Dominican Republic vs Brazil
Dominican Republic has a population of 10.8M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 19.8 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 17.6 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 175.0 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 2.1 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
Dominican RepublicBrazil| Population | -95.0%10.8M | +1881.3%213.4M |
| Area | -99.4%48,671 km² | +17396.6%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -94.3%$124.3B | +1658.8%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | +5.5%$10,875.662 | -5.2%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%73.7 yrs | +2.9%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +127.2%28.4 | -56.0%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -14.7%5.1% | +17.2%6.0% |
| Capital | Santo Domingo | Brasília |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | DOP ($) | BRL (R$) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 19.8 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 213.4M residents compared to 10.8M. Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 17.6 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Brazil.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Dominican Republic is 73.7 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 2.1 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 127% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 175.0 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Dominican Republic shares borders with 1 country, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Dominican Republic lies in North America, while Brazil is