Why did Mike, an American retiree, leave the U.S. in search of a better life in Ecuador? In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down to discuss his journey, the challenges he faced, and whether Ecuador truly lives up to its reputation as a gay-friendly, affordable retirement destination.
Mike wanted a place where he could live comfortably on a budget, feel safe, and be part of an accepting community. But did Ecuador deliver? We talk about:
✅ The cost of living – Can you really retire here on a small budget?
✅ LGBTQ+ acceptance – How does Ecuador compare to the U.S.?
✅ Cultural differences & expat life – What’s the hardest part?
✅ Health care, safety & daily life – Is it easy to adjust?
If you’ve ever considered retiring abroad or wondered what life is like as an LGBTQ+ expat in Ecuador, this video is for you. Mike shares his real experiences—the good, the bad, and the unexpected surprises.
💬 What do you think? Would you retire in Ecuador? Let us know in the comments!
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0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Mike’s Background – From Iowa to Ecuador: Why he moved
2:15 - First Impressions of Cuenca – What made him choose this city?
4:00 - Climate & Weather – Escaping Midwest extremes for perfect temperatures
5:30 - Safety in Cuenca – How does it compare to the rest of Ecuador?
7:15 - Cost of Living Overview – What are the biggest savings?
8:00 - Housing Costs – Renting in Cuenca: Luxury vs. Budget options
10:00 - Utilities & Energy Crisis – Dealing with power outages
11:30 - Food & Groceries – Eating well for less
13:00 - Dining Out – How cheap is eating at restaurants?
14:15 - Total Monthly Expenses – Can you live here on Social Security?
15:45 - Transportation – How cheap is public transport and taxis?
17:00 - Healthcare & Medical Costs – A real example of doctor visits
18:30 - Quality of Life in Cuenca – The benefits of retiring abroad
20:00 - Final Thoughts & Advice – Would Mike recommend Cuenca?
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