Rentals in Cuenca, Ecuador
Summary: The cost of a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cuenca, Ecuador is typically around $400-500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $500-700 USD per month. Apartments in Cuenca typically include basic amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Some apartments may also include a balcony, terrace, or garden. Rental properties in Cuenca are not typically equipped with furniture, appliances, or internet. Expats should be aware of this and plan to bring or purchase these items. The best way for an expat to search for a rental property in Cuenca is to use online resources such as Craigslist, Facebook groups, and expat forums. It is also possible to find rental properties through local real estate agents. The most desirable neighborhoods in Cuenca are El Centro, El Vergel, El Batan, and El Paraiso. These neighborhoods are close to the city center and offer a variety of amenities.
How do I find a place to live in Cuenca?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in Cuenca is to look through online listings. Some popular sites include local classifieds, such as Encuentra24, and global rental sites like idealista and craigslist. Additionally, you can find locals willing to rent out apartments on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can ask friends or family if they know of any vacancies, or if they know someone else who is. Lastly, you can search in person by canvassing certain neighborhoods or checking out "se renta" (for rent) signs posted around the city," said one person in Cuenca, Ecuador.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Cuenca?
"Cuenca neighborhoods, unless you only walk everywhere, are not as significant in Cuenca as they are in other cities AND other countries. The expat population (especially the 50% from North America, is not significant enough to make a difference and the safety factor does not vary to the point where is means much. A section of the city's west end is dubbed "Gringolandia" with the Cuenca's largest condo (18 stories) called "The Gringo Palace", But upon investigation, it has only a 10% ownership of foreigners..with the rest Ecuadorians. The neighborhood has a much lower percentage of gringos. However, there are other reasons to investigate where you rent or buy in Cuenca that are not obvious, like bus and grocery proximity. I recall a lovely American couple who arrived and immediately rented in the small Red Light District. (Municipally-regulated prostitution is legal in Ecuador) When they found out more about the neighborhood, they remarked they enjoyed all the happy faces around them," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
"A typical expat home or apartment in Cuenca, is typically modern and comfortable. Most expat homes and apartments feature amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning. The interiors are usually spacious, with plenty of natural light due to the abundance of large windows and balconies that overlook the surrounding city. Most of the properties feature modern kitchens, with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Many are equipped with plenty of storage closets and bathroom amenities, such as a tub, shower, and washer/dryer," said one expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.
"We live in a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment with views to the mountains and over the river. Yes there are expats in other buildings but we did not come here to live with expats............although we love bumping into them. We only have one other couple (expats) who live in our building. The rest are locals and lovely people and they have accepted us with open arms," remarked one member in Cuenca.
What is the average cost of housing in Cuenca?
If you are thinking about moving to Cuenca, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Housing cost are substantially less than at home. We are moving into a real mansion with full use of the house and our own bath for $210 mo. $200-350 mo is very available. We were taken the first mo. at $550mo and was much less quality. Actually it was horrible," remarked one member in Cuenca.
"You can buy a beautiful 2 brm 2.5 bathroom apartment from about $78,000 upwards. If you are looking for a home with a bit of land around you can go about 15 mins from Cuenca and find the most beautiful homes for $150,000 - $300,000 and of course then you have the ones that are even higher. Depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful pre-construction apartments selling from $60,000 to a large penthouse which has the most spectacular views for under $200,000. I went and paid our phone and electric bill the other day and for the two of us it was $30 for the month. Our apartment taxes are around $30 per year. Our security apartment and gas fees per month are $63.00," commented an expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Should I buy or rent a home in Cuenca?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Cuenca, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"I rent a two bedroom, two bathroom condo on the 11th floor on the Rio Tomebamba. 24-hour security guards, underground parking I pay $300 a month for rent, gas $8, water $10, cable $52, internet $34 and security is $50," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cuenca.
"Deciding to buy or rent a home in Cuenca ultimately comes down to individual circumstances and preference. If you are planning to stay in the area for an extended period of time, it may make more sense to purchase a property, as the process of purchasing property can be a more attractive long-term financial solution. However, if you are intending to stay for a short duration, you may prefer the flexibility of renting a property. Ultimately, whether to buy or rent a home in Cuenca, Ecuador is a personal decision," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador, Ecuador.
What are the most popular areas to rent in Cuenca?
When we asked expats and digital nomad where people rent in Cuenca, they said:
"Cuenca is a beautiful city in Ecuador that is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery. The most popular neighborhoods in Cuenca are El Centro, El Barranco, and El Cajas. El Centro is the historic center of the city and is home to many of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the New Cathedral and the Parque Calderon. El Barranco is a lively neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. El Cajas is a nature lover's paradise, with its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning mountain views. All three of these neighborhoods offer something unique and are popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Are there any special precautions expats should take when renting a property in Cuenca?
We asked expats in Cuenca what are the most popular neighborhoods in Cuenca to live in. They said...
"Before renting a home in Cuenca, it is important to research the area and the neighborhood to ensure it is safe and suitable for your needs. It is also important to understand the local rental laws and regulations, as well as the cost of living in the area. Additionally, it is important to understand the local customs and culture, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition into the new environment. Finally, it is important to have a clear understanding of the rental agreement, including the length of the lease, the cost of the rent, and any additional fees or deposits that may be required," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
What are typical rental prices for expats in Cuenca?
We asked expats in Cuenca about any special precautions they should take when renting a property in Cuenca. They said....
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cuenca can range from around $200 to $400 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $300 to $600 per month," explained one foreigner living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Cuenca what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"Rental properties in Cuenca typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include a microwave, dishwasher, and other small kitchen appliances," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
What should newcomers know about renting in Cuenca?
We asked foreigners in Cuenca what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...
"When looking for a place to rent in Cuenca, it is important to do your research and visit the property in person before signing a lease. Make sure to ask questions about the neighborhood, the condition of the property, and the terms of the lease. It is also important to understand the local laws and regulations regarding rental agreements. Additionally, it is wise to have a local lawyer review the lease before signing it. Finally, be sure to budget for any additional costs such as utilities, taxes, and maintenance fees," said one expat in Cuenca.
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Cuenca
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Cuenca
- Discover the Best of Cuenca
- 11 Things to Know Before Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador
- 8 Tips for Living in Cuenca, Ecuador
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ecuador
- Best Places to Live in Ecuador
- 5 Great Places to Retire in South America
- What It's Like Living in Cuenca
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Ecuador


