I live in the western suburbs of Cuenca, at an elevation of nearly 9000 feet, near the foothills of El Cajas National Park. Together, my wife and I occupy a 3BR, 2 bath Condo, with living room, dining room, bar, and American style kitchen. Our completely furnished 16th floor unit in the building, Cuenca's tallest, has floor to ceiling windows, each with balcony, and an unobstructed view of the city and the mountains to the east --- beyond which, begins the Amazon rainforest.

Our monthly rent is $865, which includes gas, electric, high speed internet, cable TV, water, trash pickup, 24 hour security, parking, building storage, and condo fees. Additionally, the building has a fully equipped gym, steam room, and sauna in the common area at no additional charge. Our only extra is a daily subscription to the Miami Herald for about $17 per month. And we pay a small pay-as-you-go cell phone fee. We maintain a USA number on SKYPE that costs $6.00 per month.

Taxis and buses are cheap, $3.00 max across town by cab, $.25 by bus. If you own a car, gas is price fixed at $1.48 per gallon.

If you stick with Ecuadorian products (food and produce) your cost will be 20 to 30% of US prices. Imported stuff from Europe and the US cost stateside prices or higher. If you are a teetotaler you will have it made, Otherwise, expect to pay stateside prices for Chilean or Argentinian wine. French & US - forget it! Liquor is also more expensive, with Ecuadorian made booze and excellent Cuban rums being the exception.

Health care is free to the poor; most Americans are self insured because costs are only 10 to 20 percent of Stateside prices at hospitals that meet US standards. Dental costs are also about 20% of US. Many doctors and dentists are US trained and speak English.

Culture and the arts are considered a very important aspect of life here. Most concerts are free, as are art exhibits.

Doctors here still make house calls, about $25 to $35, and if you are over 65, you pay half price on airlines, utilities, and many attractions. Think 1955 to 1960 and you will be close to present cost of living. If you are a youngster, you will still only pay about 30 to 35% of what you would pay in the US, or much less than if you live in NYC, Washington, or San Francisco.