Quito

EcuadorGMT-5

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

73.6/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

5,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,420/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

65Mbps

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city that seamlessly blends history with modernity, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and expats. Located in the Andes at an elevation of 2,850 meters, Quito boasts a mild climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America, offering a glimpse into its colonial past with stunning architecture, churches, and museums. For those seeking a vibrant cultural experience, Quito does not disappoint, with numerous festivals, art galleries, and traditional markets that showcase the rich heritage of Ecuador.

One of the most attractive aspects of Quito for digital nomads is its affordability. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many Western cities, with monthly expenses for a digital nomad averaging around $1,000. This includes rent for a centrally located, furnished 1-bedroom apartment, which can be found for approximately $500 per month, along with utilities, food, transportation, and leisure activities. The city's infrastructure supports a comfortable lifestyle, with high-speed internet widely available, ensuring that remote work is feasible and efficient. Additionally, Quito's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring other parts of Ecuador and South America, with Mariscal Sucre International Airport offering numerous international flights.

Quito has a thriving digital nomad community, which contributes to its appeal as a destination for those looking to live and work abroad. There are numerous meetups, language exchanges, and social events that help newcomers integrate and build connections. The city is also home to several coworking spaces, providing a professional environment for remote workers. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Quito offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking in the nearby Andes to exploring the diverse ecosystems of the surrounding regions. The city's proximity to natural wonders such as the Cotopaxi Volcano and the Mindo Cloud Forest makes it a paradise for nature lovers.

In terms of daily life, Quito offers a high quality of living with a low cost. The local cuisine is diverse and delicious, featuring traditional Ecuadorian dishes as well as international options. The city's public transportation system is efficient and affordable, making it easy to navigate. Safety is generally good, especially in the expat-friendly neighborhoods, although standard precautions should be taken as in any large city. Overall, Quito provides a unique blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads and expats seeking a new adventure.

Demographics

Population2,017,260
LanguagesSpanish, Quichua

Location

CountryEcuador
TimezoneGMT-5
Airport to City30 minutes
TransportTaxi, Uber, Bus

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$400
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,420
/mo
20% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Quito, Ecuador is $1,420, which is 20% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$500
35.2% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$150
10.6% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$400
28.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$100
7.0% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$150
10.6% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$120
8.5% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Quito has good internet infrastructure with several providers offering high-speed internet. The median download speed in public spaces is around 65 Mbps, with 4G mobile coverage widely available.

Quito has a thriving digital nomad community with numerous coworking spaces, meetups, and social events. The city is well-connected with good internet infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for remote workers.

65Mbps
4G
5providers
5,000
Nomads
50+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Highland/Mountain
Quito has a subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round, averaging 15°C, and two seasons: dry (June-September) and wet (October-May).
Temperature Range
15°C - 15°C
Avg: 15°C
Annual Rainfall
2250mm
Monthly Avg: 188mm
Jan
01
15°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Feb
02
15°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Mar
03
15°C
☀️
300 mm
💧
Apr
04
15°C
☀️
300 mm
💧
May
05
15°C
☀️
250 mm
💧
Jun
06
15°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Jul
07
15°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Aug
08
15°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Sep
09
15°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Oct
10
15°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Nov
11
15°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Dec
12
15°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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