Salinas Ecuador Expat Cost of Living (Compared to Cuenca Ecuador)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

For price comparisons and more resources, visit our blog post: ameliaandjp.com/salinas-ecuador-cost-of-living

[@Ziminy13131]

It says private insurance is $156 for 2 of you. And public health insurance is $77 per person x 2 would be $154. Only $2 a month more for much better care? Am I understanding this correctly? I am single. Would private be $78 for me, or do they give special prices to married people? I am trying to watch all your videos, but it will take time. If you have answered this, just let me know which video to find the answer. Cheers, and thank you for all these amazing videos.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@Ziminy13131 The rate for both public and private insurance varies by age and smoking habit. Pre-existing conditions are covered after a 2 year waiting period with private insurance but only 3 months for public. Married people don't get special prices.

[@leomen80]

Hi guys, do you mind tell me what mean expats , please . I love your KZbin channel

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@leomen80 An expat is a person that lives outside their home country. Glad you are enjoying our channel!

[@knjmoorhouse5093]

Ecuadorian shrimp is the best (jumbo size) and very affordable. A delicious Ecuadorian tradition is a yoghurt fruitshake with yucca bread. It makes a very nice snack. We recommend Yoghurt Persa, Naturissimo and Yoghurt Amazonas. It really isn't a good idea to eat salads in restaurants, because there is the risk of getting parasites. You will have to take anti-parasytic medicine every 6 months. Best to make salads at home, where you can be sure your lettuce and veggies are properly disinfected with Vitalin (sold at Supermaxi.)

[@upreydeen]

Cuenca is a place where foreigners shaped, the Germans brought the industry as well as Americans who settled and succeeded for generations, new comers started to realize the benefits our land has to offer like any other Nation We are proud of our heritage but also always welcome people from other countries and treat them like family

[@LilyMai0723]

I love you guys. Thanks for that information. My husband and I are planning to move to Salinas in the next 3 years.

[@temprmj1]

I remember when my escape plan was 3 yrs, seemed like a long time. That was 1.5 years ago, half-way there!

[@katherineparedes1004]

hahaha i just love how you are getting more comfortable with yourselves doing these videos, you both are amazing, spontaneous and very informative, keep the great job!

[@spain1998]

My wife and I love yall and your videos! I have watched every single one of them once and many of them twice!! We are both 57, soon to be 58, and live in Nashville. We don't know We are going to Panama in March, and Costa Rica in May. And then Ecuador in July. My wife is concerned about the crime in Ecuador, quality of life, etc. We want to be beach front, nice area, plenty of Expats. I would love to take yall out for dinner and drinks when we are there this summer. I understand yall's dance card is probably full, but I will reach to see what yall's schedule will allow. Again, thank you so much for your video's! We love yall man!

[@bewilderedwomenstravels6776]

They had a video about the safety- their per 100,000murder rate is lower than the states. And other cities in ecuador- I believe cuenca is one of them- is 1/2 that of the states. Its unfortunate out western countries make these amazing countries out to be savage and dangerous

[@dugfriendly]

I became aware of your channel less than a month ago and really enjoy it - subscribed!

[@jacksmeditation7584]

I went on to Amy's sight...and decided to park it in Cuenca. I might go to salinas for the beach occasionally. But the more I am in Cuenca the more I will call it home. You guy s are so cute in your videos. I love your naturalism. See you tomorrow at three!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks Jack!

[@jacksmeditation7584]

@@AmeliaAndJP De nada...

[@stxMD]

Re: cabs without meters, have you tried inDriver app? We just used it this morning for the first time in Manta. You put in your pick-up and destination points, then enter the amount you want to pay. Local cabs use it, and choose whether or not to accept your offer. If you don’t get any takers, you can up the price by increments of $0.25. Worked great for us.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@lilliankoponen9760]

Love all the practical info! Thanks. Also love Amelia’s earrings!

