How Much Does It Cost To Move to Ecuador From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Moving to Ecuador is relatively affordable compared to other international moves. Thanks to affordable sea freight costs, you can complete your move for around $6,000, including moving company expenses, plane tickets, and visa fees.
A breakdown of the moving costs to Ecuador:
- Moving costs: It costs an average of $1,700 to ship a 20-foot container to Ecuador by sea freight, in addition to the cost of getting your belongings to port. Plane tickets to Ecuador average around $500 per person. Your exact costs will depend on your location and the size of your move.
- Cost of living: Ecuador is a very affordable country, with one-bedroom apartments typically available for just $350 per month. Other cost of living categories like food and utilities are also much less expensive than in the United States.
- Visa & residency fees: Temporary residency visas have a $50 application fee and $270 finalization fee. You’ll need to pay extra legal fees if you need translation services or hire an attorney to help with the application.
Moving internationally is a big process. In this guide, we’ll cover what you should expect for the cost of living in Ecuador, as well as tips on how to make your move to this South American country go smoothly. We’ll also give our recommendations for the top international moving companies that can help get you there.
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Things to consider about living in Ecuador:
- Safety: Ecuador is a safe country overall, but petty crime (such as theft) is relatively common. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep valuables out of sight when you’re out and about.
- Culture & lifestyle: With its mix of beaches, mountains, and even Amazonian rainforest, Ecuador offers a wide range of experiences. Folk art, music, and clothing are more common in the Indigenous mountain areas, while the coastal areas have more Spanish and African influences. Ecuador is known for a slower pace of life and friendly culture, with a focus on family.
- Languages spoken: Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, and you’ll need at least basic Spanish skills to get around. Quechua (or Kichwa) is also widely spoken in many areas.
- Currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, so you won’t have to worry about exchanging currency.
Average cost of moving to Ecuador from the US
Moving to Ecuador will likely cost $4,000-$8,000, mostly depending on factors like the size, distance and shipping method you use.
While you should also budget for expenses like plane tickets and visa fees, the biggest cost factor will be whether you use sea freight or air freight. This ultimately comes down to whether you care more about fast shipping speed, or the ability to ship more stuff at a lower price.
Sea freight costs from the US to Ecuador
Sea freight is typically the most popular option for shipping belongings to Ecuador, simply because of its cost-effectiveness. A 20-foot container allows you to ship the contents of a three-bedroom home, allowing you to take more of your stuff with you for your international move.
Because Ecuador is relatively closer to the United States than other foreign destinations, your sea freight shipment won’t spend as much time at sea. Still, it will likely take a few weeks to get your stuff from the US to Ecuador, in addition to the time it will take to transport everything from your home to the port (and vice versa).
For most households planning a long-term move, the lower cost and higher capacity of sea freight makes it well worth the extra waiting time.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | Guayaquil | $1,267 | 8-12 days |
| Los Angeles | Guayaquil | $1,730 | 20-25 days |
| New York City | Puerto Bolivar | $2,264 | 8-12 days |
| Houston, TX | Manta | $1,267 | 8-12 days |
*Based on a 20-foot container from InterWF.com
Air freight costs from the US to Ecuador
Shipping via air freight is the preferred option if you want to get your belongings to Ecuador quickly. Using air freight means your belongings will arrive in just a few days, rather than needing to wait a few weeks for your stuff to reach Ecuador.
However, that speed comes at a cost. Air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight, which means it’s usually best if you’re only bringing a relatively small number of items. Trying to transport everything from your house via air freight can become way too expensive. Air freight usually doesn’t have the capacity for furniture and other bulky shipments, either.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Quito | $763 | 1-3 days |
| Los Angeles | Guayaquil | $763 | 1-3 days |
| Miami | Guayaquil | $763 | 1-3 days |
| Houston, TX | Manta | $763 | 1-3 days |
*Based on a 500 pound shipment from Shipnex.com
How much does it cost to live in Ecuador?
A big part of the appeal of living in Ecuador is that it is much less expensive than the US. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Ecuador (without rent) is 55% lower than in the United States. Rent is even cheaper, averaging 80.5% lower than in the US.
