Cost of living in Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba, a picturesque town in Ecuador, is known for its serene environment and affordable living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Vilcabamba, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.25 on average, with a range between $3 and $4.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35, with prices ranging from $30 to $48.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.5, with a range between $7 and $9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.5 to $2, imported beer $3 to $3.5, cappuccino $2 to $2.5, and Coke/Pepsi is consistently $1.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.8 and $1.15 per liter, averaging $0.95.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2 and $3.31, with an average price of $2.65.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.6, averaging $2.73.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.5 per kg, while oranges range from $1.5 to $2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.9 and $1.1 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.75 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket is priced at $1.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is consistently priced at $0.66 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.5, with a cost of $0.93 per km and $10 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $200 to $600, averaging $337.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $150 to $550, averaging $325.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $450 to $925, averaging $625.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $400 to $825, averaging $575.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1291.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1076.39.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $56.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $23 to $40, with an average cost of $31.
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
Restaurants
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Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Vilcabamba offers a low cost of living, especially in terms of dining and housing. Affordable restaurant meals and low rental prices make it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Transportation costs are minimal, with inexpensive public transport and fuel prices. However, owning a car might be costly due to the price of new vehicles.
Grocery prices are generally low, with essential items like milk, bread, and eggs being very affordable.
Conclusion
Vilcabamba, Ecuador, presents an affordable living environment with low costs in dining, housing, and transportation. This makes it an ideal location for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Potential residents can enjoy a high quality of life without the financial strain found in more expensive cities. With its scenic beauty and low cost of living, Vilcabamba is a compelling choice for expatriates and retirees.