How much does it cost to live in Dominica? Is Dominica an expensive country to live in? These are common questions asked by those seeking to live on this paradisical Caribbean island.
To provide greater insight into Dominica’s cost of living, we’ve constructed a detailed guide covering several everyday expenses, including Dominica’s real estate, private healthcare, and everyday costs.
Overview of the Cost of Living in Dominica
Dominica’s living costs are relatively low compared to the USA, Canada, and the UK. Renting and real estate property prices are not only lower than in those countries but also in most other Caribbean islands. The average prices of locally produced products and public transportation is cheap, facilitating an affordable lifestyle for most expats.
As a guideline, a family of four’s monthly living costs average around $3,200 without rent, and a single person’s estimated monthly costs are about $860 without accounting for other expenses such as rent or private health insurance.
A bag of white rice costs $1.36, much cheaper than in the USA, which costs $4. On average, a prepaid mobile tariff for a month costs $42, and unlimited data internet costs $65. A monthly pass for a health and fitness club costs $37, compared to $46 in the United States. The average cost of electricity in Dominica for a private home is $0.21 per kWh versus $0.15 in the US.
Grocery Costs in Dominica
Dominica grocery prices are cheap and contribute to the country’s low overall cost of living. The average prices of local produce such as rice, fresh bread, local cheese, fresh fruits, and vegetables are lower than in the US and the UK. However, imported products such as milk, apples, and clothing are more expensive.
Consuming local food produce is one of the best ways to lower everyday costs and daily expenses. Local markets Dominica provides plenty of options at reasonable prices. Here are the median prices of everyday groceries in Dominica vs the US.
Item | Dominica | United States |
Eggs (12 regular) | $5.37 | $3.66 |
White rice (1kg) | $1.36 | $4.58 |
Fresh white bread (500g) | $2.59 | $3.57 |
Oranges (1kg) | $4.08 | $4.50 |
Potatoes (1kg) | $2.86 | $3.02 |
Tomatoes (1kg) | $4.08 | $4.92 |
Cheese (1kg) | $2.41 | $12.87 |
Chicken (1kg) | $5.55 | $12.04 |
Dining Out in Dominica
Dominica is an ideal Caribbean country for expats who love to dine out. The average price to eat at an inexpensive or mid-range restaurant is cheap compared to North America and many European countries.
A simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $7.40, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs about $55, compared to $75 in the USA. On average, a combo meal at McDonald’s or an equivalent fast food restaurant costs $6.66.
Despite the high import charges on items such as cars and electronics, retirees in Dominica enjoy reasonably priced imported beers and wine in restaurants. Restaurant prices for imported beer are around $2 to $3, compared to $7 in the United States. Domestic beers are even more affordable, at less than $2.
Transportation Costs in Dominica
Taxis and buses are privatized and widely available throughout Dominica, offering significantly lower prices than in the US. Taxis are considered the most affordable and convenient way to travel across the island. The average price per kilometer is $3.70. A one-way ticket on Dominica public transportation costs just $0.93, compared to the US average cost of $2.50.
Like many Caribbean countries, vehicle ownership, such as a Total Corolla Sedan or the equivalent new car, is significantly more expensive than in the USA. A 40 percent customs duty and a four percent customs service charge are applied to vehicles imported into Dominica. In addition, vehicles over five years old are subject to an environmental levy of EC$ 3,000 ($1,110), while those under five years old are charged a levy of one percent. Dominica’s current gas/petrol costs are between $2.48 and $3.96 per liter.
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Dominica Healthcare Cost
Dominica’s healthcare system provides free primary healthcare services to Dominica citizens and permanent residents. The island is also among the most affordable Caribbean countries regarding private healthcare expenses. Global health insurance providers such as Allianz, Cigna Global Health, and Clements Worldwide offer comprehensive healthcare policies to foreigners living in Dominica for $200 to $400, depending on personal circumstances.
