Job Discussion Forums

[GregX999]

Can anyone living in Ecuador list some common (average) prices of thing they regularly buy (or pay for monthly)? And what would be a range of per-month living expenses (not a super-frugal hermit existence, but not eating out every day either).

And what would be an average amount to earn per month for a new teacher with a cert (ie CELTA)?

If it matters, maybe specifically in Guayaquil.

Thanks,
Greg

[Justin Trullinger]

Ahem- I've never spent a lot of time in Guayaquil, and it's generally considered the more expensive of the two majors cities.

Figure (this is approximate)-

Starting teacher salary $500 to $900 per month. ($900 will be hard to find.)

Rent on a two bedroom apartment $300 top $400 or so.

Groceries, if you can cook and don't by imported packaged foods. $50 a week, $200 a month. (This is based on me- Vegetarian, so no meat, like an occasional drink at home. Former chef, don't buy frozen or canned stuff, only real food)

Transport $0.25 for buses, but buses don't run at night. Figure if out after dark, $2.50 for a taxi. Maybe $50 a month on transport?

GOing out, as in clubs and dancing, if you do, is going to cost you a good $20 to $40 each time you do it, between cover, taxi, expensive drinks.

Meals out run the full range. $2 almuerzos, and $20 upscale dinners available.


It can be a nice life if you have a roommate, but if you cover rent on your own, it looks pretty hermit-like.

Best,
Justin

[john_n_carolina]

....the only thing i'd probably adjust is the rent. in Guayaquil, it's very possible to find something for $150/mo (if you sign a lease). just make sure it's in the right neighborhood and the right neighbors. otherwise, you'll find a very empty apartment when you get home from classes.

try to find one in for i.e. a 10 story building with a doorman and a "buzz" door that's opened by the doorman.

check the big internet cafe on 9 de octubre on the bulletin board. or ask the owner. or, ask some girl if you want to make "small-talk". but, don't go into any apartments with her to look if it's one of those shabby-cracked-falling down 2 story.

[Evanzinho]

Does anyone know how much it costs to rent a room in someone's house in Ecuador? In a nice neighborhood, of course. Lets say you stay for at least three months or so, perhaps you can negotiate a deal of some sorts.

I guess what I am looking for is some sort of homestay arrangement, but without the meals usually provided by the family? I'm thinking in the range of $100-200 a month. Does this sounds reasonable?

[john_n_carolina]

....you should be able to easily find a 'homestay' type of situation. all of my 10 or 12 apartments i had in Ecuador i found from just asking around. one was a university professora. i just walked into her office and asked. another, was a wife of a judge that i knew from a tienda. another, was a tip from a director of the military school that had an open apartment on their base....

and, try the Spanish schools also along with internet cafes, travel agencies, etc.

shouldn't be much more than $150 / without food.

[john_n_carolina]

...i believe Correa just pegged/put a ceiling on 10 food staples...for example rice, milk, eggs, bread, potatoes, tomatoes, etc

i got a Google Alert for this but can't find the news story anymore.

anyways, that should help a little...maybe, take $30-40/mo off your grocery bill. if you are cooking for (1), it probably won't have much of an effect.