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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Las Terrenas 2024
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Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic


Cost of Living in Las Terrenas

By Betsy Burlingame

Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

Summary: If you're moving to Las Terrenas, understanding the the cost of living in Las Terrenas helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Las Terrenas.
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $400 to $800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $800 to $1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $200 to $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $400 to $800 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Las Terrenas can range from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the size and location.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Las Terrenas is very affordable. A one-way ticket on a public bus costs around $0.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Las Terrenas is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1.00, a liter of milk costs around $1.50, and a dozen eggs costs around $2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Las Terrenas is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around $20.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Las Terrenas is relatively low. The average cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment is around $50.00 per month. The average cost of water for a two-bedroom apartment is around $20.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Las Terrenas varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $200.00 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around $400.00 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $500.00 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around $600.00 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Las Terrenas

"The cost of living in Las Terrenas is generally considered to be quite affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from around $200 to $400 per month, while outside of the city center, rent can be as low as $100 per month. Groceries and other basic necessities are also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20. Utilities such as electricity and water are also quite affordable, with the average monthly cost for utilities being around $50," said one expat living in Las Terrenas.

Can I live in Las Terrenas on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Las Terrenas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like El Limón or Abra Grande, where you can find decent apartments or small houses for around $400 to $600 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Playa Bonita or Playa Coson, as the rent there can easily go over $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Also, consider using a prepaid cell phone plan instead of a postpaid one, as it can help you save some money.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to high gas prices and maintenance costs. Instead, consider using public transportation like guaguas (local buses) or motoconchos (motorcycle taxis), which are much more affordable. If you need a car occasionally, you can always rent one for a day or two.Eating out can also add up quickly, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Local markets and supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out, opt for local eateries called comedores, where you can get a filling meal for just a few dollars.Finally, be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out to bars and clubs can be quite pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. Instead, try to find more affordable ways to have fun, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the beautiful nature around Las Terrenas.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Las Terrenas is possible, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, using public transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Las Terrenas.

Can I live in Las Terrenas on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Las Terrenas 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, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For example, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Playa Bonita or Playa Coson, you might have to spend more on rent, which could make it difficult to stick to your $3,000 budget. On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more affordable area like El Limon or Abra Grande, you can find decent housing options at a lower cost.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a house without a pool if you want to stay within your budget. However, you can still find modern, well-maintained properties with all the amenities you're used to, like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a fully-equipped kitchen.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out at expensive restaurants or participating in costly activities like scuba diving or horseback riding. However, there are plenty of affordable local eateries and free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, beach volleyball, or exploring the local markets.Overall, living in Las Terrenas on a $3,000 budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some compromises in terms of housing and lifestyle choices," said one expat living in Las Terrenas.

Can I live in Las Terrenas on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Las Terrenas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially 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 consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Playa Bonita or Playa Coson, might be out of your budget if you're looking to save money. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like El Centro or La Ceiba. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable price.When it comes to housing, you might have to compromise on the size or luxury of your home. While you can still find modern apartments and houses in Las Terrenas, they might not be as spacious or as high-end as you're used to. However, you can still find comfortable and well-maintained homes within your budget.Another thing to consider is transportation. While it's possible to get around Las Terrenas using public transportation, it might not be as reliable or convenient as you're used to. You might want to consider investing in a car or a scooter to make getting around easier, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses.As for dining and entertainment, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Las Terrenas. Local restaurants and bars offer delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices, so you won't have to sacrifice too much in this area. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end establishments, you might have to cut back on those visits to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Las Terrenas on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being realistic about your housing expectations, and being conscious of your transportation and entertainment expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful beach town," commented an expat living in Las Terrenas.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

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