Comparison
Quito vs Guayaquil: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Guayaquil costs 6% less than Quito: $928 against $985 a month, a difference of $57.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Quito | Guayaquil | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $480 | $450 | −$30 |
| Groceries | $190 | $185 | −$5 |
| Transport | $40 | $38 | −$2 |
| Utilities | $55 | $52 | −$3 |
| Internet | $30 | $28 | −$2 |
| Coworking | $100 | $90 | −$10 |
| Entertainment | $90 | $85 | −$5 |
| Total per month | $985 | $928 | −$57 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $480 in Quito and $450 in Guayaquil, which is $30 of the $57 gap. Guayaquil has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Quito | Guayaquil | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $440 | $414 | −$26 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $685 | $633 | −$52 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $985 | $928 | −$57 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,385 | $1,309 | −$76 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,405 | $1,323 | −$82 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $1,925 | $1,823 | −$102 |
Currency and exchange rates
Ecuador uses the US dollar, so there is no exchange-rate risk for people earning in dollars.
A lower cost is not the same as a better fit. These figures do not measure housing quality, climate, safety or work opportunities.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Quito or Guayaquil?
In our data, Guayaquil has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $928 against $985 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Quito and Guayaquil?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $350 to $680 in Quito, and $320 to $640 in Guayaquil, depending on lifestyle.