Cost of living in Dominican Republic: Food, transport, and more

The cost of living in the Dominican Republic has increased significantly in recent years. Although it’s far from ranking among the world’s most expensive countries, housing, transport, and food now cost much more. Want to know how much? In today’s article, we’ll analyse in detail updated 2025 prices for all these essentials. We’ll also check other services like health insurance and internet. Join us to find out how much money a person needs monthly to live in the heart of the Caribbean.

1. Average accommodation costs in the Dominican Republic

Accommodation takes a large share of your budget. Although it’s still more affordable than in most US or European cities, the property market has changed in recent years. In tourist destinations such as Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, prices have risen considerably. In places like Santiago de los Caballeros or La Romana, however, you can still find cheaper options. Let’s look at prices for different types of accommodation.

1.1. Furnished apartment rentals

As everywhere, prices depend on location. In central Santo Domingo neighbourhoods such as Piantini or Naco, you’d pay about $1,100 US (€1,045) for a furnished one-bedroom apartment. In less exclusive areas, like El Vergel or Gazcue, you could find something for $850 US (€807).

Is it possible to pay less? Yes In cities like Santiago de los Caballeros, you can rent an apartment from $600 US (€570) monthly. Even $500 US (€475) if you move to peripheral areas.

1.2. Co-living spaces

The supply of coliving spaces doesn’t yet match other world cities, but Santo Domingo already has some popular options among expatriates. What about prices? A private room in a coliving with shared areas, coworking, and high-speed internet ranges between $500 and $900 US (€475–€855) per month. Of course, it depends on location and included services.

1.3. Cost of·life in the Dominican Republic: Airbnb

If you’ll stay short-term, Airbnb is a solid choice. That said, as everywhere, these rates have risen considerably. Especially in the country’s most touristic areas. In 2025, a studio in Santo Domingo averages $50 US (€47.50) per night. That’s around $1,500 US (€1,425) monthly. In high-demand spots like Punta Cana, maybe more. Expect about $70 US (€66.50) per night ($2,100 US monthly | €1,995).

1.4. Hotels

You’ll find affordable hotels in the country. Prices vary a lot by area, of course. In more touristy zones, they increase significantly. For example, in Punta Cana, a very touristy area with many all-inclusive resorts, a night could cost you $120 (€114). Let’s check specific hotel rates so you can get a clearer idea: 

• Hotel BQ Santo Domingo – from $85 US (€80.75) per night.
• Hodelpa Garden Court (Santiago) – from $95 US (€90.25) per night.
• Radisson Santo Domingo – from $110 US (€104.50) per night.

If you stay longer than a month, some hotels offer long-stay discounts You can get discounts of up to 20%.

2. Food costs in the Dominican Republic

Let’s move on to food. Food will also take a large portion of your budget. Your expenses vary depending on whether you cook at home or prefer eating out.

2.1. Cost of·life in the Dominican Republic: Supermarket prices

We’ll take the prices of basic products in popular supermarkets like La Sirena, Jumbo, or Olé. This way you’ll see the price ranges and compare them more easily with those in your home country:

• Milk (1 litre): $1.80 US (€1.67)
• Eggs (dozen): $3.50 US (€3.25)
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $6.90 US (€6.40)
• Beef (1 kg): $11.50 US (€10.67)
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $2.30 US (€2.13)
• Local cheese (1 kg): $8.50 US (€7.89)
• Pasta (500 g): $1.90 US (€1.76)
• Rice (1 kg): $1.20 US (€1.11)
• Local beer (0.5 l): $2.10 US (€1.95)
• Ground coffee (250 g): $4.50 US (€4.18)
• Chocolate (100 g): $2.50 US (€2.32)

Food costs vary by store and area. In general, filling the trolley in the Dominican Republic remains cheaper than in other Caribbean countries. However, imported products can cost up to 30% more than in the United States or Europe.

2.2. Eating out costs

Is eating out much more expensive than at home? In the Dominican Republic, the difference between places is huge. While local canteens offer affordable dishes, tourist and international restaurants are much pricier. The difference by area is also big. In popular destinations like Punta Cana or Bávaro, rates are higher. As always, examples make it clearer:

• Breakfast:
  • Barra Payán (a very popular spot among locals and tourists in Santo Domingo): coffee with toast or pastry from $3.50 to $6.00 US (€3.25–5.55).
  • Villar Hermanos Bakery & Café (Santo Domingo): a fuller breakfast with eggs, cheese, and juice costs around $9.00 US (€8.35).
• Lunch:
  • La Delicia Food & Drink (Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo): daily menu with typical dishes like sancocho or la bandera dominicana, between $6.50 and $10.00 US (€6.00–9.25).
  • Pollos Victorina (national chain): fried chicken combo with chips and a soft drink, around $8.50 US (€7.85).
• Dinner:
  • Buche Perico (Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo): contemporary Creole food restaurant, a mid-range dinner costs $20.00–35.00 US (€18.50–32.40) per person.
  • El Conuco (Santo Domingo): traditional Dominican food in a rustic atmosphere. A plate of mangú with meat and tostones costs about $10.00 US (€9.25).

