Top expat cities

Ecuador

Cuenca

#1 Top 5 cities

Cuenca is one of the most stable expat choices in Latin America for retirees and longer stays thanks to its pleasant climate, services, and established community.

Country overview

Population

636 996

Year-round temperatures

Day: 18°C až 23°C

Night: 8°C až 12°C

Climate

Mild highland climate with a spring-like feel for most of the year.

Distance to the sea

110 km

Social atmosphere

8/10

Costs

Housing cost 8/10
Food cost 8/10

Business friendliness

6/10

Safety

6/10

Cuenca is safer than Ecuador's main coastal cities, but robbery, express kidnapping, burglary, and unrest still require increased caution.

Natural disaster resilience

3/10

Cuenca has high earthquake and landslide exposure, with flash floods, volcanic ash, and road closures also capable of disrupting the city.

Other scores

Other scores

Internet availability 8/10
Internet speed 7/10
Internet stability 7/10
Electricity stability 8/10

Community types

  • Retirees
  • Long-term expats
  • Couples
  • Digital nomads

Largest nationality groups

  • 🇺🇸Americans
  • 🇨🇦Canadians
  • 🇪🇸Spanish

Pros / Cons

Pros

  • +Strong foreign community
  • +Pleasant atmosphere
  • +Lower living costs
  • +Good for long-term stay

Cons

  • −Smaller job market
  • −Less dynamic environment