Global Property Guide reported that, at the close of the first half of the year, the national average price reached RD$ 130,932/m², approximately US$ 2,202/m², and projects an increase of between 7% and 12% by the end of 2025.
SANTO DOMINGO – María and José, middle-class, independent professionals looking to settle down, want a 125 m² urban apartment and have five cities in mind. Knowing that the estimated cost of a home with these characteristics is around US$275,250, they begin to analyze the data.
They read in the specialized newspaper El Inmobiliario that the Dominican Republic has a remarkable diversity in prices and lifestyles. They read that Global Property Guide reported that, at the close of the first half of this year , the national average price of apartments reached RD$130,932/m², equivalent to approximately US$2,202/m², and that an increase of between 7% and 12% is projected by the end of 2025.
They intelligently compared 5 possible destinations where they would like to live and found apartments in Santiago with an estimated price of around US$ 162,500 and in Samaná they found options up to US$ 302,500, almost double that of the Heart City .
Based on the data found, the couple is debating whether to invest in a classic urban property, an emerging tourist destination, or a city with a well-established future. To help them, we present an analysis of prices published by real estate portals and make a comparison.
Data for 125 m² apartments (middle class)
| City / Region | Estimated price (USD) | Price per m² (USD) | Main source |
| Samaná | US$ 302,500 | 2,420 | Properstar (Sept 2024) |
| Puerto Plata | US$ 299,400 | 2,395 | Properstar (Sept 2024) |
| Punta Cana (La Altagracia) | US$ 283,750 | 2,270 | Properstar (Sept 2024) |
| Santo Domingo (National District) | US$ 262,500 | 2,100 | Properstar (Sept 2024) |
| National average (reference) | US$ 249,250 | 1,994 | Global Property Guide (May 2025) |
| Santiago de los Caballeros | US$ 162,500 | 1,300 (estimated) | Properstar-emerging zones |
The price comparison reveals that the Dominican real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities depending on the buyer's profile. Samaná and Puerto Plata lead the ranking, with apartments around US$300,000 , reflecting a positioning geared towards exclusivity and expanding tourism.
Punta Cana , slightly more accessible, maintains its appeal due to its seaside lifestyle and long-term appreciation potential, consolidating itself as a destination that combines investment with quality of life.
In contrast, Santo Domingo remains below the most expensive tourist destinations, with an average of US$262,500 , making this city competitive, even in international markets, by offering comprehensive urban infrastructure and services .
Santiago , with prices around US$162,500 , represents the most affordable and dynamic option , ideal for middle-class families who prioritize cost-benefit and growth potential. Overall, the country offers a diverse range of housing options: from premium choices on the coast to accessible alternatives in emerging inland cities.
Recommendations for Mary and Joseph
- Samaná and Puerto Plata lead in price, reflecting exclusivity and a tourism boom; ideal if you want a quiet natural environment with strong future potential.
- Punta Cana offers an attractive mix of vacation lifestyle and property value, albeit at a slightly more affordable price than the more expensive tourist destinations in the north.
- Santo Domingo (DN) represents a solid balance: access to employment, services and urban infrastructure, at a competitive cost, still below the international average.
- Santiago , significantly more affordable, is emerging as the best option for families who prioritize cost-benefit and the projection of sustained growth.
