User-driven index puts Ecuadorian city ahead of longtime Brazilian leaders.
Cuenca has earned the distinction of being the city with the best quality of life in South America, according to the 2025 Quality of Life Index released by Numbeo. It’s the first time the Azuay capital has topped the ranking, which compiles data from users worldwide on a variety of social, environmental, and economic indicators.
Historically, the list has been dominated by Brazilian cities such as Brasilia and Curitiba. Until now, Cuenca had never even broken into the top 10, according to municipal records. The city’s dramatic climb reflects a combination of longstanding strengths and recent improvements in infrastructure and public services.
What’s working for Cuenca?
According to the latest figures, Cuenca scored particularly well in climate, healthcare quality, public safety, and transportation. These categories, weighted heavily in Numbeo’s methodology, rely on user-submitted data about residents’ perceptions and experiences, rather than official statistics.
The city’s mild climate—without extreme heat or cold—was a significant factor in its high ranking. The consistency of Cuenca’s weather has long been cited as a draw for retirees and remote workers, and the new report reaffirms this appeal.
Healthcare was another standout. Cuenca has repeatedly scored high in global rankings for medical services, and the 2025 data continue that trend. Local hospitals and clinics are seen as offering quality care at affordable prices—an important consideration for both residents and expats.
Public safety, often a weak point for cities in the region, was rated as moderate in Cuenca, but still significantly better than in other Ecuadorian cities. The perception of safety, while not perfect, was strong enough to bolster the overall score.
Meanwhile, the city’s transportation infrastructure also received praise. Since the launch of its electric tram system in 2020, Cuenca has seen measurable improvements in commuting times. With shorter distances between destinations compared to Quito or Guayaquil, the average travel time remains low, even for private vehicles.
Low cost of living—on paper
Perhaps the most eye-catching statistic in the report was Cuenca’s cost of living index: just 28.19, a figure categorized as “very low.” That score helped push the city to the top of the rankings. But it comes with caveats. Despite its low overall cost score, Cuenca has the most expensive basic food basket in the country. In March 2025, the national average for a family’s monthly food expenses was $800.60, while in Cuenca it reached $842.17.
This discrepancy suggests that while services like healthcare and public transport are affordable, residents may feel a squeeze when it comes to day-to-day expenses—especially groceries.
Room for improvement
While Cuenca’s rise in the rankings is impressive, the city still faces challenges. Pollution levels were marked as moderate, and the property price-to-income ratio remains high, indicating that housing is not easily affordable for many residents. The purchasing power index also fell on the lower end, suggesting that average incomes don’t stretch as far as they might in other cities with similar costs.
Even so, the overall picture remains positive. Cuenca outperformed not only other Ecuadorian cities like Quito and Guayaquil, but also many urban centers across the continent.
A guide for would-be residents
Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index is not based on government reports or formal statistical surveys. Instead, it aggregates responses from people who use the platform—travelers, expats, and locals—who rate their cities across eight main categories: purchasing power, cost of living, property prices, pollution, safety, healthcare, traffic, and climate. While informal, the index has become a trusted resource for individuals and families researching relocation options.
For Cuenca, that means more attention from digital nomads, retirees, and global citizens seeking a livable, balanced environment. The city’s climb to the top of the 2025 index could accelerate migration trends already underway.
I might be wrong but as I understand it, the figure $800.60 (or $842.17 in Cuenca) for a family of four is more than just food expenses. I think it is all the basic goods and services. The Canasta Vital is about $560,and it covers rent, food and clothing. The Canasta Basica is everything that is needed. This canasta is the basis for the view that 1.5 minimum wage jobs will cover all basic needs for a family of 4. By all means correct me if I have misunderstood this.