Cost Of Living in Santo Domingo 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Santo Domingo
Whether you're living in Santo Domingo or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: DOP
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: DOP
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: DOP
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: DOP
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: DOP
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Santo Domingo is 15,000 DOP. Expenses can range from 2,100 DOP at the minimum level to 100,000 DOP at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Santo Domingo is 25,000 DOP. Expenditure can range from 8,400 DOP to 130,000 DOP per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Santo Domingo is 33,000 DOP per month. Families spend anywhere from 12,000 DOP to 220,000 DOP.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Santo Domingo is 11,000 DOP. Students spend from 1,700 DOP to 74,000 DOP per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Santo Domingo
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 49,000 DOP | 98,000 DOP | 130,000 DOP |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 130 DOP | 900 DOP | 6,000 DOP |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 330 DOP | 1,100 DOP | 7,400 DOP |
Utility Bill - Family
| 590 DOP | 1,700 DOP | 11,000 DOP |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 1,800 DOP | 2,700 DOP | 7,200 DOP |
1-bedroom apartment
| 2,700 DOP | 4,300 DOP | 11,000 DOP |
2-bedroom apartment
| 3,600 DOP | 5,400 DOP | 14,000 DOP |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 360,000 DOP | 540,000 DOP | 1.1M DOP |
1-bedroom apartment
| 430,000 DOP | 720,000 DOP | 2.7M DOP |
2-bedroom apartment
| 720,000 DOP | 2.2M DOP | 4.3M DOP |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 2,000 DOP | 2,500 DOP | 3,300 DOP |
Double Bed
| 1,300 DOP | 2,000 DOP | 2,500 DOP |
Single Bed
| 1,200 DOP | 1,500 DOP | 2,000 DOP |
Living Room
| 2,200 DOP | 2,800 DOP | 9,800 DOP |
Dining Table
| 980 DOP | 1,300 DOP | 2,500 DOP |
Sofa or Couch
| 1,300 DOP | 1,800 DOP | 3,900 DOP |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 1,300 DOP | 2,000 DOP | 3,900 DOP |
Fridge or Freezer
| 1,200 DOP | 1,800 DOP | 2,500 DOP |
Washing Machine
| 1,500 DOP | 2,200 DOP | 3,900 DOP |
Stove or Cooker
| 1,400 DOP | 1,800 DOP | 2,500 DOP |
Mobile Phone
| 1,600 DOP | 2,000 DOP | 2,800 DOP |
Laptop or Computer
| 1,800 DOP | 2,200 DOP | 3,900 DOP |
Expenditure to Income Ratio 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.
Spending to Income Ratio
93%
87% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 8% |
| 60% - 70% | 14% |
| 70% - 80% | 24% |
| 80% - 90% | 22% |
| 90% - 100% | 12% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 3% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Santo Domingo is 93%
This means that on average, people spend around 93% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
93%
Couple
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
98%
Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
91%
110%
How do people spend their money in Santo Domingo?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
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 Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)
| LOW | $8.5 500 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $110 6,500 DOP |
| HIGH | $1,100 65,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
People living in Santo Domingo typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 6,500 DOP with expenditure ranging from 500 DOP to 65,000 DOP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $1.4 84 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $18 1,100 DOP |
| HIGH | $180 11,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Santo Domingo ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,100 DOP with 84 DOP and 11,000 DOP being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.8 170 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $37 2,200 DOP |
| HIGH | $370 22,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 170 DOP to 22,000 DOP on commuting with 2,200 DOP being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.
Food and Groceries Cost29%
29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)
| LOW | $7.1 420 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $92 5,400 DOP |
| HIGH | $920 54,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Santo Domingo is 5,400 DOP. The cost of groceries can range between 420 DOP to 54,000 DOP. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)
| LOW | $2 120 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $26 1,500 DOP |
| HIGH | $260 15,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
People in Santo Domingo allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 120 DOP to 15,000 DOP with 1,500 DOP being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $1.1 67 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $15 870 DOP |
| HIGH | $150 8,700 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 67 DOP to 8,700 DOP with 870 DOP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $1.7 100 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $22 1,300 DOP |
| HIGH | $220 13,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,300 DOP per month with 100 DOP being the minimum spent amount and 13,000 DOP being the maximum.
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $3.7 220 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $48 2,800 DOP |
| HIGH | $480 28,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Santo Domingo every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Santo Domingo manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 60% of the surveyed people in Santo Domingo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 40% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Santo Domingo
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 62% | 38% |
| Couples | 57% | 44% |
| Families | 51% | 49% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
490 DOP
$8.3 | 6,400 DOP
$110 | 64,000 DOP
$1,100 |
For most people, 11% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 6,400 DOP on average with savings ranging from 490 DOP to 64,000 DOP.
62% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 57% of couples said the same. 51% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Santo Domingo?
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.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
490 DOP
$8.3 | 4,400 DOP
$75 | 29,000 DOP
$500 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 17% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 4,400 DOP with 490 DOP and 29,000 DOP being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2,500 DOP
$42 | 7,400 DOP
$130 | 39,000 DOP
$670 |
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 who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 34% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 7,400 DOP with 2,500 DOP and 39,000 DOP being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,400 DOP
$58 | 9,800 DOP
$170 | 64,000 DOP
$1,100 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 21% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Santo Domingo can save anywhere between 9.8% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 9,800 DOP with 3,400 DOP and 64,000 DOP being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Santo Domingo
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Santo Domingo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 12% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 22% |
| Inflation | 14% |
| Social Pressure | 2% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 4% of the people 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% 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.
Typical saving choices for people in Santo Domingo
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 14% |
| Savings Accounts | 16% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 22% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 3% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 2% |
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.
Affordable living in Santo Domingo
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Santo Domingo?
Around 51% of surveyed residents 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.
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 residents 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 people 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
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 residents of Santo Domingo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes50%
No50%
Based on the survey, 50% of the people living in Santo Domingo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 50% said that they do.
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 residents of Dominican Republic 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 residents 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 of people 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 Fund | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 46% |
| Retirement Savings | 11% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 5% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 15% |
| Financial Independence | 4% |
Around 9% of those who participated in the survey 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.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Santo Domingo
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Santo Domingo and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Dominican Republic is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Santo Domingo:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 56,000 DOP |
| 30 | 110,000 DOP |
| 35 | 200,000 DOP |
| 40 | 280,000 DOP |
| 45 | 420,000 DOP |
| 50 | 590,000 DOP |
| 55 | 700,000 DOP |
| 60 | 870,000 DOP |
| 65 | 1M DOP |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Santo Domingo about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 11% |
| Savings | 24% |
| Investments | 11% |
| Social Security | 6% |
| Annuities | 6% |
| Part-time Job | 16% |
| Real Estate | 19% |
| Dividends and Interest | 6% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Santo Domingo 1,200 DOP
$21 | 11,000 DOP
$190 | 74,000 DOP
$1,300 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Santo Domingo
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 32% of the people 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.
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 the people's monthly income in Santo Domingo goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly 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 Mortgage | 7% |
| Auto Loan | 13% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 31% |
| Personal Loan | 45% |
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 managementManaging 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 residents 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 |
|---|
| Never | 49% |
| Once a year | 25% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 5% |
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 |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,700 DOP | 4,300 DOP | 11,000 DOP |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,600 DOP | 5,400 DOP | 14,000 DOP |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 4,300 DOP | 7,200 DOP | 20,000 DOP |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 8,700 DOP | 22,000 DOP | 43,000 DOP |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 7,200 DOP | 11,000 DOP | 31,000 DOP |
House monthly rent cost
| 8,700 DOP | 22,000 DOP | 43,000 DOP |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 11,000 DOP | 27,000 DOP | 43,000 DOP |
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 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 430,000 DOP | 720,000 DOP | 2.7M DOP |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 720,000 DOP | 2.2M DOP | 4.3M DOP |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 2.4M DOP | 3.6M DOP | 11M DOP |
Townhouse price
| 3.1M DOP | 7.2M DOP | 27M DOP |
| $53,000 | $120,000 | $460,000 |
House price
| $61,000 | $370,000 | $530,000 |
Villa price
| $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 |
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
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.
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.
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 / Individual
| 130 DOP | 900 DOP | 6,000 DOP |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 330 DOP | 1,100 DOP | 7,400 DOP |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 590 DOP | 1,700 DOP | 11,000 DOP |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Santo Domingo ranges between 130 DOP and 6,000 DOP with average being 900 DOP, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 1,100 DOP with 330 DOP and 7,400 DOP being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1,700 DOP. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and 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
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Santo Domingo is around 29%. This means that people 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 every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 2,400 DOP per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 340 DOP and 16,000 DOP depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 3,500 DOP per month. That number can be get as low as 1,200 DOP or a high as 19,000 DOP. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2,100 DOP to 39,000 DOP with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Santo Domingo
Housing cost for a single person28%
28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)
| LOW | $13 760 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $92 5,400 DOP |
| HIGH | $610 36,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $2.1 130 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $15 900 DOP |
| HIGH | $100 6,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.9 170 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $20 1,200 DOP |
| HIGH | $140 8,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $5.7 340 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $41 2,400 DOP |
| HIGH | $270 16,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $3.2 190 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $23 1,400 DOP |
| HIGH | $150 9,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $1.8 110 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $13 750 DOP |
| HIGH | $85 5,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $0.72 42 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $5.1 300 DOP |
| HIGH | $34 2,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses23%
23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $6.4 380 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $46 2,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $310 18,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Santo Domingo
Housing cost for a couple25%
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 |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
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 |
Transport and Fuel Cost8%
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 |
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 |
Healthcare Cost15%
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 |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
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 |
Education Cost1%
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 |
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 |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Santo Domingo
Housing cost for a family24%
24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)
| LOW | $64 3,700 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $180 11,000 DOP |
| HIGH | $1,200 70,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $10 590 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $28 1,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $180 11,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $20 1,200 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $57 3,300 DOP |
| HIGH | $370 22,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost22%
22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)
| LOW | $36 2,100 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $100 6,000 DOP |
| HIGH | $670 39,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)
| LOW | $18 1,100 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $57 3,300 DOP |
| HIGH | $300 17,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $10 590 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $28 1,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $180 11,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $28 1,600 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $80 4,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $520 30,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $16 940 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $45 2,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $300 17,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Santo Domingo
Housing costs for Student16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)
| LOW | $6.8 400 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $46 2,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $300 18,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $1.1 67 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $7.6 450 DOP |
| HIGH | $51 3,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $2 120 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $13 780 DOP |
| HIGH | $89 5,200 DOP |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)
| LOW | $5.7 330 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $38 2,200 DOP |
| HIGH | $250 15,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)
| LOW | $1.7 100 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $11 670 DOP |
| HIGH | $76 4,500 DOP |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $1.4 84 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $9.5 560 DOP |
| HIGH | $63 3,700 DOP |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $5.4 320 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $36 2,100 DOP |
| HIGH | $240 14,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $4.3 250 DOP |
| AVERAGE | $28 1,700 DOP |
| HIGH | $190 11,000 DOP |
| Per Month |
