Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Ecuador

Uruguay
For digital nomads choosing between Cuenca and Maldonado, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cuenca
$819/mo
Best Internet
Maldonado
100 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Maldonado
7.7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Cuenca if budget is your top priority, or Maldonado if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Cuenca and Maldonado for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cuenca offers a more affordable lifestyle at $819/month compared to Maldonado's $901/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Maldonado provides faster connectivity at 100 Mbps compared to Cuenca's 80 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.7/10, Maldonado offers better security than Cuenca (5.4/10).
Overall: Maldonado's NomadIQ score of 7.7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cuenca is 9% cheaper than Maldonado.
Maldonado has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Cuenca (5.4/10).
5.4/10
Cuenca
5.7/10
Maldonado
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Maldonado offers faster internet at 100 Mbps vs 80 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Cuenca
100 Mbps
Maldonado
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Cuenca: Best for budget-conscious expats
Maldonado: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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