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Live in Dominican Republic: Learn advantages, disadvantages & costs
To live in the Dominican Republic is to enjoy sunshine, seaside views, and a relaxed pace. Discover more about the quality of life there.
Imagine living year round in warm weather with the beach and the sea always within reach. That is exactly what you get when you choose to live in the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean nation offers plenty of qualities that make for a great quality of life, though there are aspects worth looking at more closely as well.
Join us as we take a closer look at some of the most important aspects of this Latin American island. We’ll explore its healthcare system, education, job opportunities, safety, and of course, the cost of living.
Quality of life in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has made significant progress in areas such as healthcare and education, which has helped improve quality of life for its people and reduce poverty levels.
The cost of living in the country is relatively low compared to many European nations and others in the region, with housing, food, and utilities being the biggest expenses. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle, but we’ll give you an overview of average monthly costs.
1. What are the monthly expenses for living in the Dominican Republic?
Living expenses in the Dominican Republic can vary, since your total monthly costs will depend on where you live, how much you spend on utilities, your eating habits, and the way you enjoy your free time. To give you an idea, here are some basic numbers.
| Housing | Rent costs between $300 and $800. | This depends on the area you choose, and could even be higher. |
| Food | Between $205 and $350 per month. | Shopping at the supermarket. |
| Utilities and cell phone | Between $150 and $300. | Costs vary depending on factors such as air conditioning use during the month and your cell phone plan. |
| Transportation | Between $80 and $150. | Depending on how often you travel. |
| Leisure | $100. | This is an expense that can vary from month to month. |
| Health | Between $90 and $100. | This is not considered a monthly expense, but rather a precautionary amount in case of an emergency. |
2. Housing: Costs and requirements for buying and renting
Real estate in the Dominican Republic tends to be expensive, largely because of the steady flow of tourism, especially along the coast. Rental prices are also affected, although there are inland areas where you can find more affordable options. In the end, it comes down to your preferences and budget.
To purchase a home on the island as a foreigner, these are the requirements:
- Passport.
- Fill out a form with your personal information, which will be provided by the real estate agency or bank.
- Proof of income and balance sheet for the last quarter.
- A document proving that your income is legitimate. This can be provided through an employer reference letter or a certificate showing that you own a business.
- Proof of tax payments for the last two years.
- Your spouse’s identity document.
- If you require a mortgage loan, this must be requested from Dominican institutions only.
The price per square meter for a home in cities like Santo Domingo, Samaná, or Punta Cana ranges from $950 to $5,400, depending on how close it is to the beach and other tourist areas.
Renting has tighter rules, but they’re generally easy to handle. It’s still smart to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as the local rental policies.
- Identification card or passport as proof of identity.
- Employment certificate.
- Income certificate.
- A Dominican guarantor.
- Sometimes they ask for up to two months’ rent as a deposit.
- Payment for the month in which the lease begins.
- Personal references.
Rent can range from around $250 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center to about $1,000 for a three-bedroom place in a central location.
3. Free healthcare for all
The healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is public and free, available to everyone regardless of immigration status, nationality, or income. Some medications and treatments, however, may come with a cost.
Getting medical care on the island is simple. Just head to the nearest clinic for a checkup or any urgent care, available around the clock. Ambulances are free too. Just call 911 if you need one.
There is also a private healthcare sector with hospitals and private doctors. If you plan to use private healthcare or join a Health Risk Administrator (ARS), here’s what you need to know.
- Find the insurance company that best meets your expectations and needs.
- Provide your personal information as required for the application process.
- Income certificate.
- Medical examinations.
4. Public and private higher education
Higher education in the Dominican Republic is offered through both public and private universities. Both types provide quality education, including technical programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The requirements for attending a public university can vary depending on each institution. Some of the general ones include:
- Validation of high school diplomas and transcripts by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Education.
- Student visa once you have been accepted by any university.
- Knowledge tests related to the degree program you have chosen to study.
- Medical certificate.
- Certificate of good conduct.
- Haitian and Venezuelan students, or children of Dominican nationals, are eligible for reduced fees or even free admission.
- Tuition fees for foreign students are usually $900 and $50 per credit to be taken.
Some of the most notable public universities include the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University, and the National University for Defense.
