Skyline of Quito
Cost of Living: 108 2,000,000

Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador's high-altitude capital, a UNESCO World Heritage city with the best-preserved colonial center in Latin America.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Quito is a city in P with a population of 2,000,000. Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, a UNESCO World Heritage city with the best-preserved colonial center in Latin America. Housing is notably more expensive than 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

Cost of Living 108

Above Average vs Ecuador Avg (100)

Housing Index 130

Above Average

Median Income $36,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.5%

Job market health

Quito vs Ecuador Average

Cost of Living
Quito: 108
Ecuador Avg: 100
Housing Index
Quito: 130
Ecuador Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Quito: 35%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 35.0%
  • Sales Tax: 12.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $36,000
  • Unemployment: 5.5%
  • Population: 2,000,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 160/year
  • Summer High: 68°F
  • Winter Low: 48°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: $180,000
  • 1BR Rent: $600/mo

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Cost of Living

Quito's cost of living index is 108 (Ecuador average = 100).

CategoryQuitoNational AverageDifference
Overall108100+8.0%
Housing130100+30.0%

Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$180,000
Median Rent (1BR)$600/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$750/mo
Price per Sq Ft$120

Data source: Plusvalía / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Quito:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$30
Heating & Cooling$3Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$15Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$35Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$83Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025

Remote Work Score

Quito scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
108
Rent
$600
Sunny Days
160
Tax
35%
Unemployment
5.5%
Climate
68°F / 48°F
Safety
27.0 homicides/100k
Population
2,000,000
Internet Speed
40 Mbps

Climate

Quito has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January68°F48°F2.5"
April53°F63°F2.8"
July68°F43°F1.5"
October48°F66°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Quito faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake Extreme Risk

Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.

Volcano High Risk

Active volcanoes in the Andes, including Cotopaxi.

Tsunami High Risk

Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.

Landslide High Risk

Andean region with frequent landslides.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat in lowlands.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and flash floods.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

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 Quito per 100,000 residents:

150.0
Violent Crime
500.0
Property Crime
27.0
Homicide

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

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Carnival in February/March (1 week)

Carnival is a national holiday break.

Universities & Higher Education

2
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Quito is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Afro-Ecuadorian
7.2%
Indigenous
7.0%
Mestizo
71.9%
Montubio
7.4%
Other
0.4%
White
6.1%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
40.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
79.0%
Christian (Protestant/Evangelical)
13.0%
Other
2.0%
Unaffiliated
6.0%

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 Quito, Ecuador?

The cost of living index in Quito is 108, which is Higher the Ecuador national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Quito?

The median home price in Quito is $180,000. The housing index is 130.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quito is approximately $600/mo.

Does Quito, P have income tax?

Quito is in P, which has an income tax rate of 35%.

What is the climate like in Quito?

Quito enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°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.