Recently traveled the country from north to south, staying with local residents through the couchsurfing program and meeting a lot of expats living in different areas. Of course, where there are more foreigners, the prices are higher. But here are two examples:
– Baños de Aguas Calientes – 2 story house with large fenced in yard just outside of town a little bit: When the resident found the place she wanted she was told $700 for rent. She countered with $200. They accepted. Her local friend told her she should not have paid more than $150.
– Another in Vilcabamba which is loaded with foreigners; large house with 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, courtyard and gated parking $600 month.
Food is cheap. Had plenty of meals throughout the country for $1.50 -$3.50. Groceries are cheap. Fast food chains at the malls or more expensive than local restaurants. Bus fees average out to about, roughly, $1 per hour (not charged by the hour but seem to come out that way).
A large city like Quito will of course be more than other towns.
I do not know your age but they do have a retirement type plan if you qualify, based on income and savings, and there is an entire criteria with a few factors that come in to play that will have an effect on your health insurance costs if that is a concern.
Hope this helps.