Best value cities in the Americas

Cities that punch above their price in the Americas: strong safety, internet, healthcare and climate scores relative to what a month there actually costs.

Methodology: Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%).

  1. 1. Cuenca, Ecuador

    QoL 80/100 · $970/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $970/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Mendoza, Argentina

    QoL 80/100 · $950/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $950/mo all-in.

  3. 3. Salta, Argentina

    QoL 78/100 · $810/mo

    Averages 78/100 across quality-of-life scores at $810/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Boquete, Panama

    QoL 84/100 · $1,350/mo

    Averages 84/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,350/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Panajachel, Guatemala

    QoL 76/100 · $740/mo

    Averages 76/100 across quality-of-life scores at $740/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Cabarete, Dominican Republic

    QoL 81/100 · $1,330/mo

    Averages 81/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,330/mo all-in.

  7. 7. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

    QoL 75/100 · $830/mo

    Averages 75/100 across quality-of-life scores at $830/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Cancún, Mexico

    QoL 81/100 · $1,380/mo

    Averages 81/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,380/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Trinidad, Cuba

    QoL 73/100 · $760/mo

    Averages 73/100 across quality-of-life scores at $760/mo all-in.

  10. 10. Valparaíso, Chile

    QoL 76/100 · $1,050/mo

    Averages 76/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,050/mo all-in.

  11. 11. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

    QoL 82/100 · $1,540/mo

    Averages 82/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,540/mo all-in.

  12. 12. El Tunco, El Salvador

    QoL 77/100 · $1,230/mo

    Averages 77/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,230/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

Best value cities in the Americas — which city is #1?

Cuenca, Ecuador tops this list. Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $970/mo all-in. Mendoza and Salta round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%). 84 catalog cities in the Americas qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city in the Americas?

Cuenca runs about $970/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Cuenca city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.