Is it expensive to live in Quito?

Is it expensive to live in Quito? 

This is a constant question being asked that I see on so many forums, and as you can imagine, so many mixed answers. So my little take on this is a short answer of "No." It is not expensive if you follow the correct path. 

The path I am talking about is the Ecuadorian way and not the gringo way. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If you want to live a high-end luxury lifestyle here, then expect to pay for it, especially in the north. If you want to spend over 2K per month on rent, you can find places that charge that number or close to it. This is all to do with personal preference. 

If you mention the area of Cumbaya, the first thing that comes out of an Ecuadorian's mouth is gringos, and ones that have money automatically labeled just for living there. 

But my favorite is a gringo stating that if you live in the Sur, then that means you are poor, wrong!

Many professionals like doctors and lawyers opt for this life as they can buy or rent property at affordable prices and simply travel to work like most. 

For example, you can rent a 3 bedroom apartment for $180 per month and your bills, including water, power, internet, and gas, are a lot cheaper than living on the coast. The power and water here I have found is $25 a month for all appliances on washing, TV, stereo, that sort of thing. Generally, that is the going rate Renting a furnished property may be $300 a month, but if you are planning on buying in the area, you can pick up furniture at decent prices.

Visiting the shopping malls, If you want to buy your favorite original designer brands as you would back home, expect to pay a lot more, sometimes triple the price. Importing these goods pays the price, which is why it can be expensive. However, this is Ecuador, and not everyone would go out and spend $150 on a top, which is why there are endless amounts of stores back street shops that sell everything for next to nothing. They are fakes, but they are very good fakes.If you don't like what you see, there are many highly skilled tailors who can make whatever you want at a very low price. Sizes are a problem here for the taller or larger person, so custom made is sometimes the best way.

All of this is available outside of street food or local watering holes; you can literally walk past a cafe or restaurant every 30 seconds, so you will be spoiled for choice.

I'm not saying to avoid shopping malls because I enjoy spending time there with my family.It isn't all that expensive, but when food is in high demand, like fresh produce, etc., I suggest going to the market. The Mercado is seriously a big place where they sell everything. All your meat, fruit, and vegetables. You can get a lot for your money there and also haggle to get an even better deal. Just looking at the layout is an experience in itself. So much to choose from. I highly suggest you shop there.

Looking away from the mall and focusing on some recreation time with the family or friends, we have two huge parks minutes away, football pitches,tennis courts, kids play areas,go karting, paintball,inflatable castles,bike tracks, or just places to sit, chill out, eat and drink from the stalls. The value of this is priceless. You will find Quito really is a great place for family activities, especially on a nice Sunday afternoon out and costs nothing really.

There are many schools to choose from. My boy is at a private school, which has a transportation service to and from the house. Price wise, it is on par with his old school in Portoviejo, but I feel he has a great set up here. The teachers are great, the school itself is secure and very well organised  also boasting a good standard of English, so if the teacher doesn t understand what he is saying in Spanish, he simply tells the English teacher. It s a relief knowing he is enjoying it and working hard even though he tells me he does nothing.

Unlike living in Manabi, I don't feel the need for a car up here because everything I need is right here: the local Quicentro Sur is only a few minutes away, transport accessibility is excellent, with the Trole bus running from South to North right on the doorstep, and the main terminal, Quitumbe, gateway to Ecuador, isn't far either. For the price of 25 cents, you can't go wrong,but the only thing I hate is that it can get very busy,like sardines in a tin, so hold onto your valuables and don't switch off.

I can't lie, I miss my Manabi life on some days, but there is so much opportunity up here. The people are great, always saying hello to me wherever I go, and because I am the only Englishman, or should I say foreigner, living in this area, I am recognised on a daily basis, all smiles and some comments on the football. It didn't take long for them to know that my team is Newcastle. It is as though people search for my team just to have a quick convo or

So, enough babbling; the original question was, "Is it expensive to live in Quito?" No  just look around and get a feel for it. 

For more information or some general advice, just leave a comment below or you can message my email at simondo1981@live.com and I shall get back to you as soon as possible.