Dominican Republic Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$530

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Dominican Republic Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

The Dominican Republic offers a relatively affordable cost of living for expats and remote workers compared to other Caribbean nations. With utilities costing a significant portion of the average salary, careful budgeting is essential. The country's rising internet infrastructure supports digital nomads, but salary growth has lagged behind cost increases, impacting affordability.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $72 per month, which is about 13.6% of the average monthly salary.
•Internet access is priced at around $47 per month, representing roughly 8.9% of the average salary.
•Mobile plans average $12 per month, totaling 2.3% of monthly earnings.
•Overall, utilities and connectivity can consume up to 24.8% of the average salary, requiring strategic financial planning for expats.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the last 64 years, utility costs have increased at a higher rate than salary growth, squeezing the affordability for average earners.
•Internet infrastructure has improved significantly, catering to digital nomads but at a growing cost that outpaces salary increases.
•The gap between salary growth and living costs has expanded, indicating a declining affordability trend for local earners.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should allocate approximately $131 per month for utilities and internet, ensuring they budget around 25% of their income for these services.
•Digital nomads may find value in the improving internet services but should anticipate higher costs relative to local salaries.
•Investors targeting rental properties should consider the impact of rising utility costs on tenant affordability.
•Remote workers might find the Dominican Republic cost-effective if earning significantly above the local average salary.

Market Context

Compared to similar countries like Jamaica and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic remains competitive in terms of living costs, though slower salary growth poses a risk. Its relatively low cost of living attracts budget-conscious expats, despite the increasing pressure of utility expenses.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.