How Much Does Santo Domingo Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Santo Domingo is a compelling blend of historic charm and modern Caribbean energy that remains highly accessible for budget-conscious travelers. While it serves as the political and financial heart of the Dominican Republic, costs here are significantly lower than in neighboring islands like Puerto Rico. A solo traveler can navigate the city comfortably on a budget of ~$59 / DOP 3,639 per day, while those seeking colonial-era luxury should expect daily expenses near ~$412+ / DOP 25,470+. Prices are largely influenced by your choice of neighborhood, with the historic Zona Colonial offering both high-end boutiques and affordable hostels. Current prices are stable, but travelers should anticipate additional government taxes on dining and lodging (18% ITBIS + 10% service) that are often excluded from menu quotes.
Is Santo Domingo expensive to visit?
Santo Domingo is a budget-friendly to moderate destination, with daily costs typically ranging from ~$59 / DOP 3,639 to ~$412+ / DOP 25,470+ depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Santo Domingo
$59
per person /day
$153
per person /day
$412
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $177 | $459 | $1,236 |
| 5-Day Trip | $294 | $765 | $2,060 |
| 7-Day Trip | $412 | $1,071 | $2,884 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 18% ITBIS (sales tax) and 10% mandatory service charge added to restaurant bills. This also helps cover the ~$4.12 / DOP 255 local ATM withdrawal fees and the potential ~$11 / DOP 655 tourist entry card fee if it is not included in the airfare.
How Does It Compare?
See how Santo Domingo stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Santo Domingo
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a 'plato del día' (lunch special) which costs ~$9.71 / DOP 600. | $9.42 DOP 582 |
| Mid-Range Dinner for Two A full 3-course dinner for two in the Zona Colonial costs ~$50 / DOP 3,090. | $49 DOP 3,056 |
| Local Beer (0.5L Draught) A cold 'Presidente' beer costs ~$3.24 / DOP 200 in a standard restaurant. | $3.24 DOP 200 |
| Cappuccino A standard coffee in a tourist café is ~$2.35 / DOP 146. | $2.35 DOP 146 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metro Single Trip Ticket You must first buy a rechargeable 'Boleto Viajero' card for ~$0.25 / DOP 15. A single trip costs ~$0.32 / DOP 20. | $0.32 DOP 20 |
| Metro Day Pass (Ilimitado) Unlimited travel for 24 hours on the Metro and Teleférico for ~$1.29 / DOP 80. | $1.29 DOP 80 |
| OMSA Public Bus Fare Standard green buses cost ~$0.25 / DOP 15. Newer corridor routes may charge ~$0.56 / DOP 35. | $0.25 DOP 15 |
| Uber Las Américas Airport to City A reliable way to reach the city. The trip takes 30–45 minutes and costs ~$20 / DOP 1,250. | $20 DOP 1,237 |
Accommodation (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hotel Colonial Blanco (Budget) Excellent budget value in the heart of the Zona Colonial. Dorm beds and basic private rooms are available from ~$21 / DOP 1,295. | $19 DOP 1,164 |
| Island Life Hostel (Hostel) A social hub with a pool. Private rooms are roughly ~$49 / DOP 3,020 per night. | $45 DOP 2,765 |
| Hodelpa Caribe Colonial (Mid-range) Modern amenities inside a historic-style building. Nightly rates average ~$119 / DOP 7,350. | $109 DOP 6,768 |
| Casas del XVI (Luxury) A collection of restored 16th-century colonial houses. Expect to pay ~$379 / DOP 23,432 per night. | $353 DOP 21,831 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Los Tres Ojos National Park Entrance Includes access to the limestone caves and three lakes. Boat ride inside is ~$0.82 / DOP 51 extra. | $3.24 DOP 200 |
| Alcázar de Colón Entrance The former residence of Diego Columbus. Ticket cost is ~$1.61 / DOP 100. | $1.77 DOP 109 |
| Museo de las Casas Reales Historic colonial administrative building. Entry is ~$1.61 / DOP 100. | $1.77 DOP 109 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The city’s dining scene is defined by the 'plato del día,' a hearty lunch special that costs ~$7.06–$9.42 / DOP 437–DOP 582 at local institutions like Villar Hermanos (basic comedores start at ~$3.53–$5.89 / DOP 218–DOP 364). For a more formal experience in the Zona Colonial, a three-course dinner for two averages ~$49 / DOP 3,056, while a local 0.5L draught Presidente beer costs ~$2.94–$3.53 / DOP 182–DOP 218 in restaurants (much less at colmadones). Cappuccinos at tourist-friendly cafes run approximately ~$2.35 / DOP 146.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Villar Hermanos
$6.47–$13 / DOP 400–DOP 800Gazcue · Bakery
Legendary cafeteria for authentic Dominican food; try the 'La Bandera' for ~$7.3 / DOP 451.
Adrian Tropical
$8.24–$19 / DOP 509–DOP 1,164Malecón · Local chain
Go for the Mofongo (~$8.95 / DOP 553) and enjoy the ocean view from the terrace.
Pizzarelli
$5.89–$12 / DOP 364–DOP 728Various · Local chain
The most reliable local pizza chain; a quick lunch costs roughly ~$6.06 / DOP 375.
Mamey Librería Café
$4.12–$9.42 / DOP 255–DOP 582Zona Colonial · Bakery
Beautiful courtyard for a light lunch or coffee (~$4.83 / DOP 298) in a quiet setting.
