Michael,

If you are planning to go to Ecuador and do not speak Spanish, start learning now. Practice as much as you can with Spanish speakers before you go. It is the best way to enjoy your experience, and interact with locals. I took a Spanish class before going, and also had 1-1 tutoring. I practiced with everyone who had the patience, and was willing. I still did not have enough Spanish to understand locals upon arrival, but I could communicate what we needed (for the most part). Once in Quito, I took 1-1 classes 3 times a week to learn more and to practice. At one point, I realized that I understood what was being said. It was a happy surprise!

My husband did not learn Spanish, and rarely ventured out without me. He was not comfortable taking a cab or trying to find out prices at the store.

Do you have more specific questions? Do you need more info on cost of living before you visit?

Happy travels! Wendy

Hi Michael,
Thanks for asking. We have spent time in both cities and like them both. Here is my 2 cents — if you are considering retiring in Ecuador, you should spend time in both cities.
Quito –
It is a big city, with lots of sections. Safety-wise, it is more like NYC, where you need to walk on busy streets at night (and during the day) or better yet take a cab at night (although I think Cuenca is the same at night). There are lots of parks, great sites, lots of culture, and a nice group of expats. I can make those introductions since we spent time with them and stay in touch.
Quito has extreme beauty surrounding it with the Andes as the backdrop.
It is easier to get to many of the destinations in and from Quito due to its transportation systems.
Healthcare is excellent!
Good infrastructure – great roads.
As in any big city, people tend to keep to themselves and go about their business. However, I found people to be very, very friendly if I was friendly first. There are places to go where expats get together – you need to find them. For now, I can help with some of that.
Buses and cabs are plentiful and cheap.
Quito is a little more expensive than Cuenca but still very, very affordable.
There are many modern condo apts. as well as more traditional housing. Pricing varies, and I suggest you look when you go. I can refer you to an owner who rents apts. in the historic section of Quito. You should also look in the modern section – around Mariscal (on the outer edge). If you get to that point, I will give you more specifics.

There are some things to be careful of and if you decide to go, we should have a conversation.

Cuenca –
A culturally rich small, manageable city. Lots of expats and they are friendly, but can be cliquey. Also, expats have driven up prices, and if they are involved in a business transaction, it’s likely to cost more than it would otherwise – so watch out for that.
We met some local Ecuadorians who were friendly. You need to speak Spanish, and take time to get to know them.
The whole city is walk-able, but not to the airport.
There is a a tram being built, and hopefully that will help the extreme pollution from all the diesel fumes. Buses and cabs are plentiful and cheap.
Healthcare is very good!
Infrastructure is good and improving.
Cuenca is a bit less to live in than Quito.

You can live very nicely on SS in both cities. You don’t need a car in either city.

I liked Cuenca a lot, but Quito grew on me since there is so much to do, and it is close to many other places that are lovely to visit. You have to travel a lot further from Cuenca to get to other spots. But you have to like living in a city to like Quito (I am a country person, but I think I would choose Quito).

No matter what you do, spend time in both places! And don’t buy anything until you live in a place for at least a year. Most expats rent. I will send you more on cost of living later – but know that you can live nicely in either city (with travel) for $2500 month or less. Some people live on $800/mo. in Cuenca, but that is only when they have to.