Dena moved to Ecuador from Canada with her husband and young daughter only after carefully weighing up all the options.
They considered several places in Belize, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, too…but Cuenca won them over in the end thanks to its safety and climate.
Of course, another big draw was the low prices—take a look at some of the costs Dena details below...........
By Dena Haines
Cuenca, Ecuador is a jewel nestled in amongst the amazing beauty of the Andes Mountains. The climate is temperate year-round. The medical facilities are excellent, and the atmosphere is that of a quaint European town.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in the U.S. or Canada. Your grocery bill will be about a third of what you pay back home. A new three-bedroom, two bath apartment (with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains) costs us $180 a month.
The electric bill is around $20 per month, and the water bill is $1.80 per month. The hot water, kitchen stove, and clothes dryer run on propane—$2 per tank.
For 25 cents the bus system gets you anywhere you want to go. If you need a taxi, you'll pay $1.50 for a short trip or up to $5 for a ride clear across the city.
The latest movies—$3. You can treat a friend to a coffee and snack for less than $3. A typical 3-course lunch costs between $2 and $4.
Cuenca is a center of education so you can find all the latest medical facilities here, and get the care you need or want at a fraction of the cost you might expect. Some people travel here because of the savings on certain procedures, especially dental and cosmetic.
It's never too hot or too cold; warm during the day and cool at night. The growing season has no end, so a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. The climate is also easy on the wardrobe—with a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and light jacket you're set to get out and explore this beautiful city.
The four rivers that run through Cuenca provide a lot of beautiful green space. It's very peaceful to walk along their eucalyptus lined banks, or pack a picnic and relax with friends while listening to the soft babbling as the river flows by. The city has a definite European feel, with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The parks, quaint cafes and restaurants all over the city add to its small-town feel.
Cuenca has retained a strong culture and cosmetic beauty that people are falling in love with. The expat community is steadily growing so if you are thinking about making a move, now is the time to join us!
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