Cost of Living in Tena - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $804 per month with rent, or $397 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,205 per month with rent, or $760 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,606 per month with rent, or $1,124 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.06 $3.06
$3.06 $3.06
$9.17 $9.17
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.75 $17.75
$17.75 $17.75
$62.1 $62.1
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.45 $5.45
$5.45 $5.45
$7.92 $7.92
Cappuccino
$2.23 $2.23
$1.49 $1.49
$4.77 $4.77
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12 $1.12
$0.51 $0.51
$2.05 $2.05
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.71 $0.71
$0.51 $0.51
$1.53 $1.53
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.52 $1.52
$1.52 $1.52
$6.07 $6.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.52 $2.52
$2.52 $2.52
$7.06 $7.06
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.10 $1.10
$0.92 $0.92
$2.30 $2.30
White Bread (500g)
$1.02 $1.02
$1.02 $1.02
$2.56 $2.56
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.27 $1.27
$1.22 $1.22
$2.85 $2.85
Eggs
$1.82 $1.82
$1.42 $1.42
$3.64 $3.64
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.49 $2.49
$2.49 $2.49
$19.91 $19.91
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.93 $2.93
$2.93 $2.93
$13.66 $13.66
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.48 $3.48
$2.99 $2.99
$11.94 $11.94
Apples (1kg)
$2.03 $2.03
$0.99 $0.99
$3.47 $3.47
Banana (1kg)
$1.23 $1.23
$1.03 $1.03
$3.09 $3.09
Oranges (1kg)
$1.07 $1.07
$1.02 $1.02
$5.11 $5.11
Tomato (1kg)
$1.28 $1.28
$0.98 $0.98
$2.15 $2.15
Potato (1kg)
$1.32 $1.32
$0.58 $0.58
$2.03 $2.03
Onion (1kg)
$1.02 $1.02
$0.82 $0.82
$1.44 $1.44
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.49 $0.49
$0.49 $0.49
$0.98 $0.98
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 $1.02
$0.51 $0.51
$1.53 $1.53
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.47 $3.47
$3.47 $3.47
$7.93 $7.93
Wine (Bottle)
$4.93 $4.93
$2.96 $2.96
$14.78 $14.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.53 $1.53
$0.98 $0.98
$2.45 $2.45
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.48 $1.48
$1.48 $1.48
$3.96 $3.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.38 $0.38
$0.29 $0.29
$0.48 $0.48
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.16 $24.16
$15.14 $15.14
$24.16 $24.16
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.27 $1.27
$1.27 $1.27
$2.03 $2.03
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.00 $1.00
$0.77 $0.77
$1.97 $1.97
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.92 $4.92
$4.92 $4.92
$19.68 $19.68
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.67 $0.67
$0.61 $0.61
$0.97 $0.97
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.3K $20.3K
$18.3K $18.3K
$28.5K $28.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.0K $25.0K
$19.6K $19.6K
$31.4K $31.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$24.96 $24.96
$23.14 $23.14
$79.9 $79.9
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.40 $14.40
$10.09 $10.09
$23.20 $23.20
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.94 $14.94
$14.94 $14.94
$39.83 $39.83
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$30.08 $30.08
$25.07 $25.07
$35.10 $35.10
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.57 $14.57
$1.24 $1.24
$14.57 $14.57
Cinema Ticket
$7.18 $7.18
$6.16 $6.16
$8.21 $8.21
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$276 $276
$199 $199
$349 $349
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,515 $8,515
$4,931 $4,931
$9,863 $9,863
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.0 $58.0
$20.25 $20.25
$111 $111
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.38 $43.38
$20.04 $20.04
$60.1 $60.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$99.2 $99.2
$68.6 $68.6
$118 $118
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$86.0 $86.0
$30.11 $30.11
$201 $201
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$343 $343
$251 $251
$602 $602
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$321 $321
$177 $177
$435 $435
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$625 $625
$450 $450
$801 $801
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$495 $495
$378 $378
$596 $596
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,156 $1,156
$1,079 $1,079
$1,249 $1,249
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$678 $678
$606 $606
$948 $948
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.19
7
13

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $135 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $18.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $24.16.

Cost Highlights

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 96% of cities in South America

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 92% of cities in South America

Internet is cheaper than 92% of cities in South America

Tena Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Tena - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tena compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
For many, the Cost of Living in Tena feels approachable for longer stays, with modest housing options, affordable local meals, and simple daily conveniences. You’ll find modest apartments or guesthouses near the Napo River and center city that suit different budgets, plus markets where fresh produce helps keep food costs predictable. Transportation is practical rather than flashy, with buses, taxis, and occasional bike rides enabling inexpensive get-arounds. Seasonal demand is present but generally stabilizes outside peak tourism weeks. Plan for flexible weeks to balance work and exploration while you test neighborhoods. Tip: Start with a short, furnished stay to tune your budget before committing long term.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking spots, and errands in Tena?
Daily life in Tena moves at a relaxed pace with practical options for work and errands. Housing choices range from simple hillside apartments to cheerful riverfront rooms, often with negotiable rents for longer leases. Local markets and small eateries keep meals affordable, while you’ll still find a few international groceries if needed. Transport is flexible: short taxi hops, river taxis during the dry season, and walkable streets in the core. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable WiFi help you stay productive, though you’ll be rewarded by quieter mornings outside peak hours. Tena living cost varies by neighborhood, so test several areas before settling. Tip: map a weekly budget that fits your work rhythm.
What strategies help you maximize quality of life in Tena, including budgeting frameworks, saving tips, seasonality, and finding the right neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Tena comes from balance between nature access and everyday practicality. Start with a simple budgeting framework: cover housing and utilities first, then meals and transport, and leave a flexible fund for occasional adventures. Seasonality matters: the rainy season can affect travel on muddy roads and river access, while dry months bring more outdoor activities and crowds in nearby reserves. Neighborhood fit depends on your rhythm – downtown you’ll find easy groceries and coworking, while hillside or riverside pockets offer quieter mornings and better views. Tip: use a temporary stay to test routines across neighborhoods and adjust as needed.
How much does it cost to live in Tena per month?
Plan for roughly $804 a month in Tena if you're renting, or around $397 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
What makes Tena a budget-friendly city to live in?
Tena is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $804, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Tena?
You'll want at least $1,207 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Tena. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Tena?
In Tena's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $343 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $321. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Tena?
Groceries in Tena are cheap – a single person spends about $135 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Tena?
Public transport in Tena costs about $24.16 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Tena?
$1,000 a month in Tena? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $804, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Tena a good base for remote workers?
Digital nomads flock to Tena for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, clean air. Monthly costs land around $804 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
Is Tena a cheap city to live in?
Tena is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $804 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Can you backpack through Tena cheaply?
Tena is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $804 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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