Cost, Healthcare, Safety and Best Places to Live
One of my video guides is on retiring in Ecuador. I have not personally been to Ecuador but am interested in going someday soon. Here is the video for reference:
I focused on the cost vs. the safety factor. Yes, to answer your question, Ecuador is safe. If you’ve been wondering whether Ecuador is still one of the best places in the world to retire, you’re not alone. It’s a question I have heard from a few of my friends who are looking for a lower cost of living, quality healthcare, and a slower, more enjoyable pace of life.
The short answer is yes—Ecuador can still be an excellent place to retire in 2026.
But like every country, it isn’t perfect, and it certainly isn’t the bargain paradise that many YouTube videos made it out to be ten years ago.
That’s exactly why I created my latest video on @RetireWithoutBorders. Rather than relying on outdated information or unrealistic expectations, I wanted to look at what retirement in Ecuador actually looks like today. We’ll cover the real cost of living, healthcare, safety, climate, and the cities that continue to attract retirees from the United States and Canada.
If you’ve already watched the video, this guide expands on many of those topics with additional details and practical advice. If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend watching it alongside this article so you can see the locations and hear the full discussion.
The reality is that Ecuador still offers something that has become increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable retirement without spending a fortune.
Why So Many Americans Continue Choosing Ecuador
For years, Ecuador has consistently appeared on lists of the world’s best retirement destinations. While rankings change from year to year, the reasons people move here have remained surprisingly consistent.
Many retirees discover that their monthly Social Security benefits stretch much further than they do in the United States. Housing is affordable by North American standards, fresh produce is abundant, healthcare costs remain relatively low, and the climate varies dramatically depending on where you choose to live.
Perhaps most importantly, Ecuador offers choices.
Want cool mountain weather year-round? Cities like Cuenca and Loja deliver spring-like temperatures almost every day of the year.
Prefer warm beaches and ocean breezes? Coastal communities such as Manta and Salinas offer a completely different lifestyle.
Looking for quiet rural living? Small mountain villages provide exactly that.
Unlike many retirement destinations, Ecuador isn’t just one experience—it’s many different lifestyles packed into a relatively small country.
That flexibility allows retirees to choose an environment that fits both their budget and their personality.
Of course, there are trade-offs, and we’ll discuss those honestly throughout this guide.
After all, retiring overseas isn’t about finding perfection.
It’s about finding a place that’s a better fit for the life you want to live.