Key Cost of Living Data
Santo Domingo de los Colorados 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $256 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $166 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $4 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $158 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $44 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
20%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Ecuador
Avg net salary
$1,284
Food basket /mo
$330
Avg rent /mo
$256
Internet speed
43 Mbps
Safety index
0.6
HDI
0.765
Life expectancy
70.8 yrs
Purchasing power
28.4
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $256 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $166 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $256 | Ecuador (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $4 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $13 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $158 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | $330 | Ecuador (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $44 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Santo Domingo de los Colorados, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($256/mo) absorbs approximately 20% of the average net salary ($1,284/mo). This leaves solid disposable income.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Ecuador
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Ecuador for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
Planning a move to Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
Get our Expat Budget Calculator — personalised monthly cost estimate for your lifestyle and city.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Santo Domingo de los Colorados · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
Estimate your personal monthly spend in Santo Domingo de los Colorados.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santo Domingo de los Colorados cost of living
Is Santo Domingo de los Colorados good for digital nomads on a budget?
Santo Domingo de los Colorados is one of the more affordable cities for digital nomads, with a CoL Index of 36.4 (roughly 64% below New York City). A comfortable remote-work lifestyle — including a private apartment, fast internet, and regular dining out — typically costs $364–$510/month, making it highly competitive on a USD or EUR income.
What is the cheapest area to live in Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
Outside the city centre, a 1-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo de los Colorados averages $166/month, compared to $256/month in central areas. Outer districts and emerging neighbourhoods can be even cheaper — local expat forums are the best source for current listings.
How does Santo Domingo de los Colorados compare to other affordable cities?
With a CoL Index of 36.4, Santo Domingo de los Colorados sits comfortably in the affordable tier (below 60 on the NYC=100 scale). It compares favourably with similar budget destinations in the region, offering a good balance of infrastructure and low cost that appeals to long-stay travellers and expats alike.
How does Santo Domingo de los Colorados compare to New York City for cost of living?
Santo Domingo de los Colorados is approximately 64% cheaper than New York City overall (CoL Index 36.4 vs NYC baseline of 100). Rent specifically is 87% lower than NYC. Expats from NYC will enjoy significant savings.
What is the average salary in Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
The average net monthly salary in Santo Domingo de los Colorados is approximately $1,284, equivalent to around $15,408/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Santo Domingo de los Colorados
Similar cost cities worldwide
Similar cost cities are computed from the CoL Index.Explore
Also explore
Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.