Cost of Studying in Dominica
Dominica offers free primary and secondary education for children from 5 to 16 years old. Private institutions offer half-day or full-day options. The monthly fee at a preschool or kindergarten is about $140.
Most of the island’s universities are private, and registration fees vary. The bullets below highlight the current tuition fees for foreign nationals to study for a year at private universities in Dominica, such as All Saints University School of Medicine.
- Fees for international undergraduates are estimated at $11,900 per year
- Fees for international graduates are estimated at $17,850 per year
Fees exclude additional expenses such as accommodation at on-campus facilities.
Dominica Real Estate Costs
Renting in Dominica
As one of the most affordable Caribbean countries, monthly rent in Dominica is low and contributes to the country’s affordable cost of living. Average rent prices make the estimated monthly costs for a single person or family of four extremely low. You can lease a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $330 per month versus $1,750 in the USA.
The average monthly rent in Dominica for a centrally located three-bedroom apartment is $950, much lower than the average rent in other independent Caribbean countries and the United States, which is $2,940. Outside the city center, monthly rent prices are even cheaper: A one-bedroom apartment is around $230, and a three-bedroom apartment is around $620.
Dominica real estate prices
Dominica’s preservation from mass tourism has contributed to the affordable prices to purchase property in the country. Expats can purchase real estate shares in Dominica, such as luxurious villas and luxury hotels, for as little as $200,000 to qualify for the country’s Caribbean economic citizenship program. The island’s affordable real estate prices and opportunity to obtain citizenship make Dominica a popular retirement destination among Americans.
Estate agents operating in Dominica, such as Blue Sky Realtors and Millenia Realty Dominica, offer four-bedroom properties in Roseau, St George, for $270,000 and a six-bedroom private dwelling house in Salisbury, Saint Joseph, for $800,000. Annual Dominica taxes do not include property taxes.
Dominica Citizenship Program Cost
Launched in 1993, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain Caribbean citizenship and a Dominica passport by making a minimum contribution of $200,000 to the island’s National Development Fund or a real estate purchase of worth at least $200,000. Obtaining citizenship takes six to nine months.
Dominica provides one of the most affordable investment programs for families. For families of up to four, obtaining citizenship by investment in Dominica is also affordable, requiring a minimum contribution of $250,000 to the country’s government fund.
Successful applicants obtain dual citizenship and the privilege to enter 135 Dominica passport visa free countries.
Compare Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship in our detailed comparison Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dominica Cost of Living
A monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,000 is enough for a single person to live in Dominica and enjoy a comfortable standard of living. The cost includes:
- A normal tariff for a mobile contract.
- Dining out at an inexpensive restaurant.
- A monthly fee for membership at a leisure fitness club.
Dominica’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC or XCD), which is pegged to the value of the US dollar at 2.7 ECD to 1 USD. Businesses and banks in Dominica conduct transactions in EC.
Dominica offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Caribbean islands, the US, Canada, and the UK. Local produce, local transport, and rent are cheap. The low prices to purchase real estate and obtain citizenship by investment make it one of the most affordable Caribbean countries to live in.
Depending on what you purchase, grocery expenses in Dominica can be cheap. Locally produced food offers the lowest cost, while imported goods such as milk and clothing are more expensive like in most other Caribbean countries. Restaurant prices in Dominica are lower than in Many Caribbean countries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs about $7.40, excluding red table wine. A meal at Burger King or an equivalent combo meal is just $6.66 on average.
Dominica is one of the most affordable Caribbean states to purchase real estate. In addition to low purchase costs, the Dominican cost of living includes a relatively low cost to rent property, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center costing $330 per month and $220 outside the city center.
The average monthly salary in Dominica ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (approximately $370 to $555).
With an average monthly salary of $370 to $555, foreign nationals in Dominica can employ domestic help at reasonable rates, either on a full-time or part-time basis.
Affordable utility rates contribute to the overall low cost of living in Dominica. Utilities in a standard 85-square-meter apartment—including heating, electricity, gas, and garbage collection—cost around $300 monthly for a single person.