Even better, Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency. For expats, this means you don’t need to worry about currency exchange rates, plus it is much easier to compare prices with what you’d pay stateside.
Like many countries with a lower cost of living, the average salary in Ecuador is also much lower than in the US – just $500.89 per month. This isn’t an issue for retirees, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re thinking of moving to Ecuador for work.
Housing costs in Ecuador
Coming from the United States, you’ll find housing in Ecuador to be much more affordable – especially for renters. Renting an apartment in Cuenca costs 57.8%-71.5% less than renting in Memphis, TN, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Buying is also more affordable, with prices averaging 14.6%-18.8% lower in Cuenca.
| Apartment | Cuenca | Memphis | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $350.00 | $1,187.14 | -70.5% |
| 3BR rental | $662.50 | $1,571.43 | -57.8% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $111.48 | $137.28 | -18.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cuenca and Memphis (March 2025)
To find housing for sale or rent in Ecuador, look at reliable online platforms like Realtor.com and MLS-Ecuador for trustworthy listings. It’s also a good idea to check in with online expat groups to learn more about areas to prioritize (or avoid) in the cities you’re considering. Because of the distance, your best option may be to get a short-term rental when you first arrive in Ecuador, so you can look at potential long-term homes or apartments in person.
Here are some of the top cities in Ecuador for expats:
- Guayaquil: Ecuador’s largest city has a large expat population. Guayaquil is known for its vibrant culture, perhaps best shown through the Malecon 2000, an area of parks, shops, and restaurants connected by a large boardwalk. As a major port city and financial center, there are also many job opportunities in Guayaquil.
- Cuenca: Located in the Andes mountains near the equator, Cuenca is an especially popular destination for retirees thanks to its temperate climate. Cuenca mixes colonial architecture with modern influences, while also offering easy access to hiking, fishing, biking, and local markets with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Quito: The capital of Ecuador is also located high in the Andes, giving it a cooler climate. Quito is home to the Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in South America, as well as access to historic sites, shopping, sports, and entertainment.
- Salinas: If you want to spend time at the beach, Salinas is for you. This coastal resort town is often compared to Miami, with surfing, sport fishing, and even whale watching among some of the most popular tourist activities.
Utilities costs in Ecuador
Severe drought recently caused Ecuador to experience government-mandated blackouts, as the country’s electricity system is heavily dependent on hydropower. Power outages have improved since 2024, when some areas would experience 14-hour blackouts.
Despite these issues, utilities in Ecuador are much cheaper than in the United States. Basic utilities like electricity and water average 82.1% cheaper in Cuenca than in Memphis, and internet and phone plans are also quite inexpensive.
| Utility | Cuenca | Memphis | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $38.26 | $213.78 | -82.1% |
| Internet | $30.76 | $67.40 | -54.4% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $13.94 | $58.88 | -76.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cuenca and Memphis (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in Ecuador
One of the great advantages of living in Ecuador is access to high-quality produce – and at a very affordable price. Most food staples, such as bread, rice, fruits and vegetables, and cheese range from 34%-79.1% less expensive in Cuenca than in Memphis.
You’ll also enjoy big savings when going out to eat. Restaurant meals range from 30%-82.1% cheaper in Cuenca, making it easy to make the most of your food budget.
| Food | Cuenca | Memphis | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $7.00 | $10.00 | -30.0% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $30.00 | $75.00 | -60.0% |
| Gallon of milk | $4.35 | $3.77 | +15.5% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.01 | $4.12 | -51.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cuenca and Memphis (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Ecuador
Many of Ecuador’s largest cities are very pedestrian friendly, while also offering cheap bus and taxi fares, which makes it easy to get around. A one-way bus fare is just 35 cents, while taxi rates start at just 65 cents. Because of the low prices and extensive transportation routes, many expats choose to leave their vehicles behind in the United States.
| Transportation Mode | Cuenca | Memphis | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $0.35 | $1.25 | -72.0% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $26.00 | $12.50 | +108.0% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $2.47 | $3.04 | -18.8% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $29,000.00 | $26,381.90 | +9.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cuenca and Memphis (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in Ecuador
If you’re bringing your family to Ecuador, you’ll be pleased to know that private school is very affordable. School fees in Cuenca range from 79.3%-83.7% cheaper than in Memphis, ensuring you don’t have to break the bank to give your kids a quality education.
