Cuenca, Ecuador
A stunning colonial city in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Panama hat industry and architecture.
Overview
Cuenca is a city in A with a population of 600,000. A stunning colonial city in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Panama hat industry and architecture. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 28.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Ecuador Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cuenca vs Ecuador Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 35.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
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 | $30 | |
| Heating & Cooling | $1 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $15 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $81 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025
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" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Cuenca faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanoes in the Andes, including Cotopaxi.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Andean region with frequent landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
River and flash floods.
Andean region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 35%
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Carnival is a national holiday break.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cuenca is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INEC Census (2010)
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, 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.