Cost of living in Santa Elena
Santa Elena, a coastal city in Ecuador, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santa Elena, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.5 on average, with a range between $2.5 and $6.5.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30, with prices ranging from $18 to $45.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $6 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.5 to $4, imported beer $2.75 to $5.5, cappuccino $1.25 to $3.5, and Coke/Pepsi $0.69 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.8 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.14.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $2.54, with an average price of $1.49.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.25 to $3, averaging $1.86.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1 to $2.5 per kg, while oranges range from $0.5 to $4 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.4 to $0.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is consistently priced at $0.63 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.65, with a cost of $0.75 to $2 per km and $10 to $15 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $190 and $320 per month, averaging $255.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $3000 to $7700, averaging $5650.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $28.33 and $55, averaging $38.9.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $48, with an average cost of $32.13.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Ecuador are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Ecuador, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
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Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Elena offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and retirees.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for as low as $2.5.
Grocery prices are reasonable, with staples like milk and bread priced affordably.
Transportation costs are low, particularly for gasoline, which is consistently priced at $0.63 per liter.
Utilities and internet services are also budget-friendly, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Santa Elena.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Elena, Ecuador, presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, transportation, and utility costs.
This makes it an appealing destination for those looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger urban areas.