[@darrylstewardson2099]

Is the weather really all that bad off season, May to November? Is it always cloudy Weather graphs and averages state it's about a range of 28oC high season and about 21oC low season? Is it always cloudy from July to October, or on average how cloudy is that four month period on a days per month basis. I googled it but it doesn't say how often it's cloudy.

[@andy8218]

Thanks JP, I did go to the link and checked your blog post for the information out that I needed. :-)

[@cg741graf5]

This was a great one!!! We are seriously thinking of a trip down to find out retirement future. This is looking amazing as our previous spot is just having to much turmoil. I love the content feel that comes across in your videos of the towns.

[@bewilderedwomenstravels6776]

Where are u now with turmoil

[@claimjumper7866]

Those wall units for ac are extremely efficient. More than infloor central air units.

[@marykelly8408]

Amy Prisco is a sweet heart. I lived in Salinas my first 2 years in Ecuador...nice but still love Cuenca.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

She's awesome!

[@SaraFJones]

What’s her contact info?

[@mariafernandamartinez3948]

I cant wait for you guys to go to Baños... that will be a whole new experience.

[@ellenhamilton2787]

We have been to Banos. We had a great day there.

[@edouardgoovaerts8338]

FYI Living in Guayaquil (Guayacan) you didn't talk about Starbuck ( here it is called “Sweet & Coffe” ) and exact replica. For a 2 br 1b ,garage , large patio $250, electricity 35 w/AC 25 no AC .If over 65 % 50% discount, propane $5 per month, internet from Claro 14.3 Mpb, $25. The gas for your car $250 /gallon no insurance but to repair the damage caused by running over a large dog $45( the fender and the hood was damage)

[@goliathgollis8343]

I'll be visiting in spring 2021. It would be great to meet you.

[@digitalandscape3537]

Is Ecuador overcast most of the time? I feel like every video of you guys is done in overcast weather.

[@ellenhamilton2787]

It is, especially in our summer-June, July, and August.

[@BEESAYMENACE]

Thinking of moving down! Appreciate these videos.

[@Traveler-PKK]

Great Reporting guys! Love your videos. I live in Thailand paying $300 for beach view 1 bedroom, living room, 2bath and big kitchen. Vietnam is a little more but still a great value for the dollar. I notice rent is going up in all the tourist places over the last 10 years. I think I will stay in Thailand and Vietnam. Everything is cheap..cheap.. I will have search your videos for Cuenca to see if you did cost of living report. - Thanks again

[@knockknock1246]

I lived in Chiang Mai three years. Things there now.... Whew! I almost did the quarantine deal in Bangkok but... hope things get better for the people there soon. Chok Dee.

[@GotMeStumped]

Great video. I'm wanting to move there so bad, I just haven't found much info regarding accessibility, I have no legs and use a wheelchair. Cheers from🇨🇦🤘

[@carlosmorajara2626]

Got_Me_Stumped you must find a real state agent. I think small towns like Olon won't be a good option. Salinas, Manta, Ambato, Riobamba, etc. Could be an option. Good luck. Find me in the group. I will recommend my real state agent in Manta.

[@GotMeStumped]

@@carlosmorajara2626 oh that's a great idea! Thanks I will do that for sure! 😊

[@calgal7828]

Accessibility is also our concern. I’m fit and active but my husband has had similar surgery to what JP had. Cervical fusions with nerve atrophy, several back surgeries and both hips replaced. He’s (thankfully) ambulatory but with some difficulties. As many foreign countries are, Ecuador looks like getting around might be difficult. I hope you find your new home and stay well. 😎

[@Gerchi37]

Excellent information. Amazing how is that certain items are more expensive in Ecuador like the margaritas than here in the USA. It is hard to comprehend looking into a country that the minimum salary wage is $400.00 per month; however. it makes easy to conclude in the huge gap that exists between the "have" and the "have not"

[@AmeliaAndJP]

There's a pretty large middle class in Ecuador with income to pay for nice things. Although, we've heard there's also a lot of credit card debt.

