Cost Of Living For a Couple in Santo Domingo 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Santo Domingo

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: DOP
8,400 25,000 130,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $430 $2,300

Average monthly spending for couples in Santo Domingo

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Santo Domingo?

Couples in Santo Domingo spend around 25,000 DOP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 8,400 DOP or as high as 130,000 DOP. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Santo Domingo


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Santo Domingo

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

20 DOP 39 DOP 65 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.67 $1.1

Restaurant meal for one

69 DOP 100 DOP 210 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.5

Fine dining meal for one

140 DOP 210 DOP 830 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.5 $14

Cappuccino or latte

16 DOP 26 DOP 39 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.28 $0.45 $0.67

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

13 DOP 16 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.27 $0.33

12 eggs

9.8 DOP 13 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.22 $0.33

Fresh whole chicken

22 DOP 29 DOP 41 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.49 $0.70

Pack of beef

26 DOP 39 DOP 79 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.67 $1.3

Medium bag of rice

11 DOP 14 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.25 $0.35

Bag of tomatos

3.9 DOP 5.2 DOP 9.8 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.17

Bag of apples

7 DOP 9.2 DOP 15 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.26
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Santo Domingo


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

17 DOP 21 DOP 41 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.29 $0.35 $0.70

Average car full tank

98 DOP 130 DOP 260 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.2 $4.5

Average car 1-day rental

110 DOP 140 DOP 220 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.5 $3.7

Average car price

49,000 DOP 98,000 DOP 130,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830 $1,700 $2,200

Bus ticket one way

3.6 DOP 5.4 DOP 11 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.06 $0.09 $0.18

Car Service

140 DOP 220 DOP 430 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.7 $7.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Santo Domingo


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

330 DOP 1,100 DOP 7,400 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $19 $130

Internet and cable

98 DOP 200 DOP 260 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $3.3 $4.5

Mobile phone charges

79 DOP 130 DOP 390 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.2 $6.7

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

49 DOP 65 DOP 98 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $1.1 $1.7

One month gym membership

170 DOP 220 DOP 430 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.7 $7.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Santo Domingo


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

130 DOP 180 DOP 270 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3.1 $4.6

Woman dress

120 DOP 170 DOP 540 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.8 $9.2

Woman shoes

110 DOP 150 DOP 360 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.6 $6.1

Men's shoes

98 DOP 120 DOP 240 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2 $4.1

Men suit

110 DOP 140 DOP 720 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.3 $12

Regular t-shirt

54 DOP 72 DOP 220 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.2 $3.7
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Santo Domingo


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,800 DOP 2,700 DOP 7,200 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $120

1-bedroom apartment

2,700 DOP 4,300 DOP 11,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $74 $180

2-bedroom apartment

3,600 DOP 5,400 DOP 14,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $92 $250

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

360,000 DOP 540,000 DOP 1.1M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6,100 $9,200 $18,000

1-bedroom apartment

430,000 DOP 720,000 DOP 2.7M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,400 $12,000 $46,000

2-bedroom apartment

720,000 DOP 2.2M DOP 4.3M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $37,000 $74,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Santo Domingo


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

2,000 DOP 2,500 DOP 3,300 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $42 $56

Double Bed

1,300 DOP 2,000 DOP 2,500 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $42

Single Bed

1,200 DOP 1,500 DOP 2,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $33

Living Room

2,200 DOP 2,800 DOP 9,800 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $48 $170

Dining Table

980 DOP 1,300 DOP 2,500 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $22 $42

Sofa or Couch

1,300 DOP 1,800 DOP 3,900 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $67
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Santo Domingo


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

1,300 DOP 2,000 DOP 3,900 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $67

Fridge or Freezer

1,200 DOP 1,800 DOP 2,500 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $42

Washing Machine

1,500 DOP 2,200 DOP 3,900 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $37 $67

Stove or Cooker

1,400 DOP 1,800 DOP 2,500 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $42

Mobile Phone

1,600 DOP 2,000 DOP 2,800 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $33 $48

Laptop or Computer

1,800 DOP 2,200 DOP 3,900 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $37 $67
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Santo Domingo

