How much does it cost to travel to the Dominican Republic?
You should plan to spend around $130 (RD$7,691) per day on your vacation in the Dominican Republic. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (RD$2,142) on meals
- $6.07 (RD$358) on local transportation
- $164 (RD$9,696) on hotels
A one week trip to the Dominican Republic for two people costs, on average, $1,824 (RD$107,679). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is the Dominican Republic expensive to visit?
The Dominican Republic is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, the Dominican Republic is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Haiti, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Barbados.
For more details, see Is the Dominican Republic Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to the Dominican Republic?
The average Dominican Republic trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dominican Republic travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
RD$9,696
($164)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
RD$358
($6.07)
|
Food 2
|
RD$2,142
($36)
|
Entertainment 1
|
RD$1,654
($28)
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
RD$21 -
64
($0 - 1)
|
Alcohol 2
|
RD$293 -
878
($5 - 15)
|
Accommodation Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Dominican Republic is $82 (RD$4,848). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Dominican Republic is $164 (RD$9,696). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the Dominican Republic? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in the Dominican Republic is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $6.07 (RD$358) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Dominican Republic.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.07
RD$358
Food Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in the Dominican Republic can vary, the average cost of food in the Dominican Republic is $36 (RD$2,142) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the Dominican Republic should cost around $15 (RD$857) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the Dominican Republic is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
RD$2,142
Entertainment Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in the Dominican Republic typically cost an average of $28 (RD$1,654) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
RD$1,654
Typical prices for Entertainment in the Dominican Republic are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in the Dominican Republic, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Banana Boat Ride
RD$370
-
1 Hr Kayak Rental
RD$740
-
Water Skiing
RD$1,110
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip
RD$1,665
-
1 Hr Horseback Ride
RD$1,887
-
1 Hr Tennis Lesson
RD$2,553
-
Paragliding
RD$3,145
-
Snorkeling Tour
RD$2,590
Tips and Handouts Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the Dominican Republic is $0.72 (RD$43) per day. The usual amount for a tip in the Dominican Republic is 5% - 15%.
-
Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
$0.72
RD$43
Alcohol Budget in the Dominican Republic
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.92 (RD$585) on alcoholic beverages in the Dominican Republic per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.92
RD$585
Last Updated: May 8, 2023
The Dominican Republic On a Budget
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic takes up the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The remaining one third is comprised of the country of
Haiti. The island is made up of dramatic highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed. The beaches are beautiful and the Dominican Republic is one of the more affordable Caribbean island options to visit.
The country can be divided into five different regions. The most populous area is the Metropolitan Region that surrounds the capital city and includes those nearby beaches. Most of the country's all-inclusive resorts can be found in the Eastern Plains and the East Coast. The Eastern Cibao and the Bay of Samana is an absolutely beautiful bay, and the Western Cibao and the North Coast holds the second largest city in the country. It also has some of the highest mountains in the Caribbean and many beaches along the Atlantic coast. The most secluded part of the county is the Enriquillo Valley and the Southern Region. It remains mostly untouched by tourism and is a beautiful place for impressive wildlife and interesting scenery.
The Dominican Republic has something for every type of traveler. If you're looking for an adventure, there are many different tropical rainforests, deserts, alpine ranges and mangrove swamps that you can explore. There are opportunities for mountain bikers, hikers, and water sport lovers alike. Alternatively, if you're looking for a resort vacation then you'll find many options along the northern and eastern coasts of the island. There is venues where you can enjoy Caribbean music and dance, local cuisine, exotic drinks, and local culture. Popular sights worth visiting on the island include sugar plantations, picturesque villages, and mountain retreats.
There are a variety of options for traveling around the island depending on your style and budget. Public buses are available and referred to as Guaguas. They vary in quality and comfort level, but they are a fun and safe way to explore the country. They can be quite crowded, but visitors generally find the locals friendly and welcoming. Alternatively, Caribe Tours is a bus company that is based in the capital city and makes lengthy trips to more remote regions. The prices are generally reasonable. Rental cars are another option for those who are comfortable driving in unfamiliar places. Traffic can get congested and it's important to watch for pedestrians, but roads are generally in decent condition.
At A Glance
- There is little temperature variation throughout the year in the Dominican Republic. It does, however, lie within the hurricane belt and severe storms are not uncommon between the months of June and October.
- If you've rented a car and find yourself lost outside of the city, locals are usually quick to help. Flag down a motorbike driver and they will likely point the way for you, if not offer you a guided drive back.
- If you take a taxi, make sure you only ride with a licensed driver. Licensed drivers where licenses around their necks and are often dressed in uniforms. Their vehicles are generally clean and reliable. Negotiate on a price before you get in the vehicle.
- Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, although in most touristy areas you can find people who speak English. If you speak a little Spanish, do not be intimidated to try your hand at communicating, as most people will work with you to be understood.
- There's a long outdoor mall in the Colonial Center that is a great place for shopping. There are many vendors that sell everything from street food to knockoff clothing or local knickknacks which you can purchase for cheap prices.
- You'll find many different types of accommodation in the Dominican Republic, but all-inclusive resorts are some of the most popular. This is the easiest, and often most luxurious way to experience the island in a hassle free setting.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Playa del Macao: These beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying some of the country's best surfing. Scuba diving classes regularly visit the nearby shipwreck and the small fishing village of El Macao is a great place to experience a little history.
The Colonial City: This historic area is part of the first settlement made by Christopher Columbus and the Spanish explorers in the New World. It dates back to the 1500s and is now a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO. The District is located in the western corner of the Ozama River, which bisects the city of Santo Domingo. The district today covers less than 5 square kilometers.
Basilica de Nuestra Senora (Basilica of Our Lady): This is a very impressive church with fine architecture, and is a main attraction in Higuey.
Also, check out this great article for
more travel tips for the Dominican Republic.
Popular Foods
Food in the Dominican Republic is typical of what you would find elsewhere in the Caribbean. There is plenty of fresh tropical fruit and delicious seafood to choose from. There are also many rice and bean based dishes with a rich local flavor as well.
Mangu: This is one of the most quintessential dishes of the Dominican Republic. It can be served as a simple mashed plantain dish, or created into an elaborate traditional breakfast. It comes in a variety of forms and is often served with onions, salami, and an egg. (
Recipe)
La Bandera Dominicana: This "national dish" of the Dominican Republic is a bean stew that is made with white rice and meat. The most common form of meat is chicken, but it can also be found with beef, pork or goat. It's often served daily in most local households and it's a true taste of the local culture that is not to be missed.
Salsa Criolla: This is a popular Creole sauce that is made from vegetables, onions, green peppers and tomatoes. It is usually served with fish, shrimp, chicken or other meats and brings a rich flavor to any dish.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.