[@aniwee17]

Amelia And JP credit card company even made it to Ecuador. Amazing!

[@fredg7853]

Hi Amelia and JP, hope you know, I'm looking for a water filtration or purification system for a home or just under the sink that's good for Salinas since the water is not that good, thanks for your response

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I know they are available but I believe the are pretty expensive.

[@carlosmorajara2626]

Bring a system in your bags.

[@martika324]

@@-.-.-.-.-.. No, you would have to import them

[@veteran234]

love your videos, i hope you have a true and joyous life with each other . where ever you live. God Bless You

[@Janka_y_Gabriel]

Me encanta salinas 😊🙏🥰

[@rogerjackson3227]

It would be nice if you could Do a video on Puerto Lopez There are those of us who would like to live in a smaller town. I was thinking of buying on the ocean there or Puerto cayo . very beautiful there and. They have a new malecon in Lopez and building one in cayo. When I was there it was a dirt malecon and it was mud after a good rain. Very good and helpful vids.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Stay tuned. We're going to visit Puerto Lopez in a couple weeks.

[@luisclavijo3149]

Why do you said summer days? when the end december is when winter starts, I know I was Born and live there my first 26 yeats.

[@ellenhamilton2787]

The Ecuadorians do like to party and vacation. That is for sure.

[@knockknock1246]

Holy smokes the prices are sweet. The noise comment concerns me though...I need my sleep to be very nice. I was going to ask if you read off a sort of teleprompter or something similar since you flow through so much information without missing an important aspect or beat but mention of the 99% statistic made me guess no topic cards, other... Very informative. Thanks for the heads up. Ahh...The end of the video answered the question...wow...you two are psychic! Lol

[@ralphbernhard1757]

Reminds me of Spain. Even the scenery and construction styles are pretty much the same.

[@calgal7828]

Yes it does! ❤️🇪🇸❤️🇪🇸

[@TheGardenerNorth]

When you are talking about costs are you saying that it's American dollars or Ecuadorean dollars?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

They're the same. Ecuador is on the US dollar.

[@TheGardenerNorth]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks for the reply. Love your channel, its so refreshing and helpful. Cheers!

[@mikejh4353]

Love your show guys! one question Does the sun ever shine there?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We are in an area that is cloudy from June - November. It is sunnier now :)

[@rogerjackson3227]

JP you said you were from Kansas. Unfortunately I'm from Omaha Ne And now live in lees summit mo.

[@jerrykramer4596]

Really enjoy your KZbins. Very informative. We have been thinking of moving to the beach area of Ecuador for some time, but a friend just told us the chance of Malaria is very prevalent on the coast. Is this true?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Malaria is here but it’s not common. We haven’t heard about a case since we’ve been in Ecuador. Guayaquil had an outbreak of dengue fever before the pandemic and it was all over the news in Ecuador. No cases were reported in this area that we know of.

[@mycarpainter]

WOW.WATCHING YOU GUYS FOR A LONG TIME.ONLY SUSCRIBED RECENTLY(SORRY) AND WE BOOKED A TRIP FOR JANUARY TO DO OUR EXPLORE TRIP. WE WILL BE THERE A MONTH AND LOOKING NOW ONLINE FOR A BEACHFRONT CONDO.(WE TOOK EARLY RETIREMENT TO ENJOY LIFE.(SIMILAR TO YOU GUYS) ANYWAY YOU GUYS ROCK..GOD BLESS AND GOOD LUCK ON THE NEW YEAR

[@carlosmorajara2626]

RJ O Hola! How was your trip. Challenging? Tell us.

[@rikcoach1]

Two blocks out of the tourist bubble makes all the difference as to prices. I mean the locals have to eat somewhere.

[@SaraFJones]

Great info, thanks guys. Can you share Amy’s info?

