Cost of living in Dominica

Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, located between Martinique and Guadeloupe. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism and real estate, particularly on investments from abroad. In this article, we’ll examine the cost of living in Dominica and compare it to other countries to get a most comprehensive picture.

Overview of living expenses

Below, you’ll find an overview of the prices you’re likely to encounter in the country.

Food and dining

The cost of food varies quite a bit. For example, one can get an inexpensive lunch at a restaurant for about $7 on average, or about $25 at a mid-range restaurant. Staple foods like bread and rice are affordable, as is meat. For instance, the charge is $4.50 for a pound of chicken breast. A pound of rice costs about $0.68, and a pound of white bread (about half a loaf) costs around $5.50. It should be noted that despite the pricing, not all products are consistently available.

For example, there is a wide selection of fruit, but it can be challenging to find products of animal origin (such as milk, eggs, and meat). These aren’t always available, even at high-end restaurants.

Transportation

The cost of public transportation in the state has historically been relatively affordable. The price of a one-way ticket is just over $1, while a monthly pass is around $25. It should be noted that taxis represent a more expensive option: the initial fare of $4, coupled with another $6.40 per mile charge, may prove to be a significant financial burden. The cost of private cars here isn’t as favorable as it might seem.

The prices are comparable to those in many developed countries, but when compared to the United States, the costs are even higher. For example, a Toyota Corolla will cost at least $30,000. And this isn’t even the newest version.

It’s also important to note that imported vehicles are subject to a customs duty of 44%. Furthermore, an environmental levy is applied to cars over five years old, with the current rate set at $1,000. What’s more, the demand stays the same no matter what car one chooses: from a compact sedan to an SUV. Finally, the current price of gasoline is $5.14 per gallon.

Health care

The government provides free medical services for all. There are also private services available. However, there aren’t many specialized specialists. For instance, there are only a few oncologists in the entire country. It’s also worth mentioning that the government is part of the Eastern Caribbean Drug Service, a joint procurement scheme for importing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

In total, there are seven medical centers and over 40 clinics operating in the state. In any case, when moving to this country, it’s a good idea to get private health care insurance. All medical procedures are funded by general taxes: about 7% of the budget is allocated. People under 17, pregnant women, the indigent, and those with severe infectious diseases don’t have to pay for medical care.

It should be noted that the government is part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), a joint procurement scheme for the importation of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The advantageof this participation is that the state has no shortage of basic items. However, there may be instances where certain medications and surgical instruments are in short supply or unavailable.

Real estate

Housing is a significant expense when staying there. For example, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $190 to $1,320, depending on its location. This same one-bedroom apartment in the center of Roseau might cost around $1,320, while in the suburbs it’s closer to $550.

But while prices aren’t exorbitant, a villa of some kind can be acquired for about $270,000. Moreover, investors have the option to participate in the country’s citizenship program through investment. The demand per square meter varies considerably between the city center and the outskirts. This is also reflected in rental prices.

Despite this, the state remains one of the most affordable in the Caribbean region. This is due to the fact that the island has been largely spared from the effects of mass tourism. The government has placed a priority on eco-friendly tourism and the preservation of tropical natural areas.

Education

As with Dominica, there are both public and private education options. The public system is free, while private institutions require payment. Nevertheless, the prices for private institutions are still quite reasonable. For example, a full-day preschool or kindergarten will cost around $150 a month.

Universities in this state are also mostly private. Fees vary from one institution to another, but to give a rough idea, the All Saints University School of Medicine charges $12,000 per year. For those wishing to reside on campus, there’s the option of paying a slightly higher fee. This is an ideal solution for those with limited financial resources.

Citizenship

It should be noted that in Dominica, citizenship can also be purchased. Obtained as a result of investments, to be more precise. This has been possible since the year of 1993.

For example, in Nauru, the minimum required level of investment for citizenship is only $130,000. However, in this case the state also offers a significantly lower quality of life and a passport that is of lesser global value.

Note that the sum of $250,000 is the amount applicable for the main applicant and up to three qualifying dependants. With regard to investment channels, one option would be purchasing real estate. The requisite holding period is three years. Subsequently, the property may be sold. It’s also worth noting that this approach is selected by a relatively small number of individuals due to this very limitation. So many investors prefer to invest in the National Fund.

It should be noted that the expense of obtaining citizenship in Dominica also includes administrative fees, such as government fees, security clearance fees, and passport fees. Note that additional levy is also requested for application review (the price is at $1,000), agency and legal services (if such services are needed at all, but as a general rule they are; the exact figure cannot be given there).

All applicants aged 16 years and older are required to provide a certificate of no criminal record. The primary concern here is not the fare, yet rather the time required to produce the necessary documentation.

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