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Santo Domingo

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Santo Domingo

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

89%

83% to 98%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Santo Domingo spend around 89% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 83% of their income while some as high as 98%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Santo Domingo

How do couples spend their money in Santo Domingo?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost25%

25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)

LOW$48   2,800 DOP
AVERAGE$140   8,500 DOP
HIGH$770   45,000 DOP
Per Month

Couples in Santo Domingo typically spend from 18% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 8,500 DOP with expenditure ranging from 2,800 DOP to 45,000 DOP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$5.7   330 DOP
AVERAGE$19   1,100 DOP
HIGH$130   7,400 DOP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Santo Domingo ranges from 6% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,100 DOP with 330 DOP and 7,400 DOP being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$17   1,000 DOP
AVERAGE$51   3,000 DOP
HIGH$270   16,000 DOP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 1,000 DOP to 16,000 DOP in a month on commuting with 3,000 DOP being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 2% or as high as 13%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$20   1,200 DOP
AVERAGE$60   3,500 DOP
HIGH$320   19,000 DOP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Santo Domingo is 3,500 DOP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,200 DOP to 19,000 DOP. Couples spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$16   920 DOP
AVERAGE$47   2,800 DOP
HIGH$250   15,000 DOP
Per Month

Couples in Santo Domingo allocate 9% to 19% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 15%. The range of medical expenses range from 920 DOP to 15,000 DOP with 2,800 DOP being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$8.5   500 DOP
AVERAGE$26   1,500 DOP
HIGH$140   8,000 DOP
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 500 DOP to 8,000 DOP with 1,500 DOP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$2.8   170 DOP
AVERAGE$8.5   500 DOP
HIGH$45   2,700 DOP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 500 DOP per month with 170 DOP being the minimum spent amount and 2,700 DOP being the maximum.

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)

LOW$24   1,400 DOP
AVERAGE$72   4,300 DOP
HIGH$390   23,000 DOP
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Santo Domingo

What percentage of couples in Santo Domingo are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
57%
Not Saving
44%

Almost 57% of surveyed couples in Santo Domingo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Santo Domingo

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,500 DOP
$42
7,400 DOP
$130
39,000 DOP
$670
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 12% to 34% of their monthly income to their savings, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 7,400 DOP with 2,500 DOP and 39,000 DOP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Santo Domingo

Saving Challenges in Santo Domingo

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Santo Domingo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans12%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later22%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure2%
Market Instability2%

Around 4% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 12% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 22% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Santo Domingo

Typical saving choices for couples in Santo Domingo

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold14%
Savings Accounts16%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings22%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks3%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit2%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Santo Domingo

Affordable living in Santo Domingo

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Santo Domingo?


Yes
51%
No
49%

Around 51% of surveyed couples think that living in Santo Domingo is affordable with proper budgeting while 49% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Santo Domingo

Low-cost alternatives in Santo Domingo

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the couples living in Santo Domingo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Santo Domingo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes50%

No50%


Based on the survey, 50% of the couples living in Santo Domingo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 50% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Santo Domingo

Financial Literacy in Dominican Republic

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy42%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Santo Domingo whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 58% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 42% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Dominican Republic have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance51%

Easily manages finances49%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Santo Domingo

Financial goals of couples in Santo Domingo

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Santo Domingo, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund9%
Debt Reduction46%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle5%
Healthcare Expenses15%
Financial Independence4%

Around 9% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 46% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 5% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 15% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Santo Domingo

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Santo Domingo


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
69%

According to the survey, 32% of the couples in Santo Domingo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo

Debt-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo

Debt to income ratio

34%

25% to 43%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 34% of a couple's monthly income in Santo Domingo goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%4%
50% - 60%20%
40% - 50%16%
30% - 40%18%
20% - 30%9%
10% - 20%10%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Santo Domingo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 20% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 9% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Santo Domingo

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage7%
Auto Loan13%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card31%
Personal Loan45%

7% of debtors in Santo Domingo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 31% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 13% of people and personal loans rose at 45%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Santo Domingo.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Santo Domingo

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Santo Domingo how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never49%
Once a year25%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year5%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Santo Domingo

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Santo Domingo

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Santo Domingo

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 DOP 2,700 DOP 7,200 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $120

