Cost of living in Dominican Republic in 2025

Hello, been living in the downtown area of Punta Cana for 3 years now, here's my expenses living in a 3 bdroom 2 bath home with a medium size pool:

Buying a house similar to ours: $200,000

Monthly food shopping: $500

Health insurance for 2 adults: $160/month Mapfre

Tuition for children in private school: $100/month each student

Electrical costs: $150/month

Bottled Drinking water: $10/month

Internet/Cable TV Claro: $50/month

Cell Phone: $130/month for unlimited 2 adults T-Mobile

New Car purchase: $28,000

Car Insurance: $863/year

Leisure/Restaurants: $500/month

Taxes to the government: $0 except sales tax, I'm retired

Hope it helps...its good to live here!

I  have just returned to Santo Domingo East.  here are my current costs

rent  - large  4 bedroom house with a large pool   US 1,500

Transportation - it depends. Uber is cheaper but not available everywhere. Premium gas is like US 6 a gallon or something.

Grocery shopping - normally  US 250 a month max

How much does health insurance cost?  A good plan with reimbursement rights is  US 64 a month

What is the price of a medical consultation in Dominican Republic? runs between  2,000RD and 4,000 RD a consult

Electrical   US 150 I like my air con.

Cable Internet etc  US 75 for high speed and 3 cable boxes.I work partially from home.

Cell phone is  US 18 a month with full data plan.

Leisure activities - inexpensive, I do not eat out and I am a dancer not a drinker.

Other - Clothes - I buy almost everything online.

Makeup -  I buy online

Gifts etc - US 50 a month average over the year.

Hair  cut  -  US 8

Manicure  - US 7

Pedicure  - US 9

@b2kbassman

Hello, I have another question for you, what about pool maintenance, property maintenance? And also do you need to be a resident or a citizen to be exempt from paying property taxes?

thank you

I pay 8,000 Rd a month for pool maintenance plus chemicals.

No you don't need to be a citizen or resident to take advantage of the exemption

Why are groceries so expensive in Punta Cana?

@pharrison742

Tourist area my opinion

Why are groceries so expensive in Punta Cana? - @pharrison742

It also depends on what you buy! If you’re buying imported or prepared/processes foods, the costs will be much higher than buying local products.

Does anyone have any information regarding living in Santa de Barbara?  This area is my dream destination, and I would like to be there next year as a remote worker/digital nomad.  My goal is to have the local experience as opposed to the tourist experience.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you. 

Santiago:

New three bedroom condo with air conditioners each room, ceiling fans every room, electric hot water system,, washer/dryer, dishwasher- on the seventh floor (with beautiful daily Mountain views)

Monthly expenses

Rent- $1350 (includes maintenance)

Electric: $87.00 (only use AC at night or when humidity is highest)- mountain breeze is very comfortable all day long (and night) so all windows remain open daily.

Gas: $40.00

Water: free

iInternet: $100.00 (fiber)

transportation (Uber): $4 to $8 per trip (I prefer Uber vs owning).

Groceries (including non perishables): $400.00 

Haircut: $7.00.

No Medical Insurance

That sounds amazing. I’m looking for a job there (Santiago) to move within a year.

@Maggz

Where is Santa de Barbara? I have never heard of this place in DR.

Are you thinking of Santa Barbara de Samaná (Samaná city)?

@Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,  I lived in Puerto Plata and rented a one bedroom apartment for the first 3 years.  It was furnished, with all ulitities paid and included tv and internet.  When I first moved in the rent was $550.00 per month.  When I moved out 3 years later I was paying $650.00 per month. I purchased a small 3 bedroom house in Puerto Plata the Torre Alta area for $140,000.  The utilities are lights, water and internet.  Lights are $50 to $100 USD per month depending on weather, water is about $12.00 and internet $50.00.  I honestly miss the apartment because of the views I had of both the mountains and the ocean. The house is enclosed with the brick walls and the gates.  I can't really comment of public transit or the bus system, because I have not used them. I purchase a car and had it shipped to Puerto Plata.  The food prices are expensive everywhere.  I am probably spending $250 per month on Items purchase a cooked at home.  I eat lunch out most days at a cost of 700 pesos($12). Dinner at a really nice restaurant for 2 people with maybe one alcohol beverage each will probaby run between $75 to 100 us.  I am finding that maintance and upkeep on the property is a little more expensive than I had plan on. With leisure activities the sky can be the limit. It really depends on how active a person is and what they like to do.  2 weekends ago I drove down to Samana and stayed 3 nights and for my first time in the 20 years of visiting the Dominican Republic I went to see the whales in Samana Bay.  With the 3 nights hotel and gasoline and food cost and the boat tour that was about a $500 trip. I am mostly retired, and I travel a lot.  I hope this answer some of your questions.

@jlwalker9

How was the whale tour? I want to go next week before the season ends.  Thanks!

@rarjona0702 I do not think you will regret the move.  It’s a very quiet city…

@Profe Agayu

It is Samana City.

@wondering9

If you are replying to me, yes.