Cost of Living in Galapagos Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Galapagos Islands
Address: Galapagos Islands, EC

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $516 (excluding rent), and $848 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,173 (excluding rent), and $1,760 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.41 $3.41

$2.43 $2.43

$6.81 $6.81

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.33 $28.33

$20.24 $20.24

$48.57 $48.57

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.32 $7.32

$6.2 $6.2

$9.92 $9.92

Cappuccino

$2.52 $2.52

$1.53 $1.53

$4.91 $4.91

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.61 $0.61

$2.05 $2.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.66 $0.66

$0.51 $0.51

$1.03 $1.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.41 $1.41

$4.03 $4.03

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.6 $3.6

$2.47 $2.47

$6.18 $6.18

Milk (1 liter)

$1.1 $1.1

$0.79 $0.79

$1.38 $1.38

White Bread (500g)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.57 $1.57

$1.03 $1.03

$2.88 $2.88

Eggs

$2.07 $2.07

$1.28 $1.28

$3.5 $3.5

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.3 $5.3

$2.91 $2.91

$11.65 $11.65

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.41 $5.41

$2.51 $2.51

$8.66 $8.66

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.17 $6.17

$3.45 $3.45

$11.82 $11.82

Apples (1kg)

$2 $2

$0.98 $0.98

$4.31 $4.31

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 $1.22

$0.77 $0.77

$1.54 $1.54

Oranges (1kg)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.58 $0.58

$2.91 $2.91

Tomato (1kg)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.51 $0.51

$1.78 $1.78

Potato (1kg)

$1.37 $1.37

$0.49 $0.49

$2.91 $2.91

Onion (1kg)

$1.02 $1.02

$0.78 $0.78

$1.95 $1.95

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.52 $0.52

$0.31 $0.31

$1.05 $1.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.99 $0.99

$0.59 $0.59

$1.48 $1.48

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.01 $6.01

$5.01 $5.01

$8.01 $8.01

Wine (Bottle)

$9.88 $9.88

$5.43 $5.43

$11.86 $11.86

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.47 $1.47

$0.98 $0.98

$2.45 $2.45

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.79 $1.79

$4.09 $4.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.36 $0.36

$0.46 $0.46

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.46 $1.46

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.02 $1.02

$0.77 $0.77

$2.05 $2.05

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.14 $10.14

$8.11 $8.11

$15.21 $15.21

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.67 $0.67

$0.65 $0.65

$0.72 $0.72

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$20.3K $20.3K

$25.4K $25.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$29.2K $29.2K

$25.5K $25.5K

$30.6K $30.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$39.73 $39.73

$24.97 $24.97

$56.6 $56.6

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$13.81 $13.81

$10.08 $10.08

$23.19 $23.19

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.36 $31.36

$24.44 $24.44

$47.87 $47.87

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.61 $29.61

$24.68 $24.68

$34.55 $34.55

Cinema Ticket

$7.41 $7.41

$6.02 $6.02

$10.04 $10.04

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$252 $252

$183 $183

$331 $331

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,611 $5,611

$2,979 $2,979

$7,994 $7,994

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.3 $56.3

$25.14 $25.14

$90.5 $90.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.92 $42.92

$29.74 $29.74

$59.5 $59.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$99.1 $99.1

$70 $70

$140 $140

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$75.2 $75.2

$30.08 $30.08

$90.2 $90.2

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$344 $344

$252 $252

$605 $605

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$315 $315

$174 $174

$427 $427

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$618 $618

$445 $445

$791 $791

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$491 $491

$375 $375

$592 $592

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,264 $1,264

$356 $356

$1,264 $1,264

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,007 $1,007

$550 $550

$1,007 $1,007

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

12.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

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Cost of Living in Galapagos Islands - Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Living in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador tends to be higher than on the mainland, driven by transport costs, strict conservation rules, and limited supply. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, value comes from balancing comfort with practicality. You’ll find modest guesthouses and small apartments in towns such as Puerto Ayora that suit longer stays, while remote islets push prices up for meals and supplies. Local markets and seafood help manage food costs if you shop like residents. Internet and coworking options exist but can vary by island and season. Longer stays reduce daily expenses and simplify logistics. Tip: book ahead, test neighborhoods, and use local ferries to compare options before committing.

Daily life revolves around island rhythms: boats between towns, fresh markets, and a pace that suits nature lovers. When you search for housing, start with anchor towns like Puerto Ayora or San Cristóbal and plan longer leases to lock in steady rates. Food options range from local markets with affordable produce to eateries serving seafood-rich fare; groceries help when you cook at home. Getting around is feasible by bicycle, on foot, or short boat hops; internal flights stitch the archipelago together but cost more. If you’re remote-working, a reliable internet plan matters and you’ll appreciate co-working spaces when available. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador living cost varies by season and island – factor this into your plans. Tip: build a flexible budget and test a couple of neighborhoods before committing.

Quality of life here rewards simple routines and thoughtful planning. Start with a budgeting framework: separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from flex spending (trips, tours), then add a small buffer for seasonal shifts. Choose a neighborhood that matches your pace – larger towns offer services and coworking, smaller islands offer isolation and wildlife access. Save by cooking with local produce, buying fewer imported goods, and sharing long-term accommodations or apartments. Seasonal dips or peaks influence availability, so book longer ahead during high season and be prepared for occasional service gaps. Tip: connect with local hosts or expat groups to spot deals and trusted advice.