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Cost of Living in La Romana

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in La Romana helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center $300 - $500 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center $200 - $350 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $1,000 - $1,500
Price per square meter outside city center $600 - $1,000
Transportation One-way local transport ticket $0.50 - $1.00
Monthly local transport pass $20 - $30
Gasoline (1 liter) $1.00 - $1.20
Taxi (1 km) $1.50 - $2.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.20
Bread (500g) $1.00 - $2.00
Rice (1 kg) $0.80 - $1.20
Chicken breasts (1 kg) $3.50 - $5.00
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $4.00 - $7.00
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant $20 - $40
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) $1.50 - $2.50
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment $50 - $100 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) $30 - $50 per month
Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) $0.10 - $0.20
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) $150 - $300 per month
Elementary School $200 - $400 per month
Middle School $300 - $600 per month
High School $400 - $800 per month
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area within La Romana, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in La Romana

"The cost of living in La Romana, Dominican Republic, is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are moderate, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Groceries and food prices are also reasonable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transportation options and reasonably priced taxis. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, are moderately priced, although power outages can be common. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, with both public and private options available. Overall, La Romana offers a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle for residents and visitors alike," said one expat living in La Romana.

Can I live in La Romana on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in La Romana, Dominican Republic for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Villa Hermosa or Los Mina, where you can find decent apartments for around $300-$400 a month. These neighborhoods are not as upscale as some others, but they are safe and have all the basic amenities you'll need.On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Casa de Campo or Playa Nueva Romana, where rent prices can easily go over $1,000 a month. These areas are beautiful and have more luxurious amenities, but they are not budget-friendly for someone trying to live on $1,500 a month.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money on food. For transportation, using public transportation like guaguas (small buses) or motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) is more affordable than owning a car or using taxis. However, be prepared for a less comfortable and sometimes crowded ride.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in La Romana, like going to the beach or exploring the city's parks and plazas. However, you might have to cut back on dining out at fancy restaurants or going to high-end bars and clubs.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet or a gym membership. You'll also need to be prepared for occasional power outages and water shortages, which are common in the Dominican Republic.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in La Romana is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Caribbean city," commented an expat living in La Romana.

Can I live in La Romana on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in La Romana, Dominican Republic for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a good quality of life. I'd recommend looking into areas like Buena Vista Norte, Los Jardines, or El Tamarindo. These neighborhoods are safe, have decent infrastructure, and are close to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Casa de Campo or Playa Nueva Romana, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment or house for rent within the range of $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on the size and location. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, so make sure to factor that into your budget.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to high import taxes and fuel prices. I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis, which are relatively affordable and can get you around the city without breaking the bank.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end establishments. A meal at a local eatery can cost you around $5 to $10, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can easily go over $20 per person. Cooking at home can also help you save money, as groceries are generally affordable, especially if you buy local produce and products.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in price, but there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. For example, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches in the area for free or visit local attractions like the Altos de Chavón cultural village for a reasonable entrance fee.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in La Romana is achievable if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your dining and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank," said one expat living in La Romana.

Can I live in La Romana on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in La Romana, Dominican Republic for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in La Romana include Villa Hermosa and Los Mina. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Casa de Campo and Playa Nueva Romana, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you might have to rely more on public transportation options like buses and shared taxis (called "guaguas" and "carros públicos" respectively) instead of owning a car. While this might be less convenient, it's a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food vendors, which offer delicious Dominican cuisine at a fraction of the cost of more upscale dining options. However, if you're craving international cuisine or more upscale dining experiences, you might have to limit these outings to special occasions to stay within your budget.Another sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of affordable options like going to the beach, exploring local parks, and attending cultural events, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing, spa treatments, or frequent trips to high-end resorts.Lastly, you might have to be more mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in the Dominican Republic. This means being more conscious of turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and perhaps cutting back on air conditioning usage.Overall, living in La Romana on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle," commented an expat living in La Romana.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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