Choosing where to live in Ecuador is the single biggest decision you'll make during your move. The country packs an absurd amount of geographic and cultural diversity into a space the size of Colorado — snow-capped volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific beaches, and Amazon jungle are all within a few hours of each other. That variety means there is no single "best" city. The right place for you depends on your budget, climate preferences, tolerance for noise, need for community, and whether you want the comforts of a modern city or the simplicity of a small town.
This guide covers the cities and neighborhoods where the vast majority of expats actually settle, with honest assessments of the tradeoffs.
Cuenca
Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city and the most popular destination for North American expats. It sits at about 8,400 feet (2,560 meters) in the southern highlands, surrounded by rivers and green mountains. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and blue-domed churches.
Climate
Cuenca has a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Daytime highs hover between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Nights can dip into the mid-40s°F (7-9°C), so you'll want a light jacket. There is no central heating in most buildings, which surprises people. The rainy season runs roughly from January through May, with afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours.
Popular Neighborhoods
El Centro (Historic Center): The heart of Cuenca. Walking distance to the main cathedral, Parque Calderón, the flower market, and dozens of restaurants. Apartments here tend to be older, in renovated colonial buildings. Expect more street noise, car alarms, and bus exhaust. Rent for a furnished 2-bedroom apartment runs $450-700/month in 2026.
Gringolandia (Av. Ordóñez Lasso corridor): The tongue-in-cheek name tells you everything. This stretch west of the center has the highest concentration of expats, English-speaking services, and modern high-rise condos. Supermaxi and Coral Centro supermarkets are nearby. More convenient, less charming. Rent for a furnished 2-bedroom: $500-850/month.
Yanuncay: South of El Centro along the Yanuncay River. Quieter, more residential, with parks and walking paths along the river. A growing expat presence but still feels more Ecuadorian. Good for families. Rent: $400-650/month.
Misicata / San Joaquín: Further out from the center, these areas are more rural, with farms and open space. You'll need a car or frequent taxi use. Lower rents ($350-500/month) but fewer walkable amenities.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, active expat community | Altitude adjustment (8,400 ft) |
| Low cost of living | No central heating — homes are chilly |
| Excellent healthcare (4 major hospitals) | Noise: car alarms, dogs, fireworks |
| Beautiful architecture and scenery | Limited nightlife compared to Quito |
| Walkable center | Cloudy/rainy season January-May |
Internet and Infrastructure
Cuenca has solid fiber internet through Netlife and ETAPA (the municipal telecom). Speeds of 100-300 Mbps are available in most urban areas for $35-60/month. Power outages are infrequent but do happen — a UPS battery backup is a good investment for remote workers.
Safety
Cuenca is generally considered one of the safest cities in Ecuador for expats. Petty theft (phone snatching, pickpocketing) occurs, especially in crowded markets and on buses. Violent crime targeting expats is rare but not unheard of. The usual urban precautions apply: don't flash expensive electronics, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and use Uber or taxis after dark.
Quito
Quito is Ecuador's capital and largest city, with a metro area population of about 2.8 million. It sits at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) in a narrow valley flanked by volcanoes. The city is massive — stretching about 40 miles north to south — and traffic is a defining feature of daily life.
Climate
Similar to Cuenca but slightly cooler due to higher altitude. Daytime highs of 55-68°F (13-20°C). The northern valleys (Cumbayá, Tumbaco) are warmer and sunnier than the city center. Rain is common from October through May.
Popular Neighborhoods
La Floresta: A bohemian, walkable neighborhood near the universities. Cafés, art galleries, craft beer spots. Popular with younger expats and digital nomads. Apartments rent for $500-800/month furnished.
González Suárez: Upscale high-rise living with views of Cotopaxi on clear days. Modern condos, security, underground parking. Feels more like a Latin American capital city. Rent: $700-1,200/month.
Cumbayá: A valley suburb east of Quito, about 30-45 minutes from the center (depending on traffic). Warmer, sunnier, with malls, international restaurants, and an affluent feel. Many embassies and international school families live here. Rent: $600-1,000/month.
La Mariscal: The traditional "tourist district" with hostels, nightlife, and English menus. Convenient but can feel gritty. Higher petty crime. Not where most long-term expats settle.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World-class dining and cultural scene | Serious traffic congestion |
| International airport with direct US flights | Higher altitude than Cuenca (9,350 ft) |
| More cosmopolitan and diverse | Higher cost of living |
| Better career/business opportunities | Larger city = more crime risk |
| Close to cloud forest and volcanoes | Sprawling — hard to navigate without a car |
Internet and Infrastructure
Quito has the best internet infrastructure in Ecuador. Netlife fiber is widely available in the north and valleys, with plans up to 500 Mbps. CNT (the state provider) covers areas Netlife doesn't. Most coworking spaces offer 100+ Mbps connections.
Safety
Quito's safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Northern areas (La Carolina, González Suárez, Cumbayá) are generally safe. The historic center and southern neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Express kidnappings (paseo millonario) have been reported, though they primarily target locals. Always use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Coastal Towns
Ecuador's Pacific coast offers a completely different lifestyle — warmer, more laid-back, and significantly cheaper than the highlands. The tradeoff is weaker infrastructure, less reliable internet, and smaller expat communities outside of a few hotspots.
