Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Dominican Republic Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Dominican Republic Property Pack
Looking for reliable rent data in Santo Domingo can be tricky because prices vary wildly depending on the neighborhood, the building, and whether you're searching in pesos or dollars.
This guide breaks down current rental prices, the best neighborhoods for different tenant types, and what landlords actually pay in taxes and maintenance.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest market conditions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo.
Insights
- Santo Domingo rents grew about 4% year-over-year in 2024 according to Corotos listing data, and that pace is expected to continue into 2026 with prime zones like Piantini potentially seeing 6% to 9% growth.
- The rent per square meter in Distrito Nacional averages around RD$650 per month in 2026, but premium towers in Piantini or Naco can push that to RD$1,200 per square meter.
- Rental vacancy in well-located Distrito Nacional properties sits between 4% and 6%, which is tight enough that properly priced units rent within 20 to 35 days.
- Backup power is a major rent driver in Santo Domingo because reliable electricity matters more here than in most cities, with full generator setups commanding significant premiums.
- Residential rentals in Santo Domingo are exempt from ITBIS (the Dominican VAT), but landlords renting to companies face a 10% income tax withholding at the source.
- Peak rental demand in Santo Domingo hits in August and September when university terms begin, and again in January and February after the holiday season.
- Expats and relocation tenants cluster heavily in Piantini, Naco, and La Esperilla where listings are often quoted in US dollars and buildings offer full amenities.
- A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo rents for around RD$65,000 per month, but in premium neighborhoods that figure can easily double or triple.
What are typical rents in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Santo Domingo is around RD$28,000, which works out to approximately US$445 or EUR 410.
That said, studio rents in Santo Domingo can range from about RD$18,000 (US$285 or EUR 265) in simpler buildings outside the core to RD$55,000 (US$875 or EUR 810) in furnished units within premium Piantini or Naco towers.
The biggest factors affecting studio rents in Santo Domingo are location within Distrito Nacional, whether the unit is furnished, building amenities like backup power and security, and whether the rent is quoted in pesos or dollars.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo is around RD$45,000, which equals approximately US$715 or EUR 660.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo rent between RD$30,000 (US$475 or EUR 440) and RD$90,000 (US$1,430 or EUR 1,320), depending on the building quality and exact location.
Neighborhoods like Gazcue and parts of Bella Vista tend to have the more affordable 1-bedroom rents in Santo Domingo, while Piantini, Naco, and Serrallés sit at the expensive end of the market.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo is around RD$65,000, which translates to approximately US$1,035 or EUR 955.
The realistic range for 2-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo runs from about RD$45,000 (US$715 or EUR 660) in mid-tier neighborhoods to RD$160,000 (US$2,540 or EUR 2,350) in fully furnished premium towers.
For more affordable 2-bedroom options in Santo Domingo, look at Evaristo Morales, El Millón, or Renacimiento, while the priciest 2-bedrooms are found in Piantini, Naco, and Los Cacicazgos.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo.
What's the average rent per square meter in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Santo Domingo's Distrito Nacional is around RD$650 per month, which equals approximately US$10.30 or EUR 9.55 per square meter.
Across Santo Domingo neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from about RD$550 (US$8.70 or EUR 8.10) in mainstream areas to RD$1,200 (US$19 or EUR 17.60) in premium towers in Piantini, Naco, or La Esperilla.
Compared to other Dominican cities, Santo Domingo's Distrito Nacional commands the highest rent per square meter in the country, with only certain beach resort areas approaching similar levels for short-term rentals.
Properties that push rent per square meter above average in Santo Domingo typically feature full backup power, two parking spaces, modern finishes, and access to gyms, pools, and 24-hour security.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Santo Domingo have increased by an estimated 4% to 6% compared to January 2025 for long-term residential properties.
The main factors driving rent growth in Santo Domingo include strong demand concentrated in Distrito Nacional's most popular neighborhoods, steady relocation and expat interest, and construction costs that continue rising according to official indices.
This year's rent growth in Santo Domingo follows a similar pattern to 2024, when Corotos recorded about 4% average rent growth in Distrito Nacional compared to 2023.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of early 2026, we project rents in Santo Domingo to grow another 4% to 7% over the course of the year, with the strongest growth in amenity-rich corridors.
Key factors likely to influence Santo Domingo rent growth include continued demand concentration in Distrito Nacional's top sectors, a stable macroeconomic environment projected by the central bank, and ongoing construction cost pressures that landlords tend to pass through.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Santo Domingo during 2026 are Piantini, Naco, Serrallés, and La Esperilla, where lifestyle amenities and expat demand keep competition for units high.
