Retirement in Cuenca

Cuenca, Ecuador has been named “one of the world’s cheapest places to retire on a pensioner’s budget.” The secret is out: Retirement dollars can stretch further in this city of approximately 467,000 people—the third largest city in Ecuador—than in most foreign countries. Cuenca is located in the southern sierras of Ecuador and enjoys a temperate climate all year long despite being located at 8,200 feet above sea level.

As an UNESCO heritage foundation city and the cultural capital of Ecuador, there are museums to visit, concerts to attend, and festivals to enjoy all year long. Cuenca is more reminiscent of Europe than Latin America with its wrought balconies bedecked with bougainvillea, its cobblestone streets, and its churches and cathedrals. Cuenca definitely deserves a second look as a retirement destination.

• Ecuador is One of the Worlds Cheapest Places to Live On a Pensioners Budget International Living
  

  Cost of Living

  One of the most appealing aspects of Cuenca is the low cost of living. You can live well on $1,200 to $1,400 a month. The cost of food, electricity, gas and water are all extremely low compared to U.S. prices. The average rent is approximately $300-500 per month which sometimes includes a condo fee for 24-hour security. With an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables—for pennies on the dollar—you can easily afford to live on $200 for food per month.

  Eternal Springtime

  Cuenca enjoys a temperate climate all year long, despite its high altitude. The average temperature ranges from 68-72 degrees during the day and 48-56 degrees at night. You can throw away the snow shovel and prepare for just two seasons: wet and dry. Because Cuenca is located near the equator, the sun is more direct but there is no humidity. Perpetual spring means that something is always in bloom. Palm trees, eucalyptus trees, and cypress trees line the four rivers that run through Cuenca. And the weather follows a predictable course with sun in the morning, followed by clouds forming in the afternoon with scattered showers and clearing up before evening. Mornings and evenings are relatively cool with no extremes in temperature. Because of the near perfect weather, homes do not require heating or air-conditioning which means extra savings in your pocket.

  

  Excellent Transportation System

  About 75 percent of expats who retire in Cuenca, do not own a car because public transportation is cheap and efficient. Buses run every five minutes in all directions of the city for 25 cents. If you are 65 years and older, the cost is just 12 cents. Taxis are prolific and with a single wave of the hand, you can be in downtown Cuenca for $2.00. Best of all, the currency in Cuenca is the U.S. dollar so you don’t have to bother with exchange rates.

  

  Availability and Affordability of Medical Care

  The medical system is a delightful shock to most “extranjeros” visiting Cuenca. There are three modern hospitals: Monte Sinai, Santa Ines and Hospital del Rio. All the hospitals are equipped with state of the art equipment and an abundance of specialists, many of whom are English speaking and trained in the States. Gone are the days when you need to wait two weeks for an appointment. You simply show up at the doctor’s office and sign in with the secretary. An average office visit is $25. Medical insurance is available, but many expats opt out of medical insurance programs because the average cost per day at a hospital is $125.

  Cleanliness of the City

  In part because Cuenca is an UNESCO city (World Heritage Organization), the standards for cleanliness are impeccable. Men and women in suits of green, orange and blue constantly sweep the streets and sidewalks for litter. The areas in the main square of the city—including Parque Calderon—are meticulously maintained. Trash containers are strategically placed throughout Cuenca with signs to encourage people to keep the city clean.

  Pace of Life

  If you’re looking for a leisurely pace of life—Cuenca is your retirement city. Most businesses are open from 9:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. and open in the afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The rhythm of life revolves around family, food and friends. Some have compared Cuenca to one of the mid-western states in the 1950’s where Sunday drives and family picnics were the norm and not the exception. On Sundays, most businesses are closed except for restaurants.

  Conclusion

  Cuenca, Ecuador is a retirement destination where your dollars will stretch further and you can receive “five-star living at one-star prices.” Pack up your bags and start enjoying the good life!