Istanbul vs Santo Domingo: cost of living for digital nomads

Istanbul, Turkey and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Istanbul is about 3% cheaper than Santo Domingo for a month of nomad living ($1,400 vs $1,440).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $600 in Santo Domingo against $650 in Istanbul.
  • Istanbul scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 6/10).
  • Internet is faster in Santo Domingo: 120 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
  • Istanbul is mediterranean; Santo Domingo is tropical.

Istanbul wins 4 of the measured lines; Santo Domingo wins 2.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Santo Domingo?

Istanbul is cheaper: about $1,400/month against $1,440/month in Santo Domingo, roughly 3% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Istanbul or Santo Domingo?

Istanbul scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 6/10 for Santo Domingo.

Which has faster internet, Istanbul or Santo Domingo?

Santo Domingo has faster typical internet: 120 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Istanbul.

LineIstanbulSanto Domingo
Monthly total (USD)$1,400$1,440
Rent$650$600
Food$380$380
Transport$45$50
Coworking$110$110
Safety (out of 10)7/106/10
Internet (Mbps)60120
Climatemediterraneantropical
City sizemetrometro
Settingcoastcoast
Nomad score (out of 10)8/106/10

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Istanbul November 1, 2026, Santo Domingo September 10, 2026.