[@johncabrera8772]

I haven't been in ecuador for 7 years. I am actually from cuenca living in asia now. Enjoy Ecuador. Sometimes I am afraid it is a bit dangerous I am glad you are walking around and nothing have happened.

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

Much more dangerous in the USA.. Ecuador is very safe.. people are mostly honest and kind .. You just have to watch your surroundings and not flash valuables in Public

[@nickganje9202]

When you aren't able to drink the water in some of these towns that you are visiting, how safe is it to eat a salad? Are they rinsing the vegetables with tap water? How would you really know?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That's a good question. We ate salads while we were there but didn't think to ask, but we never got sick.

[@gabrielachavez7364]

I got asked the same question when I moved to Canada, after growing up in Ecuador, it does makes sense, but is funny how most of us don't even think about it. The common practice is you drink filtered water or boil it but use from the tap to wash even the lettuce. Never got sick..at least not because of that :p

[@DanielAguilar-bg9nb]

Hi guys, I was wondering if you can do a video of Manta, thank you keep going 👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We will!

[@dl1130]

Thanks for the information videos. My wife and I are looking at the Cotacachi area. Will you be doing a video for that area for expats? Thank you!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. It's on our list but probably not until next year.

[@GeorgeMinton-jb8ky]

check out International Living magazine. They do all kinds of articles on this stuff. Seems like I remember them writing about them. If you subscribe you can check out the archives they have online. internationalliving.com/

[@andrespenafiel9921]

Just found out your channel, its Great! Hope you stay in Ecuador and keep advertising the best about our country, thanks for that! Also JP what do you think about club verde, I think is one elof the best in the world lol

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Club es muy rica!

[@skt1731]

Is it not counterintuitive to be sharing info inducing others to move because of lower cost of living? Wouldn't that drive up demand and therefore increase all costs there?

[@richardcooper4825]

You mentioned in one of your Olon videos about the challenges with addresses and having mail delivered. Do you know if that applies to Salinas and surrounding areas like Chipipe Beach, San Lorenzo, etc?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. It’s common even in major cities like Guayaquil. A viewer commented that his address in Guayaquil is something like the 2nd house across from the yellow church.

[@krekhorohenian2154]

$9.50 for a margarita! That is incredible. Things have changed!

[@jamesrooney7689]

what are the prices to buy a house or condo ??

[@gustavocordova6538]

Me gustaría que promocionen a la sierra ecuatoriana como Quito Ibarra Ambato Riobamba Tulcán, gracias

[@yahunatan7263]

Do you know the town on Canoa in Manabí, What do you think of the place?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We haven't been to Manta or Manabí yet. It's on the list so stay tuned.

[@davec-1378]

I’m curious if you can why you haven’t purchased a home? Seems more fiscally viable

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We plan on living in other areas in Ecuador.

[@marcospilozo2379]

What about renting for a couple ofrece year, I would

[@seanmolloy9422]

how far is the beach from Cuenca? are there reasonably priced year round rentals if you go 10-15 minutes inland?

[@seanmolloy9422]

...near Salinas?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have friends who rent a really nice 2 bed/2 bath condo on la playa canela with an ocean view in Salinas near La Libertad for $650/month. You can find even cheaper rentals away from the beach.

[@CarmenGomez-pc3fz]

It’s about five hours from Salinas. Cuenca is a mountain town.

[@kets4443]

How about Loja Ecuador?

[@jaironeil8903]

Love your videos.. funny....

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@GeorgeMinton-jb8ky]

I have a question for you. I was watching a youtube video and the guy had a question that I can't answer but I know you can. What mail forwarding service do you use and are they international in that they cover the Philippines? What is the type of service called?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We don't use a mail forwarding service. We use a company called TravelingMailbox.com so we have a US based mailing address, but we've never sent anything to or from Ecuador.