The main risk that could cause Santo Domingo rent growth to differ from projections is a wave of new apartment supply hitting the market at once, which could give tenants more negotiating power and slow price increases.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in the Dominican Republic. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Santo Domingo are Piantini, Naco, and Serrallés, where 2-bedroom apartments commonly rent for RD$100,000 to RD$160,000 (US$1,590 to US$2,540 or EUR 1,470 to EUR 2,350) per month.
These Santo Domingo neighborhoods command premium rents because they combine modern high-rise towers, full building amenities like pools and gyms, reliable backup power, secure parking, and proximity to the main business corridor.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Santo Domingo neighborhoods includes expats on relocation packages, executives working for multinational companies, and affluent Dominican professionals who prioritize convenience and security.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Santo Domingo.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Santo Domingo right now?
The three neighborhoods where young professionals most prefer to rent in Santo Domingo are Piantini, Evaristo Morales, and Bella Vista, all offering good access to the business corridor and social scene.
Young professionals in these Santo Domingo neighborhoods typically pay between RD$40,000 and RD$75,000 (US$635 to US$1,190 or EUR 590 to EUR 1,100) per month for a 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Santo Domingo areas includes walkable streets with restaurants and cafes, easy driving access to offices along major avenues, modern building amenities, and a relatively active nightlife nearby.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo.
Where do families prefer to rent in Santo Domingo right now?
The three neighborhoods where families most prefer to rent in Santo Domingo are Arroyo Hondo, Los Cacicazgos, and Bella Vista, all offering more space and quieter residential streets.
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these Santo Domingo neighborhoods typically pay between RD$55,000 and RD$120,000 (US$875 to US$1,905 or EUR 810 to EUR 1,765) per month.
What makes these Santo Domingo neighborhoods attractive to families includes larger apartment layouts, access to green spaces and parks, easier street parking, and a calmer atmosphere compared to the busiest commercial corridors.
Top educational options near these family-friendly Santo Domingo neighborhoods include INTEC along Avenida Los Próceres for the Arroyo Hondo area, plus several well-regarded private schools scattered throughout Distrito Nacional.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Santo Domingo are the Zona Universitaria near UASD, the Arroyo Hondo corridor near INTEC, and neighborhoods along the Kennedy corridor near UNPHU.
Properties in these high-demand Santo Domingo areas typically stay listed for just 15 to 30 days when priced correctly, compared to 35 to 50 days in less strategic locations.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of Metro stations or major universities in Santo Domingo is roughly RD$5,000 to RD$10,000 (US$80 to US$160 or EUR 75 to EUR 150) per month above comparable units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Santo Domingo right now?
The three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Santo Domingo are Piantini, Naco, and La Esperilla, all known for their modern towers, English-friendly property management, and reliable services.
Expats renting in these Santo Domingo neighborhoods typically pay between RD$60,000 and RD$140,000 (US$950 to US$2,220 or EUR 880 to EUR 2,060) per month, often in US dollar-denominated leases.
What makes these Santo Domingo areas attractive to expats includes 24-hour security, full backup power systems, on-site gyms and pools, proximity to international restaurants and supermarkets, and established expat social networks.
The expat communities most represented in these Santo Domingo neighborhoods include Americans, Venezuelans, other Latin Americans from nearby countries, and Europeans working in business or diplomatic roles.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Santo Domingo.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Santo Domingo right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Santo Domingo?
The three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Santo Domingo are local professionals and couples seeking proximity to work, families upgrading to larger units in calmer neighborhoods, and expats or relocation tenants in premium towers.
In terms of market share, local professionals represent roughly 50% to 55% of Santo Domingo's long-term rental demand, families account for about 25% to 30%, and expats plus relocation tenants make up the remaining 15% to 20%.
Local professionals in Santo Domingo typically seek 1 to 2 bedroom apartments in central Distrito Nacional, families look for 2 to 3 bedrooms with more space in residential areas, and expats usually want furnished 1 to 2 bedroom units in full-amenity buildings.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Santo Domingo.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Santo Domingo?
In Santo Domingo, roughly 35% of tenants prefer furnished rentals while about 65% choose unfurnished, though this split varies significantly by neighborhood and tenant type.
Furnished apartments in Santo Domingo typically command a rent premium of RD$10,000 to RD$25,000 (US$160 to US$400 or EUR 150 to EUR 370) per month compared to equivalent unfurnished units.
Tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Santo Domingo include expats on temporary assignments, newly arrived relocation tenants who need a quick move-in, and young professionals who prioritize convenience over customization.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Santo Domingo?
The five amenities that increase rent the most in Santo Domingo are full backup power (generator with planta full), secure parking with two spaces, 24-hour security with controlled access, in-building gym and pool, and reliable water systems with cistern and tinaco.
In Santo Domingo, full backup power can add RD$8,000 to RD$15,000 (US$130 to US$240 or EUR 120 to EUR 220) per month, a second parking space adds about RD$5,000 to RD$8,000 (US$80 to US$130 or EUR 75 to EUR 120), and buildings with pools and gyms command premiums of RD$6,000 to RD$12,000 (US$95 to US$190 or EUR 90 to EUR 175) monthly.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Santo Domingo?
The five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Santo Domingo are kitchen updates with modern countertops and fixtures, bathroom refreshes including better showers and ventilation, installing efficient split inverter air conditioning, fresh paint and improved lighting, and upgrading to a reliable inverter or generator backup system.
In Santo Domingo, a kitchen refresh typically costs RD$80,000 to RD$200,000 (US$1,270 to US$3,175 or EUR 1,175 to EUR 2,940) and can increase monthly rent by RD$4,000 to RD$10,000, while bathroom updates cost RD$50,000 to RD$120,000 (US$795 to US$1,905 or EUR 735 to EUR 1,765) and add RD$3,000 to RD$7,000 per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Santo Domingo include major structural changes, high-end luxury finishes that exceed what the neighborhood supports, and elaborate landscaping in apartment buildings where tenants don't control outdoor space.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Dominican Republic versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated long-term rental vacancy rate in Santo Domingo's Distrito Nacional for well-located and fairly priced properties is between 4% and 6%.
Across different Santo Domingo neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from as low as 3% in high-demand areas like Piantini and Naco to around 8% to 10% in less central parts of Greater Santo Domingo including some sectors of Santo Domingo Este and Norte.
The current vacancy rate in Santo Domingo is relatively tight compared to the broader national housing picture, where the 2022 census recorded over 720,000 vacant dwellings countrywide, though many of those are seasonal or non-rental properties.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days a rental property stays listed in Santo Domingo is around 25 to 35 days for well-priced units in Distrito Nacional.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Santo Domingo, days on market can range from just 15 to 20 days for affordable 1-bedroom apartments near universities or transit to 50 to 70 days for overpriced luxury units in premium towers.
Compared to one year ago, the current days-on-market figure in Santo Domingo is roughly similar, as demand has remained strong and supply has kept pace without dramatic shifts in either direction.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Santo Domingo?
The peak months for tenant demand in Santo Domingo are August and September when the university term begins, and January and February when post-holiday job changes and relocations pick up.
The main factors driving these seasonal demand patterns in Santo Domingo include the academic calendar at major universities like INTEC, UNPHU, UASD, and PUCMM, plus corporate relocation cycles that often align with the start of the calendar year or fiscal periods.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Santo Domingo are typically November and December during the holiday season, and the early summer months of June and July when fewer people initiate moves.
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What will my monthly costs be in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Santo Domingo should expect to pay around 1% of their property's taxable value per year in property tax (IPI), which translates to roughly RD$60,000 to RD$150,000 (US$950 to US$2,380 or EUR 880 to EUR 2,205) annually for a typical mid-range rental apartment.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Santo Domingo varies from zero for properties below the exemption threshold to over RD$300,000 (US$4,760 or EUR 4,410) per year for high-value properties in premium neighborhoods like Piantini or Los Cacicazgos.
Property taxes in Santo Domingo are calculated by DGII based on the assessed value of the property, with a 1% annual rate applied to the taxable base above the exemption threshold, and payments are typically due in two installments per year.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Santo Domingo, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Santo Domingo right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Santo Domingo are the building maintenance fee (called "mantenimiento") and sometimes water when it's bundled into building services.
Monthly building maintenance fees in Santo Domingo typically range from RD$3,000 to RD$15,000 (US$48 to US$240 or EUR 45 to EUR 220) depending on the tower's amenities, while water (when landlord-paid) usually adds RD$500 to RD$1,500 (US$8 to US$24 or EUR 7 to EUR 22) per month.
The common practice in Santo Domingo is for tenants to pay electricity, internet, and gas directly, while the landlord either pays the condo maintenance fee or negotiates who covers it as part of the lease terms.
