Is Cuenca more expensive than Quito?

Cuenca is 10.9% cheaper than Quito overall. Rent is 6.9% lower, groceries 7.1% cheaper, and restaurants 20.5% cheaper.

Which city has better purchasing power, Quito or Cuenca?

Quito has a purchasing power index of 53.3 while Cuenca has 52.2 (NYC = 100). Quito offers better purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇪🇨 Quito vs 🇪🇨 Cuenca

2026

Cuenca is 10.9% cheaper

Category	🇪🇨 Quito	🇪🇨 Cuenca	Difference
Cost of Living	34.1	30.4	-10.9%
Rent	10.1	9.4	-6.9%
Groceries	36.6	34.0	-7.1%
Restaurants	34.2	27.2	-20.5%
Purchasing Power	53.3	52.2	-2.1%

Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

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🇪🇨 Cost of Living in Quito

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🇪🇨 Cost of Living in Cuenca

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