Islands in Galápagos, Ecuador
Cost of living in Galápagos Islands
How much a month costs in Galápagos Islands
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $3,500–5,500 ($3,500–5,500).
Prices in Galápagos Islands
Typical 2026 ranges in USD, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | USD | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | $25–50 | $25–50 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | $80–180 | $80–180 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | $6–10 | $6–10 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | $18–35 | $18–35 |
| Cappuccino | $3–5 | $3–5 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | $4–7 | $4–7 |
| Getting around | ||
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | $3–6 | $3–6 |
| Work and life | ||
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | $15–25 | $15–25 |
Value for money: 5/100
A value score of 5/100 means Galápagos Islands gives more quality of life per dollar than 4% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 72/100. It's the 10th most affordable of 10 places we cover in Ecuador.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Ecuador
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Otavalo | $900–1,400 | 84/100 |
| Mindo | $900–1,400 | 85/100 |
| Baños | $1,000–1,500 | 76/100 |
| Montañita | $1,000–1,600 | 73/100 |
| Puerto López | $1,000–1,600 | — |
| Cuenca | $1,300–1,900 | 63/100 |
| Guayaquil | $1,300–1,900 | 32/100 |
| Vilcabamba | $1,300–2,000 | — |
| Quito | $1,400–2,000 | 39/100 |
| Galápagos Islands | $3,500–5,500 | 5/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Galápagos Islands
Similar safety, lower cost, in South America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Sucre | Bolivia | $457–706 |
| Uyuni | Bolivia | $499–831 |
| Huaraz | Peru | $697–1,100 |
| Huacachina | Peru | $726–1,160 |
| Salta | Argentina | $788–1,310 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Galápagos Islands?
About $1,800–2,600 on a lean budget, $3,500–5,500 for a comfortable month and $8,000–15,000 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much does food cost in Galápagos Islands?
A local meal is $6–10 ($6–10); a mid-range restaurant is $18–35 ($18–35) per person.
Is Ecuador expensive?
Prices in Ecuador are about 42% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Galápagos Islands
- Cost of livingacross Ecuador
- Safetyin Galápagos Islands
- Weather & best timein Galápagos Islands
- Internet & coworkingin Galápagos Islands
- Getting aroundin Galápagos Islands
- Tap waterin Galápagos Islands
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Galápagos Islands
- Healthcare & insurancein Galápagos Islands
- Solo travelin Galápagos Islands
Going to Galápagos Islands solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Galápagos Islands meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Galápagos National Park Directorate
- Charles Darwin Foundation
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.