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

By Betsy Burlingame

Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $200 - $300 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $150 - $250 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 - $600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 - $500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $800 - $1,200
  • 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
  • Taxi starting tariff: $2.00 - $3.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 - $2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.00 - $1.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Bread (500g): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Rice (1kg): $0.80 - $1.20
  • Eggs (12): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Apples (1kg): $1.50 - $3.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $0.80 - $1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $3.00 - $6.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $20 - $40
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Cappuccino: $1.00 - $2.50
  • Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.30 - $0.70
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $50 - $100 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.10 - $0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $30 - $50 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $100 - $200 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: $150 - $300 per month
  • Middle school tuition: $200 - $400 per month
  • High school tuition: $250 - $500 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Constanza

"The cost of living in Constanza, Dominican Republic, is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are generally low, while utilities and transportation costs are moderate. Groceries and food prices are also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at affordable rates. Eating out at restaurants can be inexpensive, especially at local establishments. Healthcare services are accessible and reasonably priced, but the quality of care may vary. Overall, Constanza offers a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle for residents and expats alike," said one expat living in Constanza.

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

"I've been living in Constanza, Dominican Republic for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely 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 Los Maestros or Pueblo Nuevo, where you can find decent apartments for around $300-$400 a month. Avoid neighborhoods like El Ensanche or La Trinitaria, as they tend to be more expensive.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Keep in mind that power outages are common here, so you might want to invest in a backup generator or a power inverter. Internet and cable TV can cost you around $50 a month, but the connection might not be as fast or reliable as you're used to.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation like guaguas (small buses) or motoconchos (motorcycle taxis), which are quite cheap. However, they can be a bit uncomfortable and not as safe as private transportation. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, be prepared for higher fuel costs and maintenance expenses.Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries called comedores, where you can get a full meal for around $3-$5. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you'll need to budget more for that. Groceries can be relatively cheap, especially if you buy local produce and products at markets like Mercado Municipal.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options like visiting local parks, beaches, or hiking trails. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or attending concerts and events, you might need to cut back on those to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living in Constanza on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle to fit the local cost of living. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying local cuisine and activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Constanza.

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

"I've been living in Constanza, 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'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Los Maestros, Pueblo Nuevo, or Villa Progreso. These neighborhoods are not only budget-friendly but also offer a decent quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like El Ensueño or La Trinitaria, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a comfortable apartment or house for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and location. Just make sure to negotiate the rent and be prepared to pay a few months in advance, as that's quite common here.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Keep in mind that power outages are quite common in Constanza, so you might want to invest in a backup generator or a power inverter to ensure you have electricity during those times.Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be quite affordable too, with local restaurants offering meals for as low as $3 to $5.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite cheap, with a one-way ticket costing around $0.50. However, if you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $500 a month or buy a used one for a reasonable price.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Constanza. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or visiting the nearby national parks. There are also local events and festivals that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In conclusion, living in Constanza on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your grocery shopping, and taking advantage of the low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Constanza.

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

"I've been living in Constanza, Dominican Republic 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. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in a more expensive city.One of the first things you'll need to consider is housing. There are some more expensive neighborhoods in Constanza, like Los Maestros and El Ensanche, where you might find larger homes with more amenities, but these areas can be quite pricey. On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Villa Progreso and Pueblo Nuevo, where you can find decent-sized homes or apartments for a more reasonable price. I'd recommend looking into these areas if you want to make your budget stretch further.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation are all quite affordable in Constanza. You can shop at local markets for fresh produce and other essentials, and you'll likely spend less on these items than you would in a more expensive city. Utilities like electricity and water are also relatively inexpensive, although you might find that you need to use air conditioning more often due to the warm climate. Public transportation is widely available and affordable, but you might also consider getting a car if you want more freedom to explore the surrounding areas.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the modern amenities you're used to aren't as readily available in Constanza. For example, you might not have access to the same variety of restaurants, shopping centers, or entertainment options as you would in a larger city. However, there are still plenty of local restaurants and shops to enjoy, and you can always take trips to nearby cities like Santiago or Santo Domingo if you're craving more variety.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Constanza on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might need to make some adjustments in terms of housing and entertainment options, but the lower cost of living and beautiful surroundings more than make up for any sacrifices you might have to make," commented an expat living in Constanza.

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

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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