3. Transport prices in the Dominican Republic

Planning to spend a long time in the country? In that case, you must also consider transport costs. Travelling around the country is fairly cheap if you use public transport or “conchos” (shared taxis). If you choose more comfortable options, like your own car or Uber, it’ll be much pricier. Let’s look at specific prices so you can calculate better: 

3.1. Public transport: metro, buses, and conchos

In Santo Domingo, the metro and buses are the most used means of transport. In other cities, conchos and guaguas (minibuses) dominate:

• Santo Domingo Metro: the country’s only metro system. A single ticket costs $20 RD ($0.35 US | €0.32). To use it, you must buy a rechargeable card for $60 RD ($1.05 | €0.96).
• OMSA buses: public buses covering Santo Domingo and other main cities. A ride costs $15 RD ($0.26 US | €0.24).
• Intercity guaguas: minibuses linking provinces. A ticket from Santo Domingo to other cities costs about $200–500 RD ($3.50–8.75 US | €3.20–8.00), depending on distance.
• Conchos (shared taxis): the most used city transport. They follow fixed routes and cost $50 RD ($0.88 US | €0.80) per trip.

3.2. Fuel and electric car charging

What if you decide to buy your own vehicle? Count on fuel costs:

• Petrol: $76.64 RD per litre ($1.23 US | €1.17).
• Electric car charging: $10 RD per kWh ($0.18 US | €0.16). Charging stations are growing, but the infrastructure is still developing.

3.3. Bike and e-scooter rentals

In Santo Domingo, rental services are available by use or subscription. However, the offer isn’t very wide anywhere in the country.

• BiciSD: bike rental in Santo Domingo. Monthly subscription from $800 RD ($14 US | €13).
• Lime (e-scooters): unlock fee $50 RD ($0.88 US | €0.80) + $8 RD ($0.14 US | €0.12) per minute of use.

3.4. Private transport services: Uber and taxis

If you prefer something more comfortable, you can use Uber or traditional taxis:

• Uber: a 5 km ride costs $250–400 RD ($4.40–7.00 US | €4.00–6.40).
• Traditional taxi: base fare $150 RD ($2.63 US | €2.40). Extra km: $60 RD ($1.05 US | €0.96).
• DiDi and Cabify: also operate in some cities, with rates similar to Uber.

3.5. Costs of owning a car in the Dominican Republic

Besides fuel, if you buy a car, you’ll have other expenses. For example:

• Car insurance (basic third party): $20,000–35,000 RD ($350–614 US | €320–560) yearly. It depends on coverage type.
• Price of a new car: Price of a new car: a Toyota Corolla 2025, one of the country’s best sellers, costs $2,150,000 US ($37,700 US | €34,200).
• Maintenance and checks: an oil change costs about $3,500 RD ($61 US | €56).
• Parking in Santo Domingo: monthly parking space rental from $3,000 RD ($52 US | €48).

4. Healthcare costs in the Dominican Republic

Something very important you must consider when moving anywhere is how you’ll handle expenses in case of illness or health issues. In the Dominican Republic, the healthcare system is mixed. It consists of public hospitals, private clinics, and health insurance.

4.1. Access to public healthcare

Foreigners can access public healthcare services, but not always for free. In state hospitals, the cost of a medical consultation ranges between $300 and $500 RD ($5–8 US | €4.65–7.40).

For more complex procedures, like hospital stays or surgeries, private insurance is recommended. Public care doesn’t cover all treatments and equipment levels aren’t the same as in private hospitals.

4.2. Prices for consultations and medical procedures

How much would it cost to go to good hospitals or health centres and pay out of pocket? Here are some sample prices:

• General consultation: $1,500–3,000 RD ($25–50 US | €23–46)
• Specialist consultation: $3,500–5,000 RD ($60–85 US | €55–78)
• Routine dental check-up: $2,000–3,500 RD ($35–60 US | €32–55)
• Appendicitis surgery in private hospital: $180,000–280,000 RD ($3,000–4,600 US | €2,750–4,250)
• Day of hospitalisation in private clinic: $10,000–25,000 RD ($170–420 US | €155–390)

And what about medicines?

