Skyline of Santo Domingo
Cost of Living: 92 400,000

Santo Domingo, SD, Ecuador

A rapidly growing city in the coastal foothills, an important agricultural and commercial center.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 92

Below Average vs Ecuador Avg (100)

Housing Index 100

Affordable

Median Income $24,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.5%

Job market health

Santo Domingo vs Ecuador Average

Cost of Living
Santo Domingo: 92
Ecuador Avg: 100
Housing Index
Santo Domingo: 100
Ecuador Avg: 100
Income Tax
Santo Domingo: 35%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 35.0%
  • VAT: 12.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $24,000
  • Unemployment: 6.5%
  • Population: 400,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 180/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 66°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $100,000
  • 1BR Rent: $400/mo

Cost of Living

Santo Domingo's cost of living index is 92 (Ecuador average = 100).

CategorySanto DomingoNational AverageDifference
Overall92100-8.0%
Housing1001000.0%

Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$100,000
Median Rent (1BR)$400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$66

Data source: Plusvalía / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santo Domingo:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$15Based on ~250 kWh/month typical Ecuadorian household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)$1Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$8Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$25Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$5Private service
Total Utilities$54Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Santo Domingo

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $480/mo.

Santo Domingo Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $440/mo.

East Santo Domingo

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $360/mo.

West Santo Domingo

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $380/mo.

Remote Work Score

Santo Domingo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
92
Rent
$400
Sunny Days
180
Tax
35%
Unemployment
6.5%
Climate
84°F / 66°F

Climate

Santo Domingo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January86°F66°F2.5"
April69°F81°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F84°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 35%
  • VAT: 12%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Santo Domingo per 100,000 residents:

150.0
Violent Crime
500.0
Property Crime
27.0
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Santo Domingo, SD, Ecuador?

The cost of living index in Santo Domingo is 92, which is Lower the Ecuador national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Santo Domingo?

The median home price in Santo Domingo is $100,000. The housing index is 100.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo is approximately $400/mo.

Does Santo Domingo, SD have income tax?

Santo Domingo is in SD, which has an income tax rate of 35%.

What is the climate like in Santo Domingo?

Santo Domingo enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 66°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Plusvalía / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: INEC Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities ARC, CNEL, CNT 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.