What are the prices in the Dominican
Republic in 2024?

As a traveler, you may wonder what expenses you can expect when visiting the Dominican Republic. Will it be a budget-friendly destination or a costly one? The answer lies somewhere in between, as prices in the Dominican Republic can be both affordable and expensive, depending on where you go and what you do.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the prices in this tropical paradise and provide essential information to help you to plan your dream vacation while keeping your wallet happy.

The Dominican Republic’s living cost varies depending on the area. Life in Santo Domingo and famous vacation spots like Punta Cana and Cap Cana can be more expensive because of the influx of tourists. In contrast, prices may be lower in lesser-known tourist destinations, like Barahona, Samana Peninsula, or rural areas of the Dominican Republic.

Food prices in the Dominican Republic

Overall, food prices in the Dominican Republic can be considered moderate, with some regional variations. Prices in urban areas such as Santo Domingo and Santiago are slightly higher than in rural areas.

Current food prices at a local store, Punta Cana, June 2023
(in Dominican Pesos)

Also, there are many places to buy food in the Dominican Republic, including supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, and simple food kiosks. The assortment of products and prices can vary from place to place and city to city.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and staples such as rice, beans, and plantains are inexpensive. Seafood prices depend on proximity to the coast, with coastal areas offering a wider variety at more affordable prices.

Current vegetable prices, Punta Cana, June 2023
(in Dominican Pesos)

Dining out costs can be higher in tourist areas and major cities. However, if you are willing to try local street food, you can find delicious meals for a fraction of the cost of eating in a restaurant.

Food prices in markets in different areas of the DR
(in US Dollars)

	Punta Cana	Santo Domingo	Puerto Plata
Milk (regular) (1 liter)	$1.24	$1.30	$1.03
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g)	$1.40	$2.13	$2.17
Rice (white) (1kg)	$1.51	$1.25	$1.09
Eggs (regular) (12)	$2.34	$2.20	$1.56
Local cheese (1kg)	$10.21	$6.98	$7.96
Chicken fillets (1kg)	$5.11	$5.53	$3.84
Beef round (1kg)	$8.77	$10.52	$3.67
Apples (1kg)	$3.04	$2.47	$1.78
Banana (1kg)	$0.92	$0.67	$0.59
Oranges (1kg)	$2.21	$2.42	$2.72
Tomato (1kg)	$1.95	$1.17	$1.01
Potato (1kg)	$1.58	$1.52	$1.46
Onion (1kg)	$2.40	$2.36	$1.62
Lettuce (1 head)	$1.04	$0.80	$0.46
Water (1.5-liter bottle)	$1.01	$1.20	$0.62
Bottle of wine (mid-range)	$8.26	$10.94	$7.34
Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle)	$2.36	$2.47	$2.11
Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle)	$3.11	$3.57	$3.17
Cigarettes 20 pack (Marlboro)	$4.13	$1.30	$4.68

How much does a lunch cost in
the Dominican Republic?

In local, casual restaurants or street food stalls in the Dominican Republic, a typical meal can range from around $3 to $10 per person. In contrast, dining at upscale or tourist-oriented restaurants can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 or more per person, depending on the restaurant’s reputation, ambiance, and menu offerings.

Food prices in the Dominican Republic can vary greatly depending on where you prefer to eat.

• A basic meal at a local restaurant can cost around $5-10 per person. This usually includes rice, beans, meat (such as chicken or pork), plantains, and vegetable salad.
• Lunch at a more upscale restaurant typically includes a three-course meal that consists of an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The price will be up from $20 to $50 per person. You can easily order soft drinks or local beer from the menu for an additional cost.
• Lunch at home is the most budget-friendly option.