How is rental income taxed in Santo Domingo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, residential rental income in Santo Domingo is exempt from ITBIS (the Dominican VAT), but landlords who are individuals renting to companies face a 10% income tax (ISR) withholding at the source by the tenant.
Main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Santo Domingo include maintenance and repair expenses, property taxes paid (IPI), building fees, and depreciation on the property according to standard tax rules.
A common tax mistake specific to Santo Domingo landlords is failing to clearly separate the rent from any furnishings or additional services in the contract, which can create confusion about ITBIS applicability if DGII interprets the arrangement as including taxable goods.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Santo Domingo.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the Dominican Republic compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Santo Domingo, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Corotos Reporte Inmobiliario S1 2024 | It's a large Dominican classifieds marketplace summarizing its own market-wide listing and viewing data. | We used it as the main baseline for Santo Domingo (Distrito Nacional) average rents and rent-per-square-meter. We then extrapolated to January 2026 using 2024 vs 2023 changes reported in the PDF and macro conditions from the central bank. |
| Encuentra24 Price Trend Tool | It's a major regional property portal that publishes a transparent price-per-square-meter trend calculator from its listings. | We used it to cross-check the direction and level of rent-per-square-meter across locations in Greater Santo Domingo. We used it to sanity-check that our 2026 rent-per-square-meter ranges match what a large portal is seeing in listings. |
| Banco Central (BCRD) Mercado Cambiario | It's the Dominican Republic's central bank and the official reference source for the spot FX rate. | We used it to anchor USD to DOP conversions so the numbers are comparable across sources. We quote rent levels mainly in DOP and add USD using the central-bank reference rate. |
| Banco Central Programa Monetario 2025 | It's the central bank's official policy and macro outlook document. | We used it to frame 2026 rent growth drivers like inflation environment, growth, and financing conditions. We used it to keep our 2026 outlook consistent with the policy baseline rather than guesswork. |
| ONE ICDV Annual Report 2024 | It's the official statistics agency and the ICDV is the country's published construction cost index. | We used it to explain why maintenance and renovation costs tend to rise over time. We used it as a cost pressure input when estimating landlord maintenance budgets in 2026. |
| Diario Libre Census Coverage | It's a major national newspaper and it clearly attributes the numbers to ONE's census results. | We used it as a readable corroboration of the census vacancy totals. We used it to explain why census vacancy can differ from rental vacancy in the long-term market. |
| DGII Property Tax (IPI) Page | It's the Dominican tax authority's official guidance on the real-estate property tax. | We used it to summarize what landlords should expect for annual property tax obligations. We used it to translate the rules into a simple monthly-cost view for a non-professional reader. |
| DGII Help Community Rental Tax Discussion | It's DGII's own help portal and it spells out the key rule differences for housing vs commercial rental. | We used it to clearly state that housing rentals are ITBIS-exempt and highlight when 10% ISR retention applies. We used it to build the landlord tax checklist for 2026. |
| DGII Technical Consultation on ITBIS | It's a formal DGII technical response, which is about as primary source as it gets for interpretation. | We used it to define what DGII considers housing rental (habitual/permanent use) versus tourist-type rentals. We used it to reduce ambiguity for expat/relocation rentals in Santo Domingo. |
| OPRET Metro/Teleférico Routes | It's the official transport authority for the Metro/Teleférico network and station list. | We used it to identify the stations and lines that shape rent-faster-near-transit areas. We used it to tailor neighborhood examples to the actual Santo Domingo transit map. |
| INTEC Official Contacts | It's the university's official site with its campus address. | We used it to anchor which nearby neighborhoods tend to attract student and staff renters. We used it to avoid vague near-a-university claims without a real place. |
| UNPHU Official Contact | It's the university's official site with its campus address on Av. John F. Kennedy. | We used it to identify nearby renter demand zones along the John F. Kennedy corridor. We used it to support the near-universities-rent-faster section with concrete locations. |
| SIE Electricity Tariff Resolution | It's the regulator and the primary source for regulated electricity tariffs. | We used it to justify why electricity can be a meaningful monthly variable cost for tenants and landlords. We used it to keep utility-cost estimates consistent with a regulated-tariff reality. |
| CAASD Water Tariff Structure | It's the official water utility for Greater Santo Domingo and publishes its tariff structure. | We used it to ground the water-is-usually-small point in official documentation. We used it to avoid relying on hearsay about utility pricing. |
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