Cuenca continues to stand out as one of South America’s top cities for quality of life, with its overall score increasing in 2026 and reinforcing its reputation for livability.
The city’s rating climbed from 146.98 to 152.96, driven by strong performance in key areas such as healthcare, climate, cost of living, and relatively low traffic levels. These factors continue to make Cuenca an attractive place to live, particularly for those seeking a balance between affordability and everyday comfort.
Despite the strong overall score, some areas remain less favorable. Purchasing power is the weakest category, while safety, housing affordability, and pollution fall into a moderate range. These factors suggest that while the city performs well overall, there are still challenges affecting residents’ daily experience.
Cost of living remains one of Cuenca’s advantages. Monthly expenses are estimated at around $1,866 for a family of four and $503 for a single person, excluding rent. Compared to larger cities, costs are lower, with overall living expenses about 11.4% cheaper than Quito and rents roughly 7.4% lower.
The data is based on user contributions collected over the past year, combined with broader pricing and service information. Together, these inputs paint a picture of a city that continues to improve while maintaining its position as a leading destination for quality of life in the region.