Cost of living in Dominican Republic compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 38% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Dominican Republic is 38% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RD$ 907 ($15) | $21 | - 29% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RD$ 459 ($8) | $12 | - 36% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RD$ 186 ($3.13) | $5.90 | - 47% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RD$ 74 ($1.26) | $1.09 | + 15% | |
12 eggs, large | RD$ 143 ($2.42) | $5.64 | - 57% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RD$ 102 ($1.73) | $4.83 | - 64% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RD$ 328 ($5.54) | $8 | - 28% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RD$ 195 ($3.29) | $4.22 | - 22% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RD$ 140 ($2.36) | $2.29 | + 3% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RD$ 151 ($2.55) | $3.82 | - 33% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RD$ 955 ($16) | $18 | - 11% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RD$ 85 ($1.43) | $2.97 | - 52% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RD$ 76 ($1.28) | $3.03 | - 58% | |
Housing | - 72% | |||
Housing in Dominican Republic is 72% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RD$ 47,739 ($806) | $3,077 | - 74% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RD$ 29,423 ($497) | $2,368 | - 79% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RD$ 4,990 ($84) | $237 | - 65% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RD$ 25,938 ($438) | $2,237 | - 80% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RD$ 15,047 ($254) | $1,636 | - 84% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RD$ 2,685 ($45) | $171 | - 74% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RD$ 1,022 ($17) | $61 | - 72% | |
40” flat screen tv | RD$ 25,503 ($430) | $251 | + 72% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RD$ 8,484 ($143) | $153 | - 7% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RD$ 462 ($8) | $16 | - 51% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RD$ 1,389 ($23) | $34 | - 31% | |
Clothes | - 54% | |||
Clothes in Dominican Republic is 54% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RD$ 1,368 ($23) | $58 | - 60% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RD$ 1,197 ($20) | $50 | - 59% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RD$ 4,558 ($77) | $105 | - 27% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RD$ 3,926 ($66) | $142 | - 53% | |
Transportation | - 41% | |||
Transportation in Dominican Republic is 41% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RD$ 1,473,590 ($24,871) | $30,884 | - 19% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RD$ 75 ($1.26) | $0.93 | + 36% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RD$ 2,123 ($36) | $85 | - 58% | |
Personal Care | - 50% | |||
Personal Care in Dominican Republic is 50% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RD$ 466 ($8) | $10 | - 18% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RD$ 229 ($3.86) | $24 | - 84% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RD$ 2,347 ($40) | $168 | - 76% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RD$ 395 ($7) | $10 | - 31% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RD$ 289 ($4.88) | $5.27 | - 8% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RD$ 332 ($5.60) | $7 | - 22% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RD$ 202 ($3.41) | $5.09 | - 33% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RD$ 218 ($3.68) | $2.41 | + 53% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RD$ 876 ($15) | $31 | - 53% | |
Entertainment | - 57% | |||
Entertainment in Dominican Republic is 57% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Dominican Republic | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RD$ 1,134 ($19) | $61 | - 69% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RD$ 576 ($10) | $31 | - 68% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RD$ 3,500 ($59) | $250 | - 76% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RD$ 2,700 ($46) | $105 | - 57% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RD$ 649 ($11) | $15 | - 27% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RD$ 266 ($4.49) | $5.99 | - 25% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RD$ 241 ($4.07) | $8 | - 46% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RD$ 21,141 ($357) | $464 | - 23% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RD$ 10 ($0.17) | $0.52 | - 67% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RD$ 2,630 ($44) | $72 | - 38% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RD$ 301 ($5.07) | $11 | - 55% | |
TOTAL | - 55% |

These prices were last updated on June 18, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.01688
USD
/
DOP
Cost of living in Dominican Republic is 55% cheaper than in United States
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