Corner Cafe
$7.06–$14 / DOP 437–DOP 873Zona Colonial · Local chain
Great for a Dominican breakfast (mangú with eggs) for about ~$7.77 / DOP 480.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Public transit is exceptionally affordable, with a single Metro or Teleférico trip costing ~$0.35 / DOP 22. Tickets are available as single-use or on a reloadable card (~$0.24 / DOP 15 for the card). Multi-ride options are available and fare integration is expanding. While OMSA public buses are the cheapest option at $0.25 / DOP 15, most visitors prefer Uber for its reliability and fixed pricing, especially for the ~$20 / DOP 1,237 journey from Las Américas Airport.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options cater to all budgets, from social hubs like Island Life Hostel at ~$45 / DOP 2,765 per night to the high-value Hotel Colonial Blanco where basic private rooms start near ~$21 / DOP 1,310. Mid-range travelers find the sweet spot at Hodelpa Caribe Colonial for ~$109 / DOP 6,768, while those looking to splurge can stay in 16th-century restored mansions at Casas del XVI for roughly ~$353 / DOP 21,831.
Accommodation Budget in Santo Domingo
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Dine at Villar Hermanos in the Gazcue neighborhood for an authentic and filling 'plato del día' for ~$7.06–$9.42 / DOP 437–DOP 582.
- 2 Use the Metro and Teleférico for city-wide travel; a day pass costs just $1.29 / DOP 80 and offers aerial views of the city.
- 3 Avoid unmetered street taxis and use Uber to ensure the correct rate, particularly for the ~$20 / DOP 1,237 airport transfer.
- 4 Visit the Panteón de la Patria in the Zona Colonial, which is free to enter from 09:00–17:00 Tuesday through Sunday.
- 5 Buy a rechargeable 'Boleto Viajero' card for $0.25 / DOP 15 to save on the surcharge of single-use paper tickets.
- 6 Stroll the pedestrian-only Calle El Conde to see historic landmarks and window-shop without spending money on transport.
- 7 Look for local cafeteria-style 'comedores' where meals are significantly cheaper than in the Plaza España restaurants.
- 8 Visit Los Tres Ojos National Park for $3.24 / DOP 200 to see limestone caves and lakes for a fraction of the cost of guided private tours.
- 9 Stay in the Gazcue neighborhood, located just west of the Zona Colonial, for better value on mid-range accommodation.
- 10 Avoid imported beers and spirits; stick to the local 'Presidente' beer for about $3.24 / DOP 200 at standard restaurants.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
+30-50%
Sep, Oct
-20-30%
Apr, May, Nov
High season aligns with the dry winter months. September and October are cheapest due to hurricane risk, with potential savings of ~$35 / DOP 2,183 per night on hotels.
Events to Watch
- ● Semana Santa (Easter Week): Hotels book out and prices spike +50%
- ● Christmas/New Year: Extreme premiums on flights and luxury stays
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch the sunset from the Malecón, the city's ~12–14km waterfront boulevard.
- 2 Attend the free 'Grupo Bonyé' concert at the Ruinas de San Francisco every Sunday from 18:00–22:00.
- 3 Explore the interior of the Panteón de la Patria to see the eternal flame and tombs of national heroes.
- 4 Wander through Parque Colón and enjoy the atmosphere of the city's main historic square.
- 5 Walk the length of Calle El Conde, the oldest commercial street in the New World.
- 6 View the exterior of the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral built in the Americas.
- 7 Visit the Plaza de la Cultura gardens in the Gazcue district to see the neoclassical architecture of the national museums.
- 8 Explore the vibrant street murals in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, just north of the colonial center.
- 9 Stroll through the Mercado Modelo to experience a traditional Dominican market (free to browse).
- 10 View the monumental Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) from the surrounding public park (light beams are activated on special occasions only, not nightly).
- 11 Explore the Ruinas de San Nicolás de Bari, the first hospital built in the Americas.
- 12 Relax in Parque Duarte, a popular local gathering spot for musicians and artists in the evenings.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Chu Chu Colonial Tour
A 45-minute guided train tour through 500 years of history for ~$13 / DOP 800; perfect if you want to see all major ruins without walking in the 30°C (86°F) heat.
Fine Dining at Pat'e Palo
Located in a 16th-century tavern facing the Alcázar; a top-tier meal here costs ~$56 / DOP 3,493 per person including wine.
KahKow Experience Workshop
Learn the history of Dominican cocoa and make your own chocolate bar for ~$22 / DOP 1,343.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Santo Domingo
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Santo Domingo and what they cost
Boca Chica Beach
$3.24 / DOP 200 by bus
Free
$24 / DOP 1,500
Santiago de los Caballeros
$16 / DOP 1,000 by bus
$2.42 / DOP 150
$40 / DOP 2,500
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Dominican Peso (DOP)
1 $ ≈ 62 $
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and Zona Colonial restaurants, but cash is vital for street food and small shops.
A 10% service charge is included, but it's customary to leave an extra 5–10% (~$2.35–$5.89 / DOP 146–DOP 364 for mid-range) in cash if service was good.
Use ATMs inside bank branches like Banco Popular or BanReservas. Avoid independent street ATMs. Daily limits are often ~$177–$235 / DOP 10,916–DOP 14,554.
Expected in gift markets and for taxis without meters. Aim for 20–30% off the first price offered.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$18 for 5GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $14–$21 / DOP 873–DOP 1,310 for 10GB including SIM card
WiFi: Reliable in hotels and larger cafes in Zona Colonial; rare in public parks.
Buy a local Altice or Claro SIM at the airport for the best coverage outside the city.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Santo Domingo.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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