Salinas
The closest thing Ecuador has to a beach resort city. Located on the Santa Elena peninsula, Salinas has high-rise condos along the malecón, seafood restaurants, and a lively scene during the December-April beach season. It's popular with Ecuadorian vacationers from Guayaquil. The expat community is modest but present. Rent: $350-600/month. Internet is adequate but not fiber-fast. Climate: hot and humid (80-90°F / 27-32°C) from January to April, cooler and overcast the rest of the year.
Manta
A mid-sized port city with a growing modern feel. Manta has a new malecón, malls, and a domestic airport. The seafood is some of the best in the country. Tuna capital of Ecuador. The expat community is small but growing. Rent: $300-500/month. Internet has improved significantly with Netlife expanding to the area. Climate: similar to Salinas.
Montañita
A surf-and-party town popular with backpackers and younger travelers. Not where families or retirees typically settle, but some digital nomads enjoy the low cost and beach lifestyle. Expect noise, nightlife, and a transient community. Limited infrastructure. Rent: $250-400/month. Internet is spotty.
Puerto López
A small fishing village and the gateway to Machalilla National Park and Isla de la Plata (the "poor man's Galápagos"). Quiet, beautiful, and very basic. Minimal expat community. Best for people who want true simplicity. Rent: $200-350/month.
Coastal Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm/hot year-round | Humidity and mosquitoes |
| Very affordable | Weaker internet infrastructure |
| Fresh, cheap seafood daily | Smaller expat communities |
| No altitude issues | Less access to quality healthcare |
| Beach lifestyle | Salt air corrodes electronics and vehicles |
Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba is a small town in the Loja province, about 4 hours south of Cuenca. It sits in a lush valley at 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) and has long been marketed as the "Valley of Longevity." The expat community is a mix of health-conscious retirees, yoga practitioners, and off-grid types.
What to Expect
The town itself is tiny — you can walk across it in 15 minutes. There's a central plaza, a handful of restaurants, a few small shops, and not much else. The appeal is the scenery, the mild climate (warmer than Cuenca, cooler than the coast), and the slow pace. Organic food, horseback riding, and hiking are the main activities.
Rent is cheap: $250-450/month for a furnished house. Internet is available but slower than cities — expect 20-50 Mbps at best. Healthcare requires a trip to Loja (45 minutes) for anything beyond basic care.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful valley setting | Very small, can feel isolated |
| Lower altitude, warmer than Cuenca | Limited medical care locally |
| Affordable living | Slower internet |
| Health-oriented community | Few urban amenities |
| Close to Podocarpus National Park | Can feel "cliquish" among expats |
Otavalo and Cotacachi
These two towns sit in the northern highlands, about 2 hours north of Quito. Otavalo is famous for its massive Saturday indigenous market — one of the largest in South America. Cotacachi, about 15 minutes away, is a smaller town known for its leather goods shops and a quiet, established expat community.
Climate and Altitude
Similar to Cuenca — mild days, cool nights, around 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). The scenery includes views of Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes and the stunning Cuicocha crater lake.
Living Here
Cotacachi has a small but tight-knit expat community, with some long-term residents who've been there 15+ years. The town is walkable, safe, and quiet. Rent is very affordable: $300-500/month. Internet is adequate but not blazing. The nearest major hospital is in Ibarra (30 minutes).
Otavalo itself is more of an indigenous Kichwa town and less of an expat hub, but it offers more services and a more vibrant local culture.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful volcanic scenery | Remote from major cities |
| Strong indigenous culture | Limited nightlife and dining |
| Very affordable | Smaller expat community |
| Close to Quito for day trips | Healthcare requires travel to Ibarra |
| Leather goods shopping in Cotacachi | Rainy season can be persistent |
How to Choose
There is no shortcut to choosing the right city. The best approach is to visit for at least two weeks — ideally a month — before committing. Rent short-term Airbnbs in two or three places and experience daily life. Walk the neighborhoods, eat at local restaurants, check the internet speed, and pay attention to noise levels at night.
Quick Comparison Table
| City | Altitude | Avg. Temp | 2-BR Rent | Internet | Expat Community | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuenca | 8,400 ft | 60-70°F | $450-700 | Good fiber | Large | Retirees, families |
| Quito | 9,350 ft | 55-68°F | $500-1,200 | Excellent | Medium | Professionals, culture |
| Salinas | Sea level | 75-88°F | $350-600 | Moderate | Small-medium | Beach lovers |
| Manta | Sea level | 75-88°F | $300-500 | Improving | Small | Seafood, quiet coast |
| Vilcabamba | 5,000 ft | 65-80°F | $250-450 | Basic | Small | Health, nature, off-grid |
| Cotacachi | 8,200 ft | 58-68°F | $300-500 | Adequate | Small | Quiet retirement |
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you need a large English-speaking community? Cuenca or Quito.
- Is warm weather non-negotiable? Head to the coast.
- Are you working remotely and need fast internet? Quito or Cuenca.
- Do you want simplicity and nature over convenience? Vilcabamba or Cotacachi.
- Are you moving with school-age kids? Cuenca or Quito for international school options.
- Do you have serious health conditions requiring specialist care? Quito has the most advanced hospitals, followed by Cuenca.
The best city for you is the one that matches your actual life — not the one that looks best in YouTube videos or Facebook group recommendations. Spend time on the ground, and the answer will become clear.