• Paracetamol (500 mg, 10 tablets): $100–200 ($1.70–3.40 US | €1.55–3.15)
• Ibuprofen (400 mg, 10 tablets): $150–300 ($2.50–5.00 US | €2.30–4.60)
• Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, 500 mg, 12 capsules): $400–700 ($7–12 US | €6.50–11)
• Salbutamol (asthma inhaler): $800–1,200 ($14–20 US | €13–18.50)

4.3. Private health insurance

Since the public system doesn’t always have the best resources and private treatments are expensive, international health insurance has become the preferred choice among residents and expats. The premium depends on several factors, such as coverage and the insurer. 

Some of the country’s most popular companies are ARS Universal and Humano Seguros. Their basic policies start at $3,500–6,000 RD ($60–100 US | €55–92) per month. Premium coverage can exceed $15,000 RD ($250 US | €230) monthly.

5. Internet and phone plan prices in the Dominican Republic

Let’s move on to another key point: how will you stay connected? You’ll find several companies offering fixed and mobile internet, with options for different needs and budgets. However, as in many countries in the region, the quality of the connection may vary by location. In big cities, coverage is good, but in rural areas, it’s less stable. Let’s check the prices of different internet solutions:

5.1. Fixed internet: prices and speeds

The most popular Dominican operators offer internet plans with fibre optic and other technologies. Let’s analyse some examples of prices and speeds:

• Claro Dominicana: one of the country’s biggest providers. Offers fixed internet plans with speeds from 5 Mbps up to 300 Mbps.
  • 10 Mbps plan: $1,095 RD ($19 US | €17.50) per month
  • 50 Mbps plan: $1,895 RD ($33 US | €30.20) per month
  • 300 Mbps plan: $3,495 RD ($61 US | €56) per month
• Altice Dominicana: offers fibre optic plans with different speeds and prices.
  • 10 Mbps plan: $995 RD ($17 US | €16) per month
  • 100 Mbps plan: $2,495 RD ($44 US | €41.50) per month
• Wind Telecom: offers wireless and fibre internet in several cities.
  • 5 Mbps plan: $850 RD ($15 US | €13.80) per month
  • 20 Mbps plan: $1,750 RD ($30 US | €28.20) per month

5.2. Mobile plans: calls and data

Were you thinking more about a mobile plan with calls and data? These are some 2025 options:

• Claro Dominicana
  • Plan with 10 GB of data and unlimited calls: $1,150 RD ($20 US | €18.50) per month
  • Plan with 30 GB of data and unlimited calls: $1,850 RD ($32 US | €30) per month
• Altice Dominicana
  • Plan with 15 GB of data and unlimited calls: $1,200 RD ($21 US | €19) per month
  • Plan with 50 GB of data and unlimited calls: $2,500 RD ($44 US | €41.50) per month

5.3. Global internet plans

If you plan to use your stay in the Dominican Republic to travel around the region, then Holafly’s monthly plans may suit you best. You won’t need to change SIMs every time you cross a border or depend on local ones. With the eSIM you’ll have unlimited data (€64.90 | $67.90 US) in over 170 countries and can connect several devices at once. Plans can be taken out and cancelled anytime with no commitment. Plus, support is 24/7 in English.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

6. Cost of living in the Dominican Republic: Leisure

We can’t finish this review of the cost of living in the Dominican Republic without talking about leisure prices. In a country with so many tourist spots to visit and plenty of entertainment options, it’s essential to set aside part of your monthly budget for it. Before giving you examples, we can say there are options for all budgets. In tourist hotspots like Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, however, you’ll find higher ticket prices.

6.1. Prices of recreational activities

Want to buy tickets for the cinema, theatre, or spend a day in a theme park? Expect to pay:

• Cinema ticket in chains like Caribbean Cinemas: between $5 and $8 US (€4.60–7.40).
• Theatre plays at the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito: from $15 to $30 US (€13.85–27.70).
• Theme parks like Scape Park in Cap Cana: entry from $129 US (€119.20) per person.
• Santo Domingo National Zoo: entry $10 US (€9.25).
• Coco Bongo Punta Cana (night show with open bar): tickets $70–170 US (€64.75–157.55).

6.2. Prices of tourist attractions

You can’t live in the Dominican Republic without visiting some of its most popular attractions. Here are some prices you’ll find:

• Los Tres Ojos, the famous park with underground lagoons in Santo Domingo: entry $2 US (€1.85).
• Excursion to Saona Island with transport and food included: $70–100 US (€64.75–92.15).
• Alcázar de Colón, in the Colonial Zone: entry $3 US (€2.80).
• Hoyo Azul in Scape Park, Cap Cana: $129 uS (€119.20) per person.

After reviewing ticket prices and access to leisure spots, we’ve reached the end of our analysis of the cost of living in the Dominican Republic in 2025. Overall, we could say prices aren’t very different from those in neighbouring countries. You can also check our post about taxes in the Dominican Republic to get a complete picture of the expenses you’d face if you move there.

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