[@mikemcfarlan8555]

Salinas? Yeah, but no. Bananas .95/lb? Here is Wi they are .29/lb Margaritas for $4-$6? cheaper here at my local watering hole. PIzzas roughly the same price although way more varieties here. So far central Mexico, Lake Chapala area still sounds cheaper than Ecuador, but I am new to you and learning. ;)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That was 95 cents per kilo, which is 2.2 pounds or 43 cents per pound. They had every standard variety of pizza, but we're vegan so we don't eat those. Salinas is the most expensive place to live in Ecuador. Cuenca and other mountain cities are much more affordable.

[@mikemcfarlan8555]

@@AmeliaAndJP Ahhh, of course, the US isn't on the metric system, Ecuador is.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Mike McFarlin bananas are cheaper at the mercado too.

[@mikemcfarlan8555]

@@AmeliaAndJP Love shopping at mercados. The ones I went to in central Mexico were amazing and soooo inexpensive.

[@sahasrarachakra1]

@@mikemcfarlan8555 it's annoying. The metric system makes more sense and it's widely used in the globe.

[@latgra1332]

Cooking with water tap is fine, germs get killed when water boils. It is a waste of drinking water by using it to cook. So, you safe more water and money at the end of the month.🤷🏻‍♀️

[@charlesdavis7461]

I'm guessing Amelia will learn Spanish before JP, just a guess. No offense JP.

[@danielstuart2023]

Awesome video, very informative

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@citiescarsecuador6585]

Very good 👍👍

[@MaryOKC]

I think the biggest issue I have with countries south of the American boarder ... is environmental pollution. Where does the sewer water go? Do they have treatment plants? Vehicle pollution, building codes because they have quakes there...the rest I can figure out...

[@lauralynch1944]

I just saw my daughter in law's condo!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Very cool!

[@andersonwallace4365]

Favorite location in Ecuador?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Cuenca during the summer. We're still looking for a place to spend the winter, but Salinas is at the top right now.

[@aniwee17]

Amelia And JP when I goggle summer in Cuenca, I got the answer that summer in Cuenca is from Jan to May. It is called the warm month. Is this what you have in mind? Please advice. Thanks.

[@proyectonuevo7487]

@@AmeliaAndJP awesome galapagos island ...las islas galapagos estará en su top really is the better place

[@RebeccaStropoli]

@@AmeliaAndJP When you say winter, which months do you mean? I was there in July and August, and was told that was technically winter time. The weather was great (for me).

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Rebecca Stropoli winter is technically May - August. Those are the coldest and cloudiest months.

[@primetime2125]

hI ill be renting in salinas or vilcabamba but how can i rent for more than 3 months as a tourist, without having to leave the country to restart my 3 month stay, is this an easy fix like just crossing the border?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The 3 month visa cannot be renewed within a year from issue date. You would need to apply for a 3 month extension when you're nearing the end of the tourist visa to stay longer. Leaving and coming back doesn't reset the clock in Ecuador like it does in some countries.

[@beatricebraswell4677]

Can you link Amy’s info?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You can search properties and contact her through her website: ameliaandjp.com/salinas-ecuador-cost-of-living/ Please let her know we sent you.

[@beatricebraswell4677]

@@AmeliaAndJP thanks so much

[@BcaacB]

When you are describing cities or areas please give locations on a map in references to other locations you are describing.

[@landonoletymer]

Very nice

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

I wonder how things have changed, if at all, in the last two years. :)

[@jamesbarrie9111]

I love your series but I get the feeling you like to live a more expensive lifestyle than many retirees living there or wanting to live there. Can you do an episode for single people who don't want to travel that much and live a more affordable lifestyle? 400-500 a month in rent.... non vegan places and westernized food... no smoothies... just eating local not touristy food. I really wish you cover a more frugal lifestyle and local rather than someone like yourselves with a more disposable income. Thanks :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have over 250 videos and you can search them from our channel page, including a low budget cost of living for $500/month: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5zNnIR_md-FiKM

[@bram992]

Whst is the difference between xpat and immigrant

[@mardono1]

Expats normally goes back and forth from home country. Immigrant normally stays almost forever without going back to home country.

