Cost of living in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santo Domingo, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.33 on average, with a range between $5 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $49.99, with prices ranging from $39.99 to $83.32.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.67, with a range between $5 and $8.17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.67 to $4.17, imported beer $3.33 to $7.5, cappuccino $1.17 to $3.67, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $3.33.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.98 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.31.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.33 and $3.49, with an average price of $1.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.33 to $4.17, averaging $2.39.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.83 to $4 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.67 and $2.94 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.62 to $1.25 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.42 and $0.83, with a monthly pass priced between $49.99 and $91.65.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.31 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.33, with a cost of $1 to $2.59 per km and $5 to $6.67 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $499.92 to $1166.48, averaging $734.78.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $249.96 to $749.88, averaging $414.23.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1083.16 to $2500, averaging $1499.81.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $499.92 to $1500, averaging $880.72.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1057.84 to $3332.81, averaging $1832.2.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $900.14 to $2057.26, averaging $1178.97.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $41.66 and $166.64, averaging $87.34.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.66 to $63.32, with an average cost of $42.68.
Cost of Living Rankings
Santo Domingo ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Dominican Republic. 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.
Cost of Living Data
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
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Childcare
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"Key Takeaways"
Santo Domingo offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, particularly in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel, making it easy to navigate the city.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and dairy products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santo Domingo presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those accustomed to higher living costs in other parts of the world.
Potential residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with access to affordable dining, housing, and transportation options, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and locals alike.