How much does it cost to live in the Dominican Republic?

How much does paradis cost? Price overview in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is famous for its luxurious beaches, emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea and magnificent climate. No wonder tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year. However, staying in this paradise does not come cheap.

High duties on imported goods, the influx of wealthy tourists from the United States, as well as the active development of infrastructure could not but affect local prices. Let's figure out what it costs to live in the Dominican Republic for a long-term stay.

Where to stay in the Dominican Republic?

Foreigners who decide to settle in the country for a long time, most often buy real estate in such popular resort areas as Sosua, Cabarete, Punta Cana, Bavaro. Due to the year-round tourist season, the rental yield can reach 10% per year.

The cost of real estate here is quite comfortable for a European wallet. For 50-80 thousand euros, you can buy a small apartment near the sea. On average, the price per square meter in the secondary market starts from 2000 euros, in the primary market – from 2500 to 3500 euros.

A house with an area of 100 sq.m in a protected area will cost at least 100 thousand euros. Luxury villas start from half a million euros.

As for renting, a studio in Punta Cana can be rented for 25-40 euros per day. And a long-term rental of an apartment for a family will cost from 650 to 700 euros per month plus a deposit in the amount of a monthly payment.

When choosing a home, pay attention to seasonality. In winter, prices are higher due to the peak tourist season. But in autumn and spring, you can save up to 40% of the rental price.

How much do utilities cost?

The biggest expense item is electricity. Its cost varies from 0.2 to 0.4 euros per kWh, depending on the region and type of housing. It takes up to 250 euros per month to pay for air conditioners.

Other expenses for housing and communal services:

Gas – 10-15 euros
Internet – from 60 euros
Water and garbage are included in the rent
In total, a family of 2-3 people spends on average about 130-150 euros per month on communal services.

How much does food cost in shops and restaurants

Most of the products in the Dominican Republic are imported, so their prices are quite high. On average, food costs 340-400 euros per couple of people per month.

Milk 1 liter – 1 euro
Eggs 12 pieces – 1.5-2 euros
Cheese 1 kg – 3.5-10 euros
Chicken 1 kg – 2.5-4 euros
Beef 1 kg – 4-8 euros
Lunch in a restaurant for two with a bottle of wine will cost 70-90 euros. Pizza in the cafe costs 9-10 euros.

To save money, it is better to go to local eateries – you can eat there for 4-5 euros.

Transportation costs

A mid–range car (such as a Golf or Corolla) - 19-21 thousand euros
Gasoline – about 1 euro per liter
City bus fare – 0.1-0.5 euros, monthly pass – 13.8-15 euros
A 10 km taxi ride costs about 4 euros
Other items of expenditure

Health insurance for six months – from 300 euros per person
Gym membership – 25-40 euros per month
Cinema ticket – 4-5 euros
Let's summarize the results. To live comfortably in the Dominican Republic, renting an apartment and not unnecessarily saving on food and entertainment, a couple will need about 1500-1700 euros per month. For a single person, the costs will amount to about 900-1000 euros. So life in the Dominican paradise is quite affordable – the main thing is to calculate the real budget in advance.