Cuenca, A, Ecuador
A stunning colonial city in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Panama hat industry and architecture.
Below Average vs Ecuador Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cuenca vs Ecuador Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 35.0%
- VAT: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $30,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 600,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 50°F
Housing
- Median Home: $140,000
- 1BR Rent: $500/mo
Cost of Living
Cuenca's cost of living index is 100 (Ecuador average = 100).
| Category | Cuenca | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $140,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $93 |
Data source: Plusvalía / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cuenca:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $15 | Based on ~250 kWh/month typical Ecuadorian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $1 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $8 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $25 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $5 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $54 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Cuenca
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $600/mo.
Cuenca Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $550/mo.
East Cuenca
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $450/mo.
West Cuenca
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $475/mo.
Remote Work Score
Cuenca scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cuenca has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | 50°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 65°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 35%
- VAT: 12%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cuenca per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cuenca, A, Ecuador?
The cost of living index in Cuenca is 100, which is Lower the Ecuador national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cuenca?
The median home price in Cuenca is $140,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cuenca is approximately $500/mo.
Does Cuenca, A have income tax?
Cuenca is in A, which has an income tax rate of 35%.
What is the climate like in Cuenca?
Cuenca enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Plusvalía / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INEC Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.