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Cost of Living in El Cacao

El Cacao, Valdesia, Dominican Republic · Population 13,778

▼ -16% vs Dominican Republic average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RD$24,026 ($407)
Couple, monthlyRD$42,720 ($724)
Family of four, monthlyRD$55,323 ($938)

Estimated Prices in El Cacao

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRD$255 ($4.32)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRD$1,020 ($17.28)per meal
CappuccinoRD$76.46 ($1.30)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RD$5,777 ($97.92)per month
Monthly public transport passRD$935 ($15.84)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRD$2,464 ($41.76)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RD$714 ($12.10)per month
Fitness club membershipRD$714 ($12.10)per month
Cinema ticketRD$187 ($3.17)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$10,111 ($171)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRD$7,034 ($119)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$21,102 ($358)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in El Cacao is RD$23,895 ($405) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RD$24,026 ($407) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RD$31,234 ($529) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RD$7,034 ($119)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare El Cacao

El Cacao vs Santo DomingoEl Cacao vs SantiagoEl Cacao vs Santo Domingo EsteEl Cacao vs Puerto PlataEl Cacao vs La VegaEl Cacao vs San Cristóbal

Nearby Cities

Cambita Garabitos

13 km away · Valdesia

San Cristóbal

21 km away · Valdesia

San José de Ocoa

21 km away · Valdesia

Villa Altagracia

22 km away · Valdesia

Pedro Brand

23 km away · Ozama

Yaguate

25 km away · Valdesia

Baní

26 km away · Valdesia

Rancho Arriba

28 km away · Valdesia

Other Major Cities in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

Ozama · pop. 4,274,651

RD$35,682 ($605) / mo

Santiago

Cibao Norte · pop. 1,343,423

RD$30,975 ($525) / mo

Santo Domingo Este

Ozama · pop. 948,855

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

Puerto Plata

Cibao Norte · pop. 338,339

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

La Vega

Cibao Sur · pop. 282,055

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

San Cristóbal

Valdesia · pop. 275,232

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

Los Alcarrizos

Ozama · pop. 272,776

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

Higüey

Yuma · pop. 251,243

RD$28,643 ($485) / mo

Living in El Cacao

El Cacao is one of the key cities in Dominican Republic. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RD$24,026 ($407), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RD$7,034 ($119) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RD$55,323 ($938) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RD$42,720 ($724) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in El Cacao is RD$23,895 ($405). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RD$31,234 ($529) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Cacao expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RD$24,026 ($407) per month in El Cacao including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Dominican Republic.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in El Cacao?
A net salary of around RD$31,234 ($529) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in El Cacao with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in El Cacao is RD$23,895 ($405).
How much is rent in El Cacao?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RD$10,111 ($171) per month in the city centre and RD$7,034 ($119) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RD$21,102 ($358).
Is El Cacao cheaper than Dominican Republic on average?
Yes — El Cacao is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Dominican Republic average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in El Cacao?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RD$5,777 ($98) in El Cacao. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RD$255 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around RD$76 ($1).
How do transport costs in El Cacao compare?
A monthly public transport pass in El Cacao is estimated at RD$935 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for El Cacao are estimates based on Dominican Republic national averages adjusted for city size (population 13,778). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.