Cost of Living in Puerto Ayora - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $533 (excluding rent), and $893 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,423 (excluding rent), and $1,865 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.62 $4.62

$4.11 $4.11

$5.13 $5.13

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.58 $39.58

$29.68 $29.68

$49.47 $49.47

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.89 $6.89

$5.91 $5.91

$9.84 $9.84

Cappuccino

$2.83 $2.83

$2.46 $2.46

$3.2 $3.2

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

$1.42 $1.42

$1.28 $1.28

$1.54 $1.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.97 $0.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.7 $2.7

$1.47 $1.47

$3.93 $3.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.05 $4.05

$2.02 $2.02

$6.07 $6.07

Milk (1 liter)

$1.1 $1.1

$0.81 $0.81

$2.04 $2.04

White Bread (500g)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.01 $1.01

$3.03 $3.03

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.63 $1.63

$1.22 $1.22

$2.03 $2.03

Eggs

$3.66 $3.66

$2.38 $2.38

$4.95 $4.95

Local Cheese (1kg)

$3.7 $3.7

$2.54 $2.54

$4.87 $4.87

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.53 $5.53

$2.57 $2.57

$8.85 $8.85

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.74 $9.74

$3.7 $3.7

$15.77 $15.77

Apples (1kg)

$2.94 $2.94

$1.96 $1.96

$3.92 $3.92

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 $1.15

$1.03 $1.03

$1.29 $1.29

Oranges (1kg)

$1.36 $1.36

$0.78 $0.78

$1.94 $1.94

Tomato (1kg)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.51 $0.51

$1.79 $1.79

Potato (1kg)

$1.28 $1.28

$0.92 $0.92

$1.64 $1.64

Onion (1kg)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.17 $1.17

$2.35 $2.35

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.69 $0.69

$0.29 $0.29

$0.97 $0.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.06 $1.06

$0.61 $0.61

$2.04 $2.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.88 $5.88

$4.09 $4.09

$8.18 $8.18

Wine (Bottle)

$9.87 $9.87

$6.17 $6.17

$14.81 $14.81

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.55 $1.55

$0.99 $0.99

$2.48 $2.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.78 $1.78

$4.06 $4.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.34 $0.34

$0.43 $0.43

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.53 $1.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.52 $1.52

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.88 $9.88

$5.93 $5.93

$14.81 $14.81

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.64 $0.64

$0.61 $0.61

$0.68 $0.68

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

$20.4K $20.4K

$18.4K $18.4K

$25.5K $25.5K

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

$28.8K $28.8K

$20.1K $20.1K

$30.1K $30.1K

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

$37.74 $37.74

$23.33 $23.33

$55.4 $55.4

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

$13.42 $13.42

$9.81 $9.81

$22.55 $22.55

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$30.81 $30.81

$24.02 $24.02

$47.03 $47.03

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.13 $30.13

$25.11 $25.11

$35.15 $35.15

Cinema Ticket

$7.4 $7.4

$6.18 $6.18

$10.3 $10.3

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

$256 $256

$186 $186

$337 $337

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,653 $5,653

$3,002 $3,002

$8,055 $8,055

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57 $57

$25.45 $25.45

$91.6 $91.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.17 $43.17

$29.91 $29.91

$59.8 $59.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$96.6 $96.6

$69.7 $69.7

$139 $139

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64.9 $64.9

$29.49 $29.49

$88.5 $88.5

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$336 $336

$246 $246

$590 $590

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$322 $322

$178 $178

$436 $436

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$629 $629

$453 $453

$805 $805

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$501 $501

$383 $383

$604 $604

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$837 $837

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$661 $661

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$785 $785

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.6

12.5

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

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Cost of Living in Puerto Ayora - Frequently Asked Questions

Puerto Ayora sits on Santa Cruz Island, where value comes from a mix of modest local pricing and island premiums. For many travelers and temporary residents, the Cost of Living in Puerto Ayore, Ecuador feels approachable for daily basics while imports and ferries push up costs at times. Housing ranges from simple rooms to modest apartments near the harbor, often with flexible leases. Food can be affordable if you shop at mercados and opt for local dishes; dining out or specialty items carry a premium. Tip: Start with a longer stay to test neighborhoods and adjust.

On a practical day-to-day level, you will navigate a mix of informal markets, small supermarkets, and restaurants with steady but limited options. Housing often centers around harbor-adjacent areas; you can find ventilated studios and two-bedroom apartments but expect higher rents near the water and seasonal fluctuations. Transport is walkable, with occasional taxis or local bus routes; boat trips to nearby sights are part of life here. Co-working spaces suit remote work, though bandwidth can vary. Puerto Ayora living cost shows itself in weekly groceries, fresh seafood, and occasional imported goods. Tip: check several neighborhoods before choosing a base.

Quality of life in Puerto Ayora blends outdoor access with a slower pace and strong wildlife angle. To budget, use a simple framework: fix essentials (housing, food, transport) first, then allocate a flexible category for leisure and beach trips. Seasonality matters: peak tourist months can tilt availability and prices, while the off-season often brings quieter days and easier access to services. Neighborhood fit depends on what you value – harbor views, jungle proximity, or quiet streets. Practical tips include lining up housing before you arrive, using local markets, and joining coworking communities to meet peers. Tip: prioritize neighborhoods that reduce daily commute time and offer reliable internet.