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Cost of Living in Mao

Mao, Cibao Noroeste, Dominican Republic · Population 106,818

▼ -6% vs Dominican Republic average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RD$26,904 ($456)
Couple, monthlyRD$47,902 ($812)
Family of four, monthlyRD$62,096 ($1,052)

Estimated Prices in Mao

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRD$283 ($4.80)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRD$1,133 ($19.20)per meal
CappuccinoRD$84.96 ($1.44)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RD$6,419 ($109)per month
Monthly public transport passRD$1,038 ($17.60)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRD$2,738 ($46.40)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RD$793 ($13.44)per month
Fitness club membershipRD$793 ($13.44)per month
Cinema ticketRD$208 ($3.52)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$11,535 ($196)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRD$8,024 ($136)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$24,072 ($408)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mao is RD$26,550 ($450) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RD$26,904 ($456) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RD$34,975 ($593) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RD$8,024 ($136)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mao

Mao vs Santo DomingoMao vs SantiagoMao vs Santo Domingo EsteMao vs Puerto PlataMao vs La VegaMao vs San Cristóbal

Nearby Cities

Esperanza

10 km away · Cibao Noroeste

Laguna Salada

11 km away · Cibao Noroeste

Maizal

12 km away · Cibao Noroeste

Jicomé

17 km away · Cibao Noroeste

Monción

18 km away · Cibao Noroeste

Los Hidalgos

20 km away · Cibao Norte

Villa Bisonó

22 km away · Cibao Norte

Altamira

28 km away · Cibao Norte

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 Mao

Mao is one of the key cities in Dominican Republic. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RD$26,904 ($456), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RD$8,024 ($136) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RD$62,096 ($1,052) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RD$47,902 ($812) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Mao is RD$26,550 ($450). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RD$34,975 ($593) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mao expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RD$26,904 ($456) per month in Mao including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Dominican Republic.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mao?
A net salary of around RD$34,975 ($593) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mao with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mao is RD$26,550 ($450).
How much is rent in Mao?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RD$11,535 ($196) per month in the city centre and RD$8,024 ($136) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RD$24,072 ($408).
Is Mao cheaper than Dominican Republic on average?
Yes — Mao is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Dominican Republic average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Mao?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RD$6,419 ($109) in Mao. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RD$283 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RD$85 ($1).
How do transport costs in Mao compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mao is estimated at RD$1,038 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mao are estimates based on Dominican Republic national averages adjusted for city size (population 106,818). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.