Machala ranks 2nd of 9 priced cities in Ecuador on cost — $388 a month in essentials, 25% above Riobamba, the cheapest. The average net salary of $450 covers that 1.2×. 93.6 men per 100 women aged 20–39, measured at parish level. PM2.5 averages 9.3 µg/m³ a year, 2× the WHO guideline of 5. Aug averages 23°C, Mar 27°C.
Monthly cost breakdown
Rent outside centre plus utilities, groceries, dining and local transport make up the essentials figure. Not a full lifestyle budget.
| Item | Monthly USD |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed outside centre | $133 |
| Rent, 1-bed city centre | $190 |
| Groceries | $76 |
| Dining out | $79 |
| Utilities | $78 |
| Local transport | $22 |
| Essentials / mo | $388 |
| Avg net salary | $450 |
| Rent, 3-bed outside centre | $260 |
| Rent, 3-bed city centre | $350 |
Single person, USD. Data updated July 27, 2026.
Everyday prices
What single items cost in Machala, in USD. The monthly figures above are built from these.
Eating out
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $2.75 |
| Meal for 2, mid-range, three courses | $25.00 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5.25 |
| Cappuccino, regular | $2.65 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 L draught | $2.00 |
| Imported beer, 0.33 L bottle | $3.75 |
| Coke/Pepsi, 0.33 L | $0.88 |
| Water, 0.33 L bottle | $0.66 |
Groceries
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 L | $1.07 |
| White bread, 500 g | $1.07 |
| White rice, 1 kg | $0.93 |
| Eggs, 12 | $1.47 |
| Local cheese, 1 kg | $3.25 |
| Chicken fillets, 1 kg | $4.10 |
| Apples, 1 kg | $1.50 |
| Bananas, 1 kg | $0.62 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | $0.55 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | $0.40 |
| Onions, 1 kg | $0.50 |
| Water, 1.5 L bottle | $0.97 |
Transport & bills
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| One-way ticket, local transport | $0.35 |
| Monthly transit pass | $22.00 |
| Taxi start | $1.50 |
| Taxi, 1 km | $1.75 |
| Gasoline, 1 L | $0.62 |
| Basic utilities, 85 m² flat | $51.67 |
| Internet, 60 Mbps+ | $26.11 |
| Mobile plan, monthly | $15.00 |
Leisure
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Gym, monthly | $42.50 |
| Cinema, one seat | $5.00 |
Dating-age sex ratio
Machala has 93.6 men per 100 women aged 20–39 (parish level). That is the 3rd-highest of 10 Ecuador cities we track. Ecuador's national figure is 102, so Machala runs 8 below the country as a whole.
A supply figure, 20–39. The dating-pool model is in Pro.
Climate & air
Ten-year monthly means, 2015–2024 — a climate profile, not a forecast.
| Month | Avg | Feels | Humidity | Cloud | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25.8°C | 30.5°C | 84% | 82% | 181 mm |
| Feb | 26.5°C | 31.5°C | 83% | 88% | 250 mm |
| Mar | 26.6°C | 31.8°C | 83% | 89% | 357 mm |
| Apr | 26.5°C | 31.5°C | 84% | 84% | 242 mm |
| May | 25.7°C | 30.5°C | 85% | 79% | 159 mm |
| Jun | 24.5°C | 28.5°C | 86% | 77% | 65 mm |
| Jul | 23.6°C | 27.1°C | 87% | 75% | 38 mm |
| Aug | 23°C | 26.2°C | 87% | 74% | 25 mm |
| Sep | 23.1°C | 26.4°C | 87% | 78% | 26 mm |
| Oct | 23.3°C | 26.6°C | 87% | 87% | 54 mm |
| Nov | 23.4°C | 26.7°C | 87% | 88% | 59 mm |
| Dec | 24.9°C | 29.1°C | 86% | 82% | 95 mm |
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