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,700 DOP 4,300 DOP 11,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $74 $180

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,600 DOP 5,400 DOP 14,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $92 $250

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4,300 DOP 7,200 DOP 20,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $120 $330

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

8,700 DOP 22,000 DOP 43,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $370 $740

Townhouse monthly rent cost

7,200 DOP 11,000 DOP 31,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $530

House monthly rent cost

8,700 DOP 22,000 DOP 43,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $370 $740

Villa monthly rent cost

11,000 DOP 27,000 DOP 43,000 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $460 $740

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Santo Domingo ranges between 1,800 DOP and 7,200 DOP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,700 DOP to 11,000 DOP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3,600 DOP and 14,000 DOP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 4,300 DOP to 20,000 DOP. The average rent of a townhouse in Santo Domingo is around 11,000 DOP while house rental costs can be as high as 22,000 DOP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 11,000 DOP to 43,000 DOP per month.



Apartment and house prices in Santo Domingo

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

360,000 DOP 540,000 DOP 1.1M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6,100 $9,200 $18,000

1-bedroom apartment price

430,000 DOP 720,000 DOP 2.7M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,400 $12,000 $46,000

2-bedroom apartment price

720,000 DOP 2.2M DOP 4.3M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $37,000 $74,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2.4M DOP 3.6M DOP 11M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$41,000 $61,000 $180,000

Townhouse price

3.1M DOP 7.2M DOP 27M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53,000 $120,000 $460,000

House price

3.6M DOP 22M DOP 31M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61,000 $370,000 $530,000

Villa price

4.3M DOP 24M DOP 36M DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74,000 $410,000 $610,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Santo Domingo can range from 360,000 DOP to 1.1M DOP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 430,000 DOP to 2.7M DOP. A villa can cost you 24M DOP on average with prices ranging from 4.3M DOP to 36M DOP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Santo Domingo will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


35 x99 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Santo Domingo can be x99 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x99 multiples of the average monthly salary in Santo Domingo.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.8%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


33 DOP 430 DOP 4,300 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Santo Domingo

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Santo Domingo

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

330 DOP 1,100 DOP 7,400 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $19 $130

Internet and cable cost

98 DOP 200 DOP 260 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $3.3 $4.5

Mobile phone bill and charges

79 DOP 130 DOP 390 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.2 $6.7

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 1,100 DOP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 98 DOP to 260 DOP with 200 DOP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 130 DOP but can range between 79 DOP and 390 DOP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.3% 6.5% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo is around 6.5%. This means that people pay 6.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Santo Domingo

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Santo Domingo

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

20 DOP 39 DOP 65 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.67 $1.1

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Santo Domingo is approximatly 39 DOP with meal cost ranging from 20 DOP to 65 DOP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

69 DOP 100 DOP 210 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.5

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 69 DOP and 210 DOP with 100 DOP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Santo Domingo.

Fine dining meal for one price

140 DOP 210 DOP 830 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.5 $14

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 140 DOP to 830 DOP with the average cost being 210 DOP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Santo Domingo.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

16 DOP 26 DOP 39 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.28 $0.45 $0.67

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Santo Domingo is around 26 DOP. Price ranges between 16 DOP and 39 DOP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

13 DOP 16 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.27 $0.33

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Santo Domingo is 16 DOP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 20 DOP and the minimum being 13 DOP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

9.8 DOP 13 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.22 $0.33

A dozen eggs costs around 13 DOP on average with 9.8 DOP and 20 DOP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

22 DOP 29 DOP 41 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.49 $0.70

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Santo Domingo is between 22 DOP and 41 DOP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 29 DOP.

Pack of beef price

26 DOP 39 DOP 79 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.67 $1.3

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 39 DOP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

11 DOP 14 DOP 20 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.25 $0.35

A bag of rice in Santo Domingo costs around 14 DOP on average with prices rangeing between 11 DOP and 20 DOP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

3.9 DOP 5.2 DOP 9.8 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.09 $0.17

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 3.9 DOP to 9.8 DOP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

7 DOP 9.2 DOP 15 DOP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.26

A bag of apples costs 9.2 DOP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


21% 29% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo is around 29%. This means that couples spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 36% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 1,200 DOP to 19,000 DOP with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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