Cost of Living in Portoviejo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $509 (excluding rent), and $899 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,246 (excluding rent), and $1,931 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.6 $3.6

$3.09 $3.09

$8.23 $8.23

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$46.61 $46.61

$29.44 $29.44

$58.9 $58.9

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.04 $8.04

$7.54 $7.54

$10.05 $10.05

Cappuccino

$2.57 $2.57

$1 $1

$5.02 $5.02

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

$0.9 $0.9

$0.61 $0.61

$2.04 $2.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.62 $0.62

$0.49 $0.49

$1.46 $1.46

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.99 $2.99

$1.39 $1.39

$3.98 $3.98

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.52 $4.52

$2.01 $2.01

$8.03 $8.03

Milk (1 liter)

$1.09 $1.09

$0.89 $0.89

$1.25 $1.25

White Bread (500g)

$1.74 $1.74

$1.11 $1.11

$2.67 $2.67

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.73 $1.73

$0.99 $0.99

$2.18 $2.18

Eggs

$2.54 $2.54

$1.3 $1.3

$3.55 $3.55

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.85 $5.85

$4.29 $4.29

$9.15 $9.15

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.4 $5.4

$2.57 $2.57

$7.24 $7.24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.21 $6.21

$2.48 $2.48

$23.82 $23.82

Apples (1kg)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Banana (1kg)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.73 $0.73

$1.46 $1.46

Oranges (1kg)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.61 $0.61

$2.23 $2.23

Tomato (1kg)

$1.09 $1.09

$0.51 $0.51

$1.8 $1.8

Potato (1kg)

$1.85 $1.85

$0.5 $0.5

$3.02 $3.02

Onion (1kg)

$1.41 $1.41

$0.79 $0.79

$2.61 $2.61

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.72 $0.72

$0.31 $0.31

$1.12 $1.12

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.98 $0.98

$0.78 $0.78

$1.47 $1.47

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.86 $5.86

$5.03 $5.03

$7.82 $7.82

Wine (Bottle)

$10.95 $10.95

$7.96 $7.96

$14.93 $14.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.62 $1.62

$1.02 $1.02

$2.17 $2.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.77 $1.77

$2.95 $2.95

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.33 $0.33

$0.43 $0.43

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.82 $2.82

$2.05 $2.05

$3.07 $3.07

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.73 $0.73

$1.95 $1.95

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.84 $9.84

$7.87 $7.87

$14.76 $14.76

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.64 $0.64

$0.62 $0.62

$0.74 $0.74

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

$24.7K $24.7K

$20.7K $20.7K

$24.7K $24.7K

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

$29.3K $29.3K

$28K $28K

$35K $35K

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

$36.86 $36.86

$22.78 $22.78

$54.1 $54.1

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

$13.56 $13.56

$11.88 $11.88

$18.81 $18.81

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.77 $31.77

$23.91 $23.91

$55.8 $55.8

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.69 $29.69

$24.74 $24.74

$34.63 $34.63

Cinema Ticket

$7.89 $7.89

$7.12 $7.12

$12.22 $12.22

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

$316 $316

$181 $181

$503 $503

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,909 $5,909

$4,857 $4,857

$8,500 $8,500

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.1 $52.1

$29.99 $29.99

$90 $90

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.05 $43.05

$29.83 $29.83

$59.7 $59.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$49.13 $49.13

$147 $147

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 $110

$59 $59

$147 $147

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$338 $338

$247 $247

$594 $594

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$318 $318

$175 $175

$431 $431

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$637 $637

$458 $458

$815 $815

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$489 $489

$373 $373

$589 $589

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$326 $326

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

9.35

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

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Cost of Living in Portoviejo - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Portoviejo tends to offer solid value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, with a slower pace and lower base costs than many Latin American hubs. It reflects affordable groceries, public services, and modest housing outside tourist zones. Daily life often feels manageable: you can walk or bike, take affordable buses, and opt for local eateries over international spots. For longer stays, look for neighborhoods a short ride from the center to balance safety, access, and price. Seasonal events can influence crowds but generally keep prices steady. Tip: start with a short-term rental to gauge value and neighborhood vibe before committing longer term.

Daily life in Portoviejo centers on practical, locally oriented choices. For housing, consider areas near the city center or coastal fringe; rents tend to be more affordable outside the newest developments, with several guesthouses and aparthotels catering to short and long stays. Food options run from mercados to small, family-run eateries offering fresh produce and staples. Transportation is feasible by bus or taxi, and you can often walk or bike short distances. For work, look for co-working spaces or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi. Portoviejo living cost helps you budget for basics while staying flexible around market days and seasonal shifts. Tip: test a few neighborhoods during different times of day.

Quality of life in Portoviejo blends a relaxed pace with access to beaches, parks, and a compact downtown. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: split essentials (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spending, and scope out monthly commitments before you sign a lease. Neighborhood fit matters: the historic centro offers walkability and services, while newer residential zones may feel calmer and pricier. Seasonal rhythm brings market stalls, festivals, and occasional rain; plan your grocery run around peak hours to avoid crowds. Embrace reusable basics, mix street food with home cooking, and choose energy-conscious setups to trim utilities. Tip: build a three-month checkpoint to fine-tune your routine.