[@9344music5]

Great reporting guys, I was just there on Tuesday and loved it! Was wondering about cost and you answered that. I am writing this from Cuenca airport as I wait for my flight Back to LAX with a stop in panama. As I suspected from watching your reports as well as one or two others about Ecuador, Salinas (I love the beach) or Cuenca are my faves. Only by living there for a while will I know for sure. My only error was flying to Cuenca from Guayaquil, I thought the drive would be too rough, but my taxi driver from Salinas to guyaquil offered to take me there for $125. I paid $175 for the flight. He said the roads are good and safe all the way. I got there in 5 hours which is ok but missed all of the sights. I know you suggested against that flight now I know why. All in all I loved ecuador! That sight at the mirador is Awsome as was the gondola ride to 12,300 feet in Quito.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! Safe travels!

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@drhoy15]

Thank you for this video. I would also like to echo what you said about the Patreon group. I am not in Ecuador, yet, and have lots of questions. I joined the Patreon group and I get answers to my questions not only from JP but also from the group members. It’s a wonderful group to be part of 😊.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks Jeff! Can we use this as a testimonial?

[@drhoy15]

Yes, please do.

[@gustavomerizalde6198]

Salinas is hermoso

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sí. Es muy hermoso.

[@niechzyjepolska1805]

Get down to the mercado

[@estpst]

what no talk with Amy?

[@stanabosnjacic9252]

can you live there speaking english,and what about safety and security

[@darrenaustralia3623]

Not cheap compared to Asia !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Asia is much cheaper than South America in general.

[@charlesdavis7461]

If I could could take off rent, utilities and food, I think I can afford to live there.

[@dennishassler605]

I had to laugh at your claim to be "minimalists". I know of several living in Mexico saying they spend $150/mo. for rent near the beach living without hot water except for solar and having a garden. I think of THAT as a minimalist. I suppose the definition depends on the source.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We could be more minimalist for sure!

[@dennishassler605]

@@AmeliaAndJP Well, nice if you don't HAVE TO, but remember to benefit some poor folks, too, because some are living on the edge there. A cobbler in Mex. I try to use each year and he's a personable guy, but tells me he has no family and I see him buying raw tortillas and getting something to put in it at another store - wanted to provide him with a rich lunch sometime, but didn't go due to covid - it always nice to give something for those who need it. Some poor eat off the mango trees in the park - so there are people living on $3/day without any opportunity to earn $ - no prospects. Those are the real minimalists.

[@darrenaustralia3623]

So International living magazine is full of sh.t ? About cost !

[@carlosmorajara2626]

Darren Australia provide the link.

[@DanSmith-cb5vj]

Now I know why you two switched from Amelia sitting on your right to the left. She gets tongue twisted on your right, lol!

[@rosathomas1]

Salinas is too busy...

[@marcelamaria4205]

I LOVE YOU TOO...YOU ARE SO GENUINE

[@Yogi5D]

Way too expensive

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Compared to what cities?

[@Yogi5D]

@@AmeliaAndJP Brazil

[@Yogi5D]

@@AmeliaAndJP Its because they use the Dollar the prices are inflated. No way Ecuador is more expensive than Brazil. In Brazil you can have 20RS ($4-5) all you can eat delicious vegan buffet on the coast. Ukraine is cheapest place in Europe cheaper than Equador along with Albania, Kosovo, and Moldova.

[@GlobalFLATTSman]

Five minutes in and listening to your generalisations about rentals (that apply to pretty much anywhere in the world with property considerations) was enough to walk away. Guys ... get to your points a little quicker ... then rationalise! I hope you will accept this constructively.

[@calinbudac2875]

you are making publicity to" them"= international corporations, to get publicity to you .....an ugly way to make money when the real Ecuador is struggling to survive ...definitely you don't help them !?

[@1112-g1x]

can u guys have yor lil fight b4 filming get it out of yor system or sumthing