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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Cabarete 2024
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Cost of Living in Cabarete

By Betsy Burlingame

InsideDR Concierge
InsideDR Concierge

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

Apartment Rentals Apartment rentals in Cabarete range from $400 to $1,500 per month depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of town can cost around $500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment in a more upscale area can cost up to $1,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Cabarete can range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of town can cost around $100,000, while a two-bedroom apartment in a more upscale area can cost up to $500,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Cabarete is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $1. Taxis are also available and cost around $3 for a one-way trip.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Cabarete is relatively low. A week’s worth of groceries for a family of four can cost around $50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Cabarete is relatively low. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Cabarete is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, and internet is around $50.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Cabarete varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around $200 per month, while elementary school tuition can cost around $400 per month. Middle school tuition can cost around $600 per month, and high school tuition can cost around $800 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cabarete

"The cost of living in Cabarete, Dominican Republic is relatively affordable compared to many other tourist destinations. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is moderately priced, while outside the city center, it is considerably cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Cabarete are relatively inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Cabarete is very cheap, with taxis and buses being the most common modes of transport. However, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high costs of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Cabarete is affordable, with private health insurance being reasonably priced. Fitness clubs and sports activities are also quite cheap. Overall, the cost of living in Cabarete is lower than in many other cities, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, it's important to note that salaries and wages in the Dominican Republic are also generally lower than in many developed countries," said one expat living in Cabarete.

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

"I've been living in Cabarete for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments or houses in neighborhoods like Callejon de la Loma, ProCab, or El Batey. These areas are more affordable than the beachfront properties and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $400 to $600 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. Water and gas bills are usually more affordable, but it's still a good idea to be conservative with your usage.When it comes to food, you can save money by shopping at local markets and cooking at home. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas. However, there are some affordable local restaurants and street food options if you're willing to explore a bit.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, and you can get around using guaguas (small buses) or motoconchos (motorcycle taxis). If you prefer to have your own vehicle, consider buying a used car or a scooter, as new vehicles can be quite expensive.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective. Going out to bars and clubs can be pricey, so try to limit your nights out or look for happy hour deals. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the local culture.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Cabarete is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cooking at home, using public transportation, and enjoying low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Cabarete.

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

"I've been living in Cabarete for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like El Batey or Callejon de la Loma, where you can find decent apartments or small houses for around $500 to $800 a month. These areas are still close to the beach and the main town, so you won't feel too isolated.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Sea Horse Ranch or Haciendas El Choco, as these are more upscale and expensive, with rents often going over $1,500 a month. You'll also need to be mindful of your utility bills, as electricity can be quite expensive here. Try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage.When it comes to food, you'll need to adjust your diet a bit. Eating out at restaurants can be pricey, so I'd recommend cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can find affordable groceries at stores like Super Pola or Janet's Supermarket. If you do want to eat out, there are some budget-friendly options like local comedores or street food vendors where you can get a meal for around $3 to $5.Transportation is relatively cheap here, especially if you use public transportation like guaguas (small buses) or motoconchos (motorcycle taxis). However, if you prefer to have your own vehicle, consider buying a used car or scooter to save on costs.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Cabarete. You can enjoy the beach, go for hikes in El Choco National Park, or take advantage of the many water sports available like surfing, kiteboarding, or paddleboarding. There are also some affordable bars and clubs in town where you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Cabarete is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your utility usage, cooking at home, and taking advantage of low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Cabarete.

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

"I've been living in Cabarete 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. For example, you might have to cut back on dining out at high-end restaurants or limit your shopping sprees.When it comes to housing, there are several affordable neighborhoods you can consider. El Batey and ProCab are two popular areas among expats, and they offer a good mix of modern amenities and local charm. You can find a nice apartment or even a small villa in these areas for around $1,000 to $2,000 a month, depending on the size and location.On the other hand, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to check out Sea Horse Ranch or Haciendas El Choco. These areas are known for their luxury villas and beautiful surroundings, but the prices can be quite steep, with rents starting at around $3,000 a month. If you're on a $5,000 budget, you might want to avoid these neighborhoods to ensure you have enough money left over for other expenses.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in the Dominican Republic due to high import taxes. However, you can easily get around Cabarete using public transportation, taxis, or even renting a scooter. This will help you save money on transportation costs.In terms of groceries and other daily expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Cabarete is generally lower than in many Western countries. However, imported goods can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits and opt for local products whenever possible.Overall, living in Cabarete on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your daily expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean town," commented an expat living in Cabarete.

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.


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