Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 77)
Cabarete sits on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, just 5 km from Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP). The town lies at an elevation of 10 meters above sea level and enjoys a tropical climate year-round. With a population of just 4,000, it is a compact beach community where English is widely spoken. Expats tend to settle in the central area near the beachfront, where most of the restaurants and shops are concentrated.
Living costs here are notably low. A single person's monthly expenses excluding rent average $800. Rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center run $697 per month, while outside the center they drop to $498. For a three-bedroom, expect $1,196 in the center and $797 outside. Utilities total $92 monthly, internet is $36, a mobile phone plan costs $32, and a gym membership is $25. Eating out is affordable: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $8, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $50, and a cappuccino is $2. Budget living for a single adult including rent comes to $619 per month, mid-range to $933, and comfortable living to $1,235.
Safety is moderate, with a safety index of 60 and a crime index of 38 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as Fair. The air quality index is 45, indicating generally clean air. While the town is small, basic medical needs can be met locally, though more serious care may require a trip to a larger city.
For those looking to stay long-term, the Dominican Republic offers several visa options. The Rentista / Pensionado Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500, while the Digital Nomad Visa requires $2,000 per month. Getting to Cabarete is easy via POP, just 5 km away. With an overall expat score of 77, a FIRE score of 79, a retiree score of 65, and a digital nomad score of 72, Cabarete suits budget-conscious travelers, remote workers, and retirees alike.
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Cabarete on a budget budget comes to about $811 a month for one adult, with $498 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $99.00 on groceries, $31.00 on dining out, $23.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $160 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$498/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$99.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$31.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$23.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$160/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Cabarete on a mid-range budget comes to about $929 a month for one adult, with $498 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $131 on groceries, $77.00 on dining out, $63.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $160 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$498/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$131/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$77.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$63.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$160/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Cabarete on a comfortable budget comes to about $1,330 a month for one adult, with $697 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $184 on groceries, $195 on dining out, $94.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $160 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$697/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$184/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$195/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$94.00/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$160/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $697.44/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Cabarete's cost of living compares with Boca Chica
(Higher is safer)
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Cabarete is a small, tourist-oriented beach town with a relaxed expat community and generally low violent crime. The main concerns are petty theft, opportunistic robbery in isolated areas after dark, and occasional scams targeting foreigners unfamiliar with local prices. Avoid displaying valuables, don't walk alone late at night on beaches or poorly lit streets, and use registered taxis. The town itself feels safe during daylight hours with good police presence in tourist zones. For a retiree or remote worker seeking a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle, Cabarete is reasonably secure—just exercise standard expat caution.
Cabarete has a safety index of 60/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Cabarete's healthcare compares with Boca Chica
Cabarete has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, a wet season from May to November with afternoon showers, and a drier season from December to April ideal for beach activities.
Cabarete is famous among surfers and offers a vibrant scene for digital nomads.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kite Club Cabarete | While primarily a kiteboarding school and hotel, Kite Club offers a relaxed, beachfront workspace with reliable internet. Its location right on Kite Beach makes it ideal for those who want to mix work with watersports. |
| Velero Beach Resort | Velero Beach Resort offers a comfortable workspace with ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. Located directly on Cabarete Beach, it's perfect for digital nomads looking for a scenic and convenient work environment. |
| eXtreme Hotel | eXtreme Hotel, known for its eco-friendly design and focus on adventure sports, provides a laid-back coworking environment. Located near Kite Beach, it's a great option for those seeking a community-oriented space with a focus on sustainability. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Cabarete long-term? Dominican Republic Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $2,000/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Cabarete? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Cabarete's digital nomad life compares with Boca Chica
Areas of Cabarete that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Quiet, nature-focused residential area
Located inland, away from the immediate beachfront, El Choco offers a more tranquil environment. Many expats and retirees choose this area for its larger properties, proximity to nature (El Choco National Park), and relative affordability. A car is generally needed to access Cabarete's main amenities.
Upscale, gated community living
Perla Marina is a gated community known for its well-maintained properties and security. It's popular with expats seeking a higher level of comfort and amenities, including pools and private beach access. While walkable within the community, access to Cabarete requires a car or taxi.
Lively, beachfront tourist center
The heart of Cabarete, this area is bustling with restaurants, bars, shops, and kiteboarding schools. While convenient and exciting, it can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season. Expect higher prices and tourist-focused services. Walkable, but can be overwhelming for some.
Kiteboarder's paradise, active, social
As the name suggests, Kite Beach is a haven for kiteboarders and water sports enthusiasts. The vibe is active and social, with numerous kite schools and beachfront bars. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly to more upscale, but expect a constant breeze and potential noise from the kiteboarding activity. Walkable along the beach, but further from Cabarete's center.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $697/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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