Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Dominican Republic, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Dominican Republic?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Dominican Republic and whether the reported $1558 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $371.36.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.53 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
37.32 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.46 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.61 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.67 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.96 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.68 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.18 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.65 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.73 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.78 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.19 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.9 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.46 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.8 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.35 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.39 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.32 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.85 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.72 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.77 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.24 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.11 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.67 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.65 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
37.32 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.73 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.8 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
5.6 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.24 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24258.58 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
31614.77 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
68.33 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.16 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
51.8 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
29.1 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
13.75 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.6 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
183.04 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
5070.26 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
41.47 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
45.13 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
83.12 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
84.1 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
492.37 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
259.54 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
841.51 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
415.3 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1345.9 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
850.15 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
371.36 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
11.83 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.53 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 37.32 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.18 USD, a loaf of bread 1.65 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.73 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.65 USD and a monthly pass around 37.32 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 68.33 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 29.1 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 13.75 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 183.04 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 5070.26 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 41.47 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 83.12 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 492.37 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 259.54 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1345.9 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 850.15 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 371.36 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 11.83% annually.
Dominican Republic
There has been a Zika outbreak in the Dominican Republic, so remain protected from mosquito bites at all times. Apart from this, Dominican Republic is susceptible to hurricanes and earthquakes.
Overall, Dominican Republic is safe to visit, though it has many dangers and is ridden with crime. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.
Transportation is not too safe, especially at night. Avoid public transport whenever you can, since this is where robberies and pickpocketing takes place. Always call a reliable taxi instead of hailing one on the streets.
As for pickpocketing, it is not as big of a concern in the Dominican Republic as the violent crime but you should exercise caution and keep your money and your valuables elsewhere, like in hidden pockets of your clothes and never ever keep all of your money in the same place.
There have been cases of mugging and even kidnappings which usually involve criminals targeting a foreigner, taking them hostage and driving them to the nearest ATM to withdraw everything from their bank account. Be careful in the cities of Santo Domingo, María Trinidad Sánchez, Santiago, Santo Domingo Province and Valverde, as there have been reports of kidnappings there.
The risks of terrorist attacks in Dominican Republic are low, but since they shouldn't be ruled out, it is important that you remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings.
There is a high risk of getting scammed in Dominican Republic. Be wary of weird people around ATMs or anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
Many women have traveled to Dominican Republic and had nothing but great time. However, this country isn't the safest in terms of females traveling solo since there have been reports of women being attacked or shamed, so be careful, especially at night and apply precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations
No tourist visa is required to enter Dominican Republic, for any stays shorter than 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid at the time of entry. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Dominican peso is the official currency in Dominican Republic. ATMs can be found throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted in most tourism-related establishments.
The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, characterized by hot weather during the entire year, with two seasons in winter, a dry and a rainy season lasting from late April to October along the eastern and southern coasts. The northern coast, exposed to the trade winds, experiences rainy weather throughout the year with less rainfall from June to September.
Punta Cana International Airport is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic and, at the same time, the second busiest airport in the Caribbean. It is located in La Altagracia Province.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Dominican Republic, because it would cover not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.