Episode 3 - Money, My budget living in Ecuador
This video provides a detailed breakdown of the speaker's monthly expenses in Manta, Ecuador, for the first six months of 2024.
Key Expenses:
Housing: $700/month for a two-bedroom ocean-view apartment.
Utilities:Electricity: Varies monthly, averages around $100.
Gas: $2.75/month for cooking gas.
Water: $150/month for 5 gallons of drinking water.
Internet: $35.58/month.
Household Services:
House cleaning: $20/month.
Laundry: $40/month.
Healthcare:
Medical prescriptions: $12.60/month.
Doctor visits: $34.30/month.
Transportation:
Gas: $18.75/month.
Taxis: Occasional expenses, averaging $25/month.
Subscriptions: $20.51/month for iCloud and Adobe subscriptions.
Entertainment: $112.72/month, primarily for dining out.
Credit Card Debt: $100/month plus interest.
Tips: $33/month.
Miscellaneous: Varies, but includes charity and personal expenses.
Other Income:
Social Security: Not specified.
Investment Returns: Not specified.
Sales Tax Refund: Up to $110/month.
Overall Budget:
The speaker's monthly expenses average around $3,000, including miscellaneous items.
However, he has a surplus of $14,671.52 for the first six months of the year.
He attributes this surplus to lower costs of living in Ecuador compared to the United States.
Additional Notes:
The speaker emphasizes that these expenses are for a single person living in a mid-range apartment in Manta. Costs may vary for couples or those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle.
He mentions negotiating rent and using discounts for seniors to reduce costs.
The speaker also highlights the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses using a spreadsheet.
Overall:
This video offers a detailed perspective on the cost of living in Manta, Ecuador. While the speaker's expenses are relatively low compared to many Western countries, it's important to note that individual needs and lifestyle choices can significantly impact the cost of living.