| Type of Education | Cuenca | Memphis | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $255.00 | $1,561.67 | -83.7% |
| International primary school (annual) | $5,650.00 | $27,240.00 | -79.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cuenca and Memphis (March 2025)
Ecuador’s visa & immigration requirements
Part of Ecuador’s appeal to American expats is its well-established long-term visa program.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top visa options for expats:
- Work visa: You can apply for this visa if you have a job offer from a company based in Ecuador. Your employer must be in good standing to sponsor the visa.
- Retirement visa: Ecuador’s retirement (pensionado) visa is a very popular option for American retirees. To qualify for this visa, you must provide proof of a minimum monthly income of $1,275 from Social Security or another pension.
- Rentista visa: The rentista visa allows for temporary residency if you have a minimum monthly income of $1,275 from non-retirement sources. This could be from rental income or other forms of stable income from outside Ecuador.
- Digital nomad visa: The digital nomad visa is a subcategory of the rentista visa. You need a minimum monthly income of $1,410 to qualify. You’ll need to show your prior three months’ bank statements, as well as documentation proving your status as a remote employee or a self-employed business owner.
- Investment visa: Ecuador’s investment visa is another expat-friendly path to residency. To qualify, you must make an investment of at least $47,000 in Ecuador. This investment can be through real estate, buying shares of an Ecuadorian company, or getting a certificate of deposit at an Ecuadorian bank (which must be held for two years).
Ecuador has relatively fast visa processing times, but it can still take up to three months to process your visa application. After living in Ecuador for 21 months on a temporary residency visa, you can apply for permanent residency.
Moving to Ecuador from the US
Moving to Ecuador from the US is a little more complicated than doing a domestic move. After applying for a visa, you’ll need to research housing options and buy airline tickets to travel to Ecuador. Figuring out how to get your belongings to Ecuador can be especially tricky – but not if you have quality professional movers on your side.
Top international moving companies
Hiring a full-service moving company to help with your move to Ecuador can help make your move a lot less stressful. International movers make up for the costs by handling all the logistics of getting your items from the US to Ecuador – including coordinating customs requirements.
If you want full-service help for your move to Ecuador, we recommend the following companies based on their international services, pricing, and customer reviews:
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Shipping your vehicle to Ecuador
Most Ecuadorian cities are very pedestrian friendly with plenty of public transportation options. But shipping your car overseas is an option too! Some international movers, like IVL and JK Moving, can also help coordinate shipping your vehicle to Ecuador.
If your international moving company doesn’t provide car shipping services, you’ll need to work with a quality international car shipping company. The following are our top picks for dedicated car shippers, based on factors like customer satisfaction, pricing, and reliability:
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Tips for moving to Ecuador from the US
Moving overseas to Ecuador requires a lengthier moving checklist than a move that takes place entirely within the US.
Here are some important steps you’ll need to remember for your move:
- Start your visa application early. It can take up to three months for Ecuador to process your long-term visa application. The sooner you gather your important documents and start your application, the sooner you’ll be able to begin planning your move.
- Downsize. Downsizing and decluttering before an international move is essential. Organize your items based on what you want to take to Ecuador, what you might want to keep in storage in the US, and what you can get rid of. The fewer items you take (especially bulky items like furniture), the cheaper your move will be.
- Start learning Spanish. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, and you’ll need to have at least some basic Spanish skills to get around. English is generally only spoken in tourist areas, or by people working in hotels. In some areas, it may also be helpful to learn Kichwa.
- Buy plane tickets. International flights to Ecuador can be pricey. Once you’ve decided on a moving date, book your plane tickets earlier rather than later. Plane tickets will be cheapest if you buy them at least 90 days before your flight.
- Get multiple moving quotes. We always recommend that you get at least three quotes before committing to an international mover. This will help you find the best pricing and compare services between movers.
- Inform your bank and credit card company. While you won’t have to worry about currency exchanges when moving to Ecuador, you should still let your bank and credit card company know about your move. This way, they won’t flag your accounts for suspicious activity after your move.
FAQ
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