Among private universities, notable ones include Iberoamericana University, APEC University, and the Technological University of Santiago. Tuition can be higher, reaching up to $3,000 per year. The typical requirements and documents include:
- A student visa, which is issued from your home country, requires the following: proof of admission to a Dominican university, language proficiency if you do not speak Spanish, proof of financial means, a valid passport, and a clean criminal record.
- Apostilled documents such as birth certificates, transcripts, and high school diplomas.
- Spanish language certificate for non-Spanish speakers.
5. Advances in security and reduction in crime
The country has made significant improvements in security. However, armed robberies in less busy areas, at ATMs, or on unofficial transportation still affect both locals and tourists.
Dominican authorities recommend avoiding isolated areas, especially at night, keeping money and valuable items out of sight, and reporting any incidents.
However, the most touristy areas are more heavily policed, which means that these environments tend to be safe for everyone.
Other crimes that are common in the Dominican Republic include domestic violence, homicide, and drug trafficking, according to the Dominican government’s National Statistics Office (ONE).
6. Employment: Average salary
Tourism is the country’s most important industry, and it is also a major driver of employment, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, and other service-related sectors.
The healthcare sector is also seeing increasing demand, especially in hospitals located in central areas of the country where tourism is limited, creating opportunities for doctors and nurses.
Technology-related positions are also in high demand, as the country does not have enough workers to meet the demand.
Professional positions typically earn higher salaries, ranging from around $500 to $1,000, while support staff usually make between $250 and $470, which is the minimum wage in the Dominican Republic. These amounts can vary depending on your work experience and type of contract.
7. Broadband and 5G technology
Fixed broadband internet in the Dominican Republic averages around 35.2 Mbps, making it the fifth fastest in Latin America, according to the Global Speedtest Index.
For mobile connections, Claro stands out among competitors like Indotel, TIGO, Viva, and Altice Dominicana, offering speeds of up to 34 Mbps with its 5G technology. The country is still working to improve infrastructure and bring connectivity to the more remote areas.
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Advantages of living in the Dominican Republic
The benefits of living in a country like the Dominican Republic are easy to see, from an affordable cost of living to the relaxed pace of life. Here’s a closer look at what makes it appealing.
- Cost of living: The average monthly expenses for a person in the Dominican Republic are around $400, covering all the basics for living, and even some leisure activities if desired.
- Easy access to beaches: This is a big advantage, because whether you want to go on vacation or just unwind after work, you don’t need to take a long flight or endure hours of travel. The beach and the sea will be just minutes away.
- Culture: Dominicans are known for their friendliness and warm welcome toward foreigners, often recognized for their cheerful and hospitable nature.
- Employment: Due to tourism, work in this sector is usually very active.
Disadvantages of living in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner
The Dominican Republic is a country that continues to grow in many ways, but while it does, here are some of the main drawbacks you might encounter on this Caribbean island.
- Health inequality: The country is unable to fully meet the healthcare needs of residents living in more remote areas outside the main cities.
- Failures in public services: Some areas of the country often experience shortages of drinking water and occasional power outages.
- Insecurity: the most common crime is armed robbery, impacting tourism and daily life.
- Congested and illegal transportation: Traffic authorities struggle to manage the heavy city traffic, which often leads to long delays. In addition, some unofficial transportation services operate, which has contributed to safety concerns.
- Lack of internet connection: Rural areas and towns farther from the cities are especially affected by poor internet quality, both for fixed and mobile connections.
Frequently asked questions about living in the Dominican Republic
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, although tourists can pay in US dollars for some hotel services and at certain restaurants.
There are several transportation options, including motoconchos (motorcycle taxis), regular taxis, Uber, or intercity buses. Prices are generally negotiable depending on the distance and type of transport, except for the metro, which has a fixed fare of around $0.35 to $0.70. Bus fares can vary depending on the bus and the route, with some offering air conditioning.
To enter the island, you’ll need to show a passport valid for at least six months, have a round-trip ticket to your home country, and complete an E-Ticket with your information, which will generate a QR code to present upon arrival. You’ll also need to pay a $10 fee. Some nationalities require a visa, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your country.
There are actually two seas surrounding the Dominican Republic: the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
More than 11.5 million people live on the island.
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