Nestled in the Andes, Cuenca is a blend of Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and cozy cafes, split by the Tomebamba River.
With a 2025 population of about 370,000, it’s Ecuador’s third-largest city.
In my opinion, Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Made up of four rivers that cross it, charming cobblestone colonial streets, European-style colonial architecture, churches and cathedrals, ruins that reveal the passage of the Incas and cultural, art and craft centers.
Go here for a Cuenca Overview Report, with actual budgets and cost of living examples.
My overall opinion of Cuenca is at the end of this report.
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Cost of Living
I would say that Cuenca is the most expensive city in Ecuador.
The cost of living is low compared to the USA and Europe and I could comfortably live here on a budget of $1,500 to $2,000 per month.
Cost of living numbers by Numbeo – https://www.numbeo.com
Note: Cost of living numbers are very subjective and dependent on your individual lifestyle.
Remember… “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Cuenca is excellent, with many very good options.
- Hospital del Río – https://www.hospitaldelrio.com.ec – Location & Reviews
- Clinica Latino – https://www.clinicalatino.med.ec – Location & Reviews
- Hospital Santa Ines – https://www.sisantaines.com – Location & Reviews
- Hospital Monte Sinaí – https://www.hospitalmontesinai.org – Location & Reviews
- Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga (IESS) – https://hjca.iess.gob.ec/ – Location & Reviews
Real Estate
Cuenca has many very livable neighborhoods. I haven’t listed all of them below, just the ones I found interesting or made my personal list.
The most desirable neighborhoods are listed below:
El Centro
This would not be my first pick, due to the constant noise of the hustle and bustle of business and people in most areas throughout the day time. If you want to live in the thick of it, it is absolutely beautiful, especially around Parque Calderon.
Puertas del Sol
This is a smaller high end version of San Sebastian on the other side of the river.
El Vergel
This is another nice area in the center of everything. I would consider living here.
San Sebastián
This is one of my favorite areas in Cuenca and also known by the locals as “Gringolandia” due to the large number of expats that live in this area, it has everything you need with easy access. If I were going to move to Cuenca, this area would be top of the list, especially along the river, anywhere along Av Ordóñez Lasso and Rio Tomebamba.
Challuabamba
Around 20 minutes outside of Cuenca and a few degrees warmer with a bunch of gated communities.
It’s a little far out for me, but it would definitely appeal to a family or older couple.
The views from the high up developments are beautiful.
YapaTree has a good article on the best neighborhoods in Cuenca that is worth looking at.
Also, this list of articles in Spanish on the Properati Blog are also very good.
An interactive map showing the most desirable neighborhoods highlighted in red.
Below is a POV (point of view) video showing the most desirable neighborhoods.
This will give you a good feel for the neighborhoods from the perspective of riding around.
Real Estate Websites
Although these websites and Facebook Groups are in Spanish, they are very easy to translate into English, with Facebook offering automatic translation.
Mitula (Spanish)
YapaTree (English)
Facebook Marketplace is also popular in Ecuador for listing real estate rentals.
This link will take you directly to the rental listings in Cuenca.
Climate
Average temperatures range between 45°F (7°C) at night and 62°F (17°C) during the day.
I like the weather in Cuenca, the summer months always felt warmer than the indicated temperature. In the winter months it gets a little chiller and can rain a lot.
Transport
Very easy to move around the city using taxis and buses.
Taxi App: AzuTaxi
The minimum amount for a taxi ride during the day (until 6 pm) is US$1.50 regardless of what the meter reads. After 6 pm I think the minimum is $1.80.
You can hire a personalized taxi, the cost is around US$8 per hour.
Airport
Cuenca is home to the Mariscal Lamar International Airport, which provides regular service to primarily to Quito via Avianca, LATAM, and Aeroregional.
Shopping
Cuenca has a number of large shopping malls. My personal favorite is Mall del Río, modern, upscale and with a very large supermarket and hardware store on the ground floor.
Colonial Zone is also packed with all sorts of shops and mini-malls.
- Mall del Río (largest) – Location & Reviews
- Batan Shopping – Location & Reviews
Amazon, Mercado Libre, and all the major couriers deliver in and around Cuenca.
Security
Cuenca is regarded as a safe city, with lower crime rates than other destinations in Ecuador.
Lifestyle
Life in Cuenca is a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. The city boasts a well-developed infrastructure, with excellent healthcare facilities, modern shopping malls, and a wide array of international restaurants.
Lots of retirees and expats here, 4000+ Americans and Canadians. As you can imagine, lots of expat focused groups and events.
Connectivity
Cellular services from Claro, Movistar, and Tuenti are available.
Internet services from Puntonet, Netlife and others are available.
Starlink is also available in Ecuador, so this is another welcome option.
Attractions
Cuenca is the cultural capital of Ecuador and is a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural events if that is your thing.
One of the most popular attractions is the Cajas National Park for hikes and lakes.
In addition, you have plenty of villages close by, one of those being Baños de Cuenca, a hot-springs village about 15 minutes from the center.
FAQs
The main risks for retirees are pickpocketing, phone theft and taxi robberies. Use app taxis and carry a copy of your passport rather than the original.
In October 2026, a one-bedroom apartment in central Cuenca rents for about $545 a month, and one outside the center for about $404. Basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment run about $40 a month, since the mild climate rarely calls for heating or air conditioning. Furnished places near the river, in the expat-heavy El Centro and San Sebastian areas, cost more.
A single person spends about $506 a month before rent (October 2026). That covers food, transportation, utilities and basic spending. Add a one-bedroom at about $404 to $545 and a single person lands near $910 to $1,050 a month before health insurance, travel and extras.
Cuenca sits at about 8,400 feet (2,560 meters), higher than Denver. Some newcomers feel short of breath, sleep badly or get headaches for the first few days. The State Department lists Cuenca among Ecuador’s high-altitude cities and points travelers to the CDC’s altitude guidance. If you have heart or lung problems, see your doctor before you move.
Yes, by Ecuadorian standards. The State Department names Cuenca, along with Quito and Guayaquil, as having well-resourced health care facilities (2026). Medicare does not cover care there. Retirees use private insurance, pay cash, or join IESS, Ecuador’s social security system, for at least about $85 a month in 2026. Hospitals often want payment up front.
Most Americans apply for the jubilado (retiree) visa. It needs a lifetime pension of at least $1,446 a month in 2026, plus $250 for each dependent, along with an apostilled FBI record and health insurance valid in Ecuador. It is a two-year temporary residence. After 21 months, you can apply for permanent residency.
Resources
Below is a list of resources I recommend if you want to take a deeper dive into Cuenca.
General Information
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuenca
Excellent Resource on Cuenca – https://yapatree.com/
Facebook Groups
Expats Cuenca – https://www.facebook.com/groups/749459061848135
Expat Relocating – https://www.facebook.com/groups/emiliomorocho/
Local News
Las Noticias de Cuenca (Spanish)
Cuenca High Life (English)
Cars and Motorcycles for Sale
Mercado Libre Autos (Spanish)
Mercado Libre Motos (Spanish)
My Opinion
I would have no problem living in Cuenca. For me it runs a very close 2nd to Pereira in Colombia.
Nice and clean. Excellent infrastructure. Easy to get around. Has all the shopping amenities you might need. Easy access to beaches, mountains and the Amazon jungle.
Go here for a Cuenca Overview Report, with actual budgets and cost of living examples.
Photos
A selection of random photos I have taken visiting Cuenca.
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