Retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador: Cost of Living, LGBTQ+ Life, and Why Expats Love It

Living the Slow Life: Retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador with William Hutter

What if the secret to a fulfilling retirement was simply slowing down? William Hutter didn't plan to fall in love with Cuenca, Ecuador. He went to visit his husband's hometown and kept crying every time he had to leave. Eventually, he stopped leaving.

In this episode, William shares what life is really like in one of South America's most livable cities for LGBTQ+ expats. A therapist and educator by training, William brings both personal warmth and honest reflection to everything from the $235-a-year private health insurance to the night watchmen who bicycle through his neighborhood blowing a whistle. This is one of the most grounded, real-world conversations we've had on the show.

What We Cover:

* How William ended up in Cuenca and why it felt like home from the very first visit

* The city's geography, elevation, and why "eternal spring" is more than just a marketing phrase

* Cost of living in 2024, including what's changed as more expats have arrived

* Housing options, from renting in the city center to buying a two-bedroom condo for under $180,000

* The healthcare system, including $235-a-year private insurance that covers dental and vision, no questions asked about pre-existing conditions

* LGBTQ+ life, visibility, and safety, including holding hands in public and a brand new Pride parade

* Visa and residency options for retirees, with a look at the investment visa, marital visa, and path to citizenship

* Walkability, the 35-cent tram, and why Uber doesn't exist in Cuenca