The REAL Cost of Living in Santo Domingo 🇩🇴 (2025 Guide for Expats & Long-Term Travelers)

Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Nov 18, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 28, 2025

A real look at daily life and monthly expenses in Santo Domingo — from housing and utilities to food, transportation, and lifestyle costs.

Moving to the Dominican Republic — or even staying long-term — can feel like a dream. Sunshine, culture, good food, good people, and a slower pace of life. But let’s talk facts: Santo Domingo is NOT the cheapest city in the Caribbean.

If you’re thinking about relocating, retiring, or staying for a few months, here’s a realistic breakdown of what everyday life actually costs.

🏠 Housing: The Biggest Factor

Housing in Santo Domingo depends heavily on the area, security, building amenities, and how close you are to major roads.

💰 Average Monthly Rent (2025):

Local Neighborhoods: $350–$500 USD
Middle-Class Areas (Ensanche, Los Prados, Naco boundaries): $550–$900
Expat Popular Zones (Naco, Piantini, Serrallés): $1,000–$1,700+
Luxury High-Rise With Amenities: $1,800–$2,800+

Important: Many apartments require:✔ 1 month security deposit✔ 1 month advance✔ 1 month commission for the real estate agent

So your first month is usually 3× the rent.

⚡ Utilities & Power Bills

Electricity is where most expats are shocked.

Average Monthly:

Electricity (Light Bill): $80–$180
- With A/C use? $200–$350+
Water: $5–$15
Gas for cooking: $8–$12
Internet: $25–$50

Tip: Power outages are normal in many neighborhoods. Some buildings have inverters or plantas (generators) — this affects rent prices but adds huge convenience.

🍗 Groceries (Prices vary by where you shop)

Santo Domingo has three grocery options:1️⃣ Local colmados (cheaper)2️⃣ Supermarkets like Bravo, Nacional, Sirena3️⃣ Specialty stores (imported foods $$$)

Weekly Grocery Average:

Single person: $40–$70
Couple: $60–$100
Family with a child: $100–$160

Imported goods hit your wallet the hardest:

Almond milk: $4–$6
Cheese: $5–$12
Peanut butter: $5–$8
Cereal: $4–$8

Local foods are affordable:

Chicken breast: $2.50–$3.50/lb
Plantains: $0.20–$0.35 each
Rice: $1.50–$2/lb

🍛 Eating Out

Local spots (comida criolla): $3–$6 per plate
Fast food: $6–$10
Mid-range restaurants: $12–$25 per person
High-end dining (Piantini/Naco): $40–$120+ per couple

If you eat out often, your cost of living WILL jump.

🚗 Transportation

Options:

Uber: $2–$8 within the city
Moto-concho: $1–$3 (fast but risky)
Car ownership:
- Cars cost more than the U.S. and Canada.
- Insurance $35–$70/month
- Gas: ~$5.50/gal
- Repairs: cheap labor, expensive parts

Traffic is real. Very real.

🏥 Healthcare

One of the bright spots of living in the DR.

Private health insurance: $25–$80/month
Doctor visit: $15–$40
Emergency room: $40–$80
Prescription meds: often 50–70% less than U.S.

If you need specialists, Santo Domingo is the best place in the country.

☀ Lifestyle Costs

Gym: $20–$45/month
Phone plan: $15–$25
House cleaning: $15–$25 per visit
Childcare: $150–$300/month
Weekend beach trips: $25–$60 (gas + food)

🧾 Monthly Cost of Living Summary

Single Person

Basic lifestyle: $700–$1,000
Comfortable lifestyle: $1,200–$1,600
Luxury lifestyle: $2,200+

Couple

Basic: $1,000–$1,400
Comfortable: $1,600–$2,200
Luxury: $3,000+

Family (with 1–2 kids)

Basic: $1,400–$2,000
Comfortable: $2,000–$3,000
Luxury: $4,000+

💡 Final Thoughts: Is Santo Domingo Affordable?

Yes — if you understand the reality.The DR is not “cheap” everywhere. Some things cost less, others cost more. Safety, electricity stability, and neighborhood quality all play a major role.

Most expats overspend simply because they don’t know where to live or what areas match their lifestyle.

If you plan it right, Santo Domingo can offer:✔ A lower-pressure life✔ A warm culture✔ Better balance✔ A fresh start✔ And more financial control than many U.S. cities