Cost of living in Santiago de los Caballeros

Santiago de los Caballeros, often referred to simply as Santiago, is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. Known for its vibrant culture and historical significance, Santiago is a bustling urban center that attracts both locals and expatriates.Understanding the cost of living in Santiago is crucial for anyone considering moving to or investing in the city. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect financially in 2024.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5 on average, with a range between $3.33 and $15.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $44.16, with prices ranging from $33.33 to $100.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.83, with a range between $5 and $6.67.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $2.5 to $5, imported beer $5 to $5.83, cappuccino $1 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $5.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.92 and $1.33 per liter, averaging $1.05.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.5 and $1.47, with an average price of $1.29.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1 to $1.67, averaging $1.29.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.67 to $3.58 per kg, while oranges range from $1.47 to $2.53 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.73 and $1.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $1 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.58.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.29 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $2.5 to $2.83 per km and $8.33 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $249.96 to $1200, averaging $416.6.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $249.96 to $300, averaging $266.62.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $499.92 to $2500, averaging $645.73.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $299.95 to $416.6, averaging $341.61.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $999.84.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $666.56.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $49.58 and $125.91, averaging $50.5.
InternetInternet services range from $27.63 to $54.16, with an average cost of $33.57.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 24 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$5.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$44.16

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$5.83

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.33

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.83

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.65

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.39

Cappuccino (regular)

$2.06

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.05

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.29

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.29

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.34

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$12.50

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.39

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.17

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$3.92

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.70

Apples (1kg)

$2.19

Oranges (1kg)

$2.00

Potato (1kg)

$1.03

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.59

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.49

Tomato (1kg)

$1.13

Banana (1kg)

$0.85

Onion (1kg)

$1.81

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$12.28

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.58

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.27

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$16,664.05

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.50

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$2.67

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.33

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$18,330.45

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$433.28

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

15.67%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$249.96

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$1,899.70

Worldwide

Dominican Republic

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Dominican Republic are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Dominican Republic, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Expensive

About this index

Santiago de los Caballeros Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Santiago de los Caballeros offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other urban centers. Dining out is inexpensive, and grocery prices are reasonable, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. However, options outside the centre are more budget-friendly.
Transportation is affordable, with low costs for public transport and gasoline. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Santiago.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Santiago de los Caballeros presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking a balance between urban amenities and affordability.

The city's diverse offerings in dining, housing, and transportation make it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates. Whether you're planning to move or invest, understanding these costs will help you make informed decisions.

Santiago de los Caballeros