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 only 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 with a crime score of 57.4, 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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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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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 $1,410 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 Crime Index of 70.2, so this works only if you vet neighborhoods hard and skip the flashy expat compounds.
$2,128/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
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.
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