Home › Dominican Republic › Costs
Is Dominican Republic expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
The Dominican Republic is mid-priced for the Caribbean: much cheaper than the Caymans or the Bahamas, but pricier than Central America. Independent travel is good value at about RD$11,000 (roughly US$175) per person per day mid-range, while all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana can cost far more. Note that hotels and restaurants add 18% ITBIS tax plus a 10% service charge.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | RD$1,800 | RD$4,500 | RD$10,000 |
| Food & drink | RD$1,200 | RD$2,500 | RD$5,000 |
| Sights & tickets | RD$800 | RD$2,500 | RD$5,000 |
| Local transport | RD$500 | RD$1,500 | RD$4,000 |
| Per person, per day | RD$4,300 | RD$11,000 | RD$24,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Dominican Republic day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| La bandera (rice, beans and stewed meat) | RD$350-500 |
| Presidente beer at a colmado | about RD$150-250 |
| Uber across Santo Domingo centre | RD$200-400 |
| Bus Santo Domingo to Samaná | roughly RD$500-650 |
| Motoconcho ride in Las Terrenas | RD$100-200 |
| El Limón waterfall entry plus horse | about RD$1,500-2,000 |
| Taxi from Las Américas Airport to the Zona Colonial | around RD$2,000-2,500 |
| Boutique hotel in the Zona Colonial | RD$6,000-10,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation takes the largest share, from RD$2,500-4,500 for a guesthouse to RD$12,000-25,000 for beach resorts. Tours and entrance fees (waterfalls, Los Haitises boat trips, whale watching) are the next expense. Local food and intercity buses are cheap, but anything aimed at tourists, especially in resort areas, costs much more. The 18% tax and 10% service on hotel and restaurant bills add almost 30% to menu prices.
When it is cheaper
The low season from about May to November (excluding July-August holidays) brings lower rates, sometimes 20-40% off at resorts (check current offers). It overlaps with hurricane season, highest risk August to October.
How to spend less
- Use Uber in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana instead of street taxis.
- Travel between regions by Caribe Tours or Metro Tours buses, which are air-conditioned and cheap.
- Eat at comedores serving la bandera at lunch, the cheapest full meal.
- Check whether the 18% tax and 10% service are already in the menu price.
- Buy drinks at colmados (corner shops) rather than resort bars.
- Book Samaná whale trips with local operators in Samaná town rather than from Punta Cana.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is the Dominican Republic expensive?
Not for independent travel: about RD$4,300 a day on a budget and RD$11,000 mid-range per person. All-inclusive resorts are the expensive way to go.
Do restaurants add tax in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, 18% ITBIS tax plus a 10% service charge are usually added. A small extra tip for good service is appreciated.
Should I pay in pesos or dollars?
Pesos usually give you better value in local places. Tourist businesses accept US dollars, often at a rounded rate.