Peru vs Ecuador
Peru costs roughly 9% less than Ecuador, though Ecuador scores higher on healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Peru is approximately 9% less expensive than Ecuador based on cost of living including rent. This makes Peru a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Ecuador has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 37.5, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Ecuador is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Peru
A 1BR in central Lima runs $521.77/mo, less than a parking spot in Manhattan, and the Rentista Visa requires $1,000/mo income to qualify. That math works for retirees on fixed Social Security checks. But the Safety Index sits at 32.9 so the savings come with real security tradeoffs. Worth it only if you vet neighborhoods hard and skip the flash.
$1,957/mo
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About Ecuador
A one-bedroom near the city center runs $372.58 a month, less than a parking spot in most US downtowns, and covers you well below the $1,446 monthly income the Jubilado visa requires. That gap is the whole pitch: cheap, legal, permanent residency within reach on modest Social Security income. But the Safety Index sits at 37.5 with a Safety Index of 37.5, so this works only if you vet neighborhoods hard and skip the flashy expat compounds.
$2,128/mo
Not sure which Ecuador visa you qualify for?
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Peru | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 86 | 120.8 +34.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 56.3 | 77.1 +20.8 |
| Safety Index | 32.9 | 37.5 +4.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 29.4 +2.7 | 32.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $521.7 | $499.3 +22.4 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $1,920.2 | $1,845.9 +74.3 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $521.77 | $372.58 +149.19 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $273.27 +9.92 | $283.19 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $886.57 | $615.49 +271.08 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $479.07 +9.17 | $488.24 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 344.6 Mbps +52.8 | 291.82 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Ecuador. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
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