Spanish, and German," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.
PassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
PassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
What should I bring when moving to Quito?
People living in Quito were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"More books - not the Kindle I was given --personal effects, small paintings, items you love at home (small and transport friendly) Nothing in 2nd category," mentioned another expat in Quito.
"I wish I had brought digital camera, laptop and more books...I wish I had left home medicines (widely available and cheaper in Ecuador), basics like towel, socks, etc (also easily available), furniture (very beautiful pieces avialable locally)," commented one expat who made the move to Quito.
Will I be able to find a job in Quito?
When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Quito, they reponded:
"The city has all sorts of businesses and industries, but most expats will find quick employment in some sort of education job. The universities have many opportunities for those with degrees and the English institutes are always looking for native English speakers. Small business owners find it hard to get started here, but some do very well," added another expat in Quito.
What is life like in Quito?
When we asked people living in Quito what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"The Latino life focuses on family and friends. The Expat community focuses on service projects, mountain sports activities, and traveling around the country," mentioned another expat in Quito.
Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest.
Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Quito accepting of differences?
"Quito is very diverse. We have a growing Asian community as well as a large expat community. The Quitenos are very nice and accepting of other cultures and people. The Latinos in general do not mix classes (the city is separated into neighborhoods of different classes.)," mentioned another expat in Quito.
International Health InsurancePassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
GET A QUOTE
What are the schools in Quito like?
"I would advise against this school. The administration is extremely bloated and are merely puppets of the school director. The students are for the most part rude and have no respect. The teachers are primarily short-term (2 years then move on) and the curriculum is in a constant state of flux. The teachers try to do the best they can, but are given zero support from administration," added another expat with kids at Academia Cotopaxi in Quito.
"I love it. I have my two boys and am amazed at the academic standards. My oldest one is not quite studious, yet he manages to excel in many areas, even compared to other schools worldwide. When compared to other kids his age in other schools around the world, he is significantly more advanced. I think that says a lot. I like the special services and the close knit feel of the parent teacher relations," commented one expat when asked about Academia Cotopaxi in Quito.
Answer Question & View More Answers
What are the pros and cons of living in Quito?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Quito responded:
"My wife and I live in north Quito, near the old airport. We really like this area because we are a short drive to downtown, close to a few malls, within walking distance to a great supermarket and a public park and many nice restaurants. We both love the old historic part of the city and we're only a 15 minute drive away. We go regularly and check-in to a hotel and spend the weekend there. It's like a little mini-vacation for us," commented one expat who moved to Quito.
"I love Ecuador. I find that dealing with government bureaucracy is frustratingly time consuming, but I only have to renew my visa once every five years," said another expat.
Answer Question & View More Answers
International Health InsurancePassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
GET A QUOTE
What type of social life can someone expect in Quito?
When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Quito, they replied:
"It is best if you join an expat group. In my case, at 63 years of age I took a 3 month Spanish course, avoided English speakers, and joined a Rotary Club where I received a very warm welcome into the Spanish community," remarked another expat living in Quito.
"The Ecuadorian people have been very accepting and friendly to me. This is my home now and I'm very happy with my decision to move here," mentioned another expat living in Quito.
What advice to expats in Quito have about housing?
"I believe it's better to rent rather than buy immediately when first arriving in Quito so that you can check out other parts of the city," remarked another expat in Quito.
What are medical services in Quito like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Quito, they replied:
"My health insurance is with IESS and I've been completely satisfied with the care I've received. I have high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease. When the doctors at the IESS hospital learned this they ordered a complete lipid profile, an EKG, treadmill stress test and echocardiogram and placed me on a statin drug for my cholesterol and a drug for high blood pressure," said an expat in Quito.
"Most doctors don't have insurance for malpractice so if you are unhappy, tough luck. There is no medical body to appeal to," remarked another expat in Quito.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Quito?
"The cost of medical care if much cheaper than the United States. I had back surgery for $8,000 and I only had to pay $1,000 deductible," said an expat in Quito.
PassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
PassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat and digital nomad health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
