The tropical rainforest climate of the Dominican Republic is just one reason that people choose to move to the country.
The Dominican Republic is the second-largest island in the Greater Antilles.
It comprises more than half of the eastern part of Hispaniola and offers something for everyone.
The Dominican Republic has one of the fastest-growing economies in all of the Caribbean and Latin America.
Enjoy living near mountain ranges, in areas where there are water views, near white sand beaches, in a large city, or in a small town.
Rich, fertile valleys and plains areas allow residents to choose their ideal place to live.
The cheapest places to live in the Dominican Republic feature the opportunity to enjoy the rich history and culture of the area at a much lower cost than living in the U.S. or many other countries.
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10 Cheapest Places to Live in the Dominican Republic
1. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
The resort town is in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic.
Do not be misled by the fact that it is a resort town.
It is also one of the cheapest areas to live in the Dominican Republic.
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sands of the beaches.
Spend a day diving, snorkeling, or enjoying nature reserves.
Enjoy the mountain air near your Punta Cana home.
Shop at the many markets and retail shops.
No matter where you live in Punta Cana, the cost of housing and utilities is much cheaper than those same costs in the U.S.
Rent a home for as little as $400 a month.
Rent or buy a deluxe property with a boat ramp for less than $1,000 a month.
2. Las Terrenas
Enjoy the small-town feel of living in Las Terrenas while also enjoying the beautiful beaches, the great weather, and the low cost of living.
Experience the cultural diversity and the history of Las Terrenas.
Crime rarely occurs in Las Terranas.
It is safe for residents and tourists to enjoy the sites, the restaurants, the nightlife, and the shops.
Live in Las Terrenas and enjoy the low housing costs, the low utility costs, and the low cost of meals.
A couple can pay less than $2,000 a month for all their living expenses.
3. Sosúa
Enjoy the beach views and water sports in this beach town, which is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
The cost of living is considerably less than the cost of living in the U.S. or some other areas of the Dominican Republic.
Living Cost indicates that Sosúa is in the top 40 percent of the least expensive cities in the world.
It is also ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.
The average cost of living in Sosúa is about $960 per month for one person.
4. Puerto Plata
Live the high life in Puerto Plata for around $1,000 a month.
The resort coastal city of Puerto Plata is a major trading town that dates to the 16th century.
The busy port receives both freighters and cruise ships.
Tourism and agriculture contribute to Puerto Plata being a major contributor to the economy of the Dominican Republic.
Some residents choose to live outside the city center, spending even less money on housing and other monthly living expenses.
Live near a mountain, a botanical garden, or one of the many rivers if you prefer to live outside the hustle and bustle of a busy town center.
The beautiful beaches are still nearby, wherever you rent or buy a property in the area.
The tropical climate, the variety of architectural styles, and the museums are some other reasons that people choose to live in Puerto Plata.
5. Juan Dolio
Enjoy the peaceful lifestyle of living near pristine beaches with nearby city amenities.
Juan Dolio is also home to two world-class golf courses.
Experience a laid-back lifestyle in Juan Dolio and experience a welcoming small-town environment.
Juan Dolio is on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and is considered by many people to be a tropical paradise.
Residents do not pay the high cost of living that is often associated with living in an idyllic area.
Rent a one-bedroom apartment for less than $800 a month.
Live away from the city center, and you may pay half the cost of renting an apartment and other monthly living expenses.
6. Jarabacoa
Nature lovers and adventurers enjoy living in Jarabacoa.
Breathe the fresh mountain air, enjoy the natural beauty and the cooler climate.
Gaze at a waterfall or enjoy the forest. Go hiking, bike riding, rafting, or trekking up a mountain.
Jarabacoa is less expensive than living in many other areas.
It ranks as one of the least expensive cities in the world.
Rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about $280 monthly.
The rent for a three-bedroom apartment is about $425 a month.
Monthly expenses, including utilities, are around $728 a month for one person.
7. Bonao
Christopher Columbus founded Bonao in 1495.
The city, in the heart of the Dominican Republic, gives residents the chance to admire the natural beauty of the mountains and waterfalls.
They also enjoy the charm and cultural heritage of the city.
The air quality in Bonao is rated as excellent.
Bonao residents enjoy horseback riding, swimming, the arts scene, and the local shops and restaurants.
The cost of these things, and the overall cost of living, is cheaper than the cost of living in most areas of the U.S.
The monthly living expenses, with rent included, are about $536 for one person.
A family of four can live comfortably in Bonao for just over $1,500 a month.
8. Cotui
Cotui is an old city that is located in the central part of the Dominican Republic.
The city is nestled at the foot of the Yamasá mountain range.
People who live in Cotui enjoy the Taino Caves, which have ancient petroglyphs.
They also visit the nearby Hatillo Dam and marvel at the architectural beauty of the Immaculate Conception Church.
The city is known for its gold, nickel, silver, iron, and marble mines.
The production of pineapple, yams, plantains, rice, and passion fruit also contributes to the local economy.
A single person can expect their monthly cost of living expenses to be around $653 a month.
The living expenses for a family of four in Cotui are around $1,750 a month.
9. San Cristóbal
Take a historic tour of San Cristóbal, making sure that you visit the Caves of Pomier.
The Taino people, who lived in pre-Columbian times, left evidence of their presence and their lifestyle in cave drawings.
Some other things that people enjoy when living in San Cristóbal are the beautiful beaches, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The local shops and restaurants provide people with opportunities to shop and enjoy the local cuisine.
People who enjoy a hot, wet tropical climate will appreciate that the average daytime temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The nighttime temperature rarely gets below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about $340 monthly.
Live outside the city center and the rent is about $216 a month.
The average monthly living expenses for one person is around $764.
10. Bani
The name Bani means “abundant water” in the Taino language.
The city is a short distance from the south coast of the Caribbean Sea, giving residents the chance to enjoy pristine beaches, water sports, and the natural beauty of the area.
Bani is an important city with a rich history.
Several museums in the area give new residents the chance to learn more about the city’s history.
Festivals and other celebrations provide entertainment.
The city also has many retail shops and restaurants.
The living expenses for one person, including rent, are $692 a month.
The monthly living expenses for a family of four are $1,679.
Dominican Republic Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Dominican Republic Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other cheap places to live in the Dominican Republic?
There are many cities and towns in the Dominican Republic where it is cheap for singles, couples, families, and retirees to live.
Some other cheap places to live in the Dominican Republic include La Vega, San Pedro de Macoris, El Seibo, and Azua.
What is the best area of the Dominican Republic for new residents?
The best area of the Dominican Republic for people to move to depends on your preferred lifestyle and interests.
Some cities and towns offer the ideal mountain retreat, while others feature pristine white sand beaches.
Consider whether you want to live near a vibrant nightlife scene or in a quiet, close-knit community.
What is the air quality like in the Dominican Republic?
Breathe in the fresh air throughout the Dominican Republic.
The air quality has an overall excellent rating from some sources.
The air quality changes, depending on various factors, with the air quality index sometimes being in the moderate range.