Average meal prices in restaurants in different areas of the DR
(in US Dollars)

	Punta Cana	Santo Domingo	Puerto Plata
Meal, inexpensive restaurant	$11.00	$9.12	$3.67
Meal for two people, mid-range restaurant, three-course	$75.00	$38.30	$40.85
McMeal at McDonald’s	$7.34	$7.29	$7.59
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught)	$4.33	$2.74	$2.11
Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle)	$5.50	$4.56	$3.35
Cappuccino (regular)	$2.57	$2.06	$1.59
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle)	$1.81	$0.84	$0.69
Water (0.33-liter bottle)	$1.04	$0.55	$0.89

Prices for some goods and services in
the DR (in US Dollars)

	Punta Cana	Santo Domingo	Puerto Plata
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment	$93.73	$86.73	$45.87
One min. of prepaid mobile tariff local (no discounts or plans)	$0.11	$0.26	$0.18
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	$56.31	$46.73	$65.60
Fitness club, monthly fee for one adult	$55.05	$39.87	$22.63
Tennis court rent (1 hour on the weekend)	$9.17	$14.16	$7.34
Cinema, international release, one seat	$5.50	$5.93	$4.59
Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for one child	$275.23	$190.35	$45.87
International primary school, yearly for one child	$6,061.16	$4,240.08	$1,100.92
A pair of jeans (Levis 501 or Similar)	$32.49	$60.99	$38.07
1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, etc.)	$37.94	$44.76	$45.44
A pair of Nike running shoes (mid-range)	$72.57	$100.30	$73.09
A pair of men’s leather business shoes	$146.79	$98.48	$58.91

Current prices for some products, Punta Cana, June 2023
(in Dominican Pesos)

Prices for housing in the
Dominican Republic

Housing prices in the Dominican Republic vary depending on the location and type of property. Still, generally, they are relatively affordable compared to many other popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, with a wide range of options available to suit different budgets.

How much does a hotel room cost in the Dominican Republic?

Typically, budget hotel rooms can be found for approximately $30-50 per night, whereas mid-range hotels usually range from $50-150 per night. On the other hand, luxury hotels may cost from $150 to several thousand dollars per night.

What is the average cost of renting an apartment or villa in the DR?

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Punta Cana can range from around $500 to $800 monthly. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent can be about $800 to $1,200 per month.

View all apartments

In Santo Domingo, the capital city, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is from $300 to $800, depending on the location and amenities. For a two-bedroom apartment, the rent can be around $600 to $1,500 per month. Significantly, prices in the Dominican Republic can vary greatly depending on location, level of luxury, amenities, and the length of the rental period.

Generally, villas in popular tourist areas such as Punta Cana or Casa de Campo can range from $2,000 to $10,000 monthly. However, renting villas in less touristy areas or smaller cities like Sosua, Cabarete, or Puerto Plata is cheaper. The average cost of a villa rental per month in these areas can range from $800 to $2,500.

View all villas

Accommodation prices in the DR
(in US Dollars, per month)

	Punta Cana	Santo Domingo	Puerto Plata
Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center	$787.73	$907.32	$229.36
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of the center	$433.33	$372.95	$189.60
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center	$1,389.30	$1,560.93	$397.55
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of the center	$643.43	$633.23	$348.62
Price per m2 to buy an apartment in the city center	$1,153.90	$1,445.56	$1,150.00
Price per m2 to buy an apartment outside of the center	$642.20	$848.44	$900.00

Is it expensive to travel across
the Dominican Republic?

The average prices for transportation in the Dominican Republic vary depending on the mode of transportation. A short taxi ride within Punta Cana can cost around $5 to $10, while a longer ride to a nearby town or attraction could cost about $30 to $50. A taxi ride from the airport to a hotel in Punta Cana can cost between $20-$40.

Fares in regions of the Dominican Republic
(in US Dollars)

	Punta Cana	Santo Domingo	Puerto Plata
One-way ticket (local transport)	$0.92	$0.64	$0.55
Monthly pass (regular price)	$27.52	$47.18	$33.03
Taxi start (standard tariff)	$9.17	$3.65	$4.59
Taxi 1km (standard tariff)	$2.00	$3.10	$2.47
Gasoline (1 liter)	$1.32	$5.47	$2.75

How do I find a cab in the Dominican Republic?

The most popular taxi services in the Dominican Republic are Uber and Cabify. However, they are unavailable in all areas of the country, and traditional taxi services are more common in some regions.

There are many cabs available throughout the country. You can find them parked near popular attractions or hotels in larger cities. You can also hail a cab on the street or call a local taxi service.

How much does it cost to rent a car in the DR?

You can expect to pay around $30 to $60 daily for a small or mid-size car, while a luxury car rental can cost $100 or more daily. Rental companies may require a deposit and offer additional insurance coverage options, which can increase the overall cost.

How much money should you take on vacation
to the Dominican Republic?

When organizing a trip, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure nothing is overlooked. One such factor is a clear understanding of the amount of money required for living expenses during your stay in the Dominican Republic.

To help with this, we’ll provide an overview of the cost range, including minimum, average, and maximum amounts. Let’s look at three scenarios as examples.

How much does a luxury vacation in the DR typically cost?

The first scenario is for those who plan a luxurious vacation in the Dominican Republic, which involves staying in high-end hotels and villas, dining at upscale restaurants, going on daily excursions, buying souvenirs, and shopping.

For dining at excellent restaurants ($50), a shopping trip ($200-300), and other vacation luxuries, the cost can add up to an additional +$500. Excursions in the Dominican Republic can range from $100 to $200. Thus, a luxurious vacation can cost you from $2,500 to $3,000 daily.

You can rent a luxury villa for $2,787 per night and get 12 bedrooms, 28 beds, and 13 bathrooms, allowing you to host extravagant parties and comfortably accommodate your guests afterward. Alternatively, you can rent elegant apartments that can accommodate up to 10 guests, with four bedrooms, five beds, and four bathrooms, for $2,000 per night.

View all luxury villas

Cost of mid-range vacation to the Dominican Republic

The second scenario is a cost of a comfortable stay in the Dominican Republic with a mid-range budget. You can expect to spend approximately $250 daily for this type of vacation.

This includes visiting mid-range restaurants ($10-20) and daily apartment rentals in resorts like Punta Cana ($170). If you plan excursions, add $100-$200. A suitable option for this case is the ocean view apartments.

All ocean view apartments

How much money do you need for a budget trip to the DR?

The third scenario is for absolute extreme or avid romantics. We will explore a scenario where an individual devotes all their leisure time to seeking out adventures.

This type of vacation includes calculating the cash costs only for the daily rent of the hostel and going to grocery stores. Although prices vary greatly, you can generally anticipate paying between $10 and $40 per night for a hostel.

It should be noted that there are no restrictions on fishing in the Dominican Republic. Fishing in the Dominican Republic takes place all year round so that you can turn your hobby into an additional food source.

How much money does a family need
for a day in the DR?

Let’s calculate how much money a family of four would need for a day in the Dominican Republic.

For a budget trip, a family can expect to spend about $100-150 daily for lodging, food, transportation, and entertainment. This includes staying in inexpensive hotels, eating at local restaurants and cooking meals in their accommodations, using public transportation, and participating in no-cost or low-cost activities such as visiting the beach, hiking, or exploring the local markets.

A family can spend about $250 to $300 daily on a mid-range trip for lodging, food, transportation, and entertainment. This likely means staying in mid-range hotels, eating at mid-range restaurants, renting a car or cab, and participating in paid activities such as tours and excursions.

A family can anticipate spending around $500 or higher for a more luxurious trip. This includes staying in luxury rooms, eating at high-end restaurants, hiring a personal driver or renting a car, and participating in paid activities such as spa treatments, golf, and private tours.

These are rough estimates, and costs can vary depending on the location and time of year. Each situation is unique, and much depends on the family’s vacation plans.

Factors that affect the cost of living in
the Dominican Republic

• Location within the country. Major cities like Santo Domingo tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas in the Dominican Republic.
• Renting or buying a property can be expensive in tourist areas and cities but more affordable in smaller towns.
• Food prices in the Dominican Republic are relatively low, but the cost of food varies greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as $5, while a dinner at a more upscale restaurant can cost $20 or more.
• The cost of transportation in the Dominican Republic is low, but it is more expensive to own a car and pay for insurance and maintenance. Uber
• Healthcare in the Dominican Republic is affordable, but the difference in services between public and private medical facilities is enormous. So the costs depend on the type of coverage and the provider.
• The cost of living depends greatly on personal lifestyle choices, whether you prefer to live a high life or save money.

Is the Dominican Republic expensive
compared to the United States?

Let’s compare housing and food prices in the Dominican Republic and compare them to those in the United States. So you can determine how expensive living in the Dominican Republic is.

In the Dominican Republic, prices fluctuate depending on the time of year and season. For example, prices go up during the so-called high season. This period begins in winter and lasts until early spring. We will analyze the average price level:

• Housing in the United States is 30% more expensive than in the DR.
• Rental housing in the U.S. is, on average, 50% higher than in the Dominican Republic.
• The cost of food in the Dominican Republic is generally lower than in the United States. Still, the difference may vary depending on the specific types of food and restaurants.
• The average meal in the U.S. cost at an inexpensive restaurant is 25% more expensive, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is 35% more expensive.

As we can see, the Dominican Republic is a very welcoming country with highly reasonable costs. You may spend your holiday here alone or with your family.

Official currency and exchange rates
in the Dominican Republic

What is the official currency in the DR?

The Dominican peso is the only official currency in the Dominican Republic. It also has the name “peso oro,” which means “golden peso.” The most commonly used currency designation is either $RD or DOP.

Exchange rates for Dominican Peso

Is it possible to pay in US dollars in the DR?

Yes, it is possible to pay in dollars almost everywhere in resort areas of the Dominican Republic, You can safely take dollars to pay for purchases in resort areas like Bavaro, Punta Cana, Cap Cana.

Although it’s still a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases, as small businesses and markets may only accept pesos or calculate the price at an unfavorable exchange rate.

Where can I exchange money in the DR?

Tourists from most countries can exchange their currency for Dominican pesos at banks, exchange offices, major hotels, and ATMs. You may also verify with your bank before traveling to ensure your card will be accepted and to compare exchange rates and fees to get the best deal.

It is important to note that some small towns and villages may have limited ATMs or accept only certain cards, so carrying cash with you is always a good idea when traveling to remote areas.

Are credit cards accepted in
the Dominican Republic?

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are commonly accepted in the country, especially in tourist areas. Still, it is always better to have some cash on hand.

Some companies may charge additional fees for credit card transactions. We recommend you check with your merchant before purchasing. It is also advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid problems with using your card abroad.

Interesting facts about the
Dominican peso

• The symbol for the Dominican peso (DOP) is a combination of the letters “RD” in a stylized form. The “RD” stands for “República Dominicana,” the Spanish name for the Dominican Republic.
• The Dominican peso has a range of coins in circulation, including 25, 50, and 1 peso coins and 5, 10, and 20-cent coins.
• “2 1/2″ grams” is written next to the denomination of the ten centavo coin. This designation was made for the use of coins as weights in weighing.
• The first peso was introduced in 1844. Later, in 1891, the Dominican franc was put into circulation along with the Dominican peso. This decision was dictated by the intention of the Dominican Republic to join the Latin Monetary Union. And already in 1897, the Dominican franc was abolished. Interestingly enough, in 1905, the U.S. dollar completely replaced the Dominican peso, and it wasn’t until 1947 that it finally became the only legally established official currency.
• The banknotes feature images of important historical figures, including Juan Pablo Duarte, the country’s founding father.
• There are 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, and 50 peso banknotes.

Reasons to know prices in
the Dominican Republic

Understanding the average local prices is essential for several reasons:

• You will avoid overpriced tourist traps
• You can make more informed decisions about where to eat and where to stay
• You can spend your vacation based on your budget and preferences

A well-planned budget will allow you to appreciate life in this sunny country. But before visiting the Dominican Republic, you should consider the impact of the tourist season (high season) on the country’s pricing policy.

No matter what season you visit the Dominican Republic, this magnificent country will still enchant you with its heavenly landscapes. You will be charmed by various temptations, from exciting excursions to exquisite delicacies. The shelves of numerous boutiques will entice you with entertaining wares.

Additionally, even if you have a well-defined, strategically planned budget based on price information, this plan will likely alter on the fly. At the same time, new impressions will be far more valuable.

Updated on: 2024-04-24. Author: Evgenia

Tags: Dominican Republic Tips for travelling