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Cost of Living in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, Ozama, Dominican Republic · Population 4,274,651 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Dominican Republic average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RD$35,682 ($605)
Couple, monthlyRD$63,749 ($1,080)
Family of four, monthlyRD$82,847 ($1,404)

Estimated Prices in Santo Domingo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRD$368 ($6.24)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRD$1,473 ($24.96)per meal
CappuccinoRD$110 ($1.87)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RD$8,345 ($141)per month
Monthly public transport passRD$1,350 ($22.88)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRD$3,559 ($60.32)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RD$1,031 ($17.47)per month
Fitness club membershipRD$1,031 ($17.47)per month
Cinema ticketRD$270 ($4.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$16,011 ($271)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRD$11,138 ($189)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRD$33,415 ($566)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santo Domingo is RD$34,515 ($585) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RD$35,682 ($605) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RD$46,387 ($786) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RD$11,138 ($189)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo vs SantiagoSanto Domingo vs Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo vs Puerto PlataSanto Domingo vs La VegaSanto Domingo vs San CristóbalSanto Domingo vs Los Alcarrizos

Nearby Cities

Santo Domingo Este

7 km away · Ozama

Los Alcarrizos

10 km away · Ozama

San Gregorio de Nigua

18 km away · Valdesia

Pedro Brand

20 km away · Ozama

San Cristóbal

21 km away · Valdesia

San Luis

27 km away · Ozama

Guerra

27 km away · Ozama

La Caleta

27 km away · Ozama

Other Major Cities in Dominican Republic

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

San Pedro de Macorís

Higuamo · pop. 217,141

RD$26,904 ($456) / mo

Living in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital and one of the key cities in Dominican Republic. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RD$35,682 ($605), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RD$11,138 ($189) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RD$82,847 ($1,404) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RD$63,749 ($1,080) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santo Domingo is RD$34,515 ($585). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RD$46,387 ($786) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santo Domingo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RD$35,682 ($605) per month in Santo Domingo including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Dominican Republic.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santo Domingo?
A net salary of around RD$46,387 ($786) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santo Domingo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santo Domingo is RD$34,515 ($585).
How much is rent in Santo Domingo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RD$16,011 ($271) per month in the city centre and RD$11,138 ($189) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RD$33,415 ($566).
Is Santo Domingo cheaper than Dominican Republic on average?
No — Santo Domingo is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Dominican Republic average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Santo Domingo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RD$8,345 ($141) in Santo Domingo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RD$368 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around RD$110 ($2).
How do transport costs in Santo Domingo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santo Domingo is estimated at RD$1,350 ($23). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santo Domingo are estimates based on Dominican Republic national averages adjusted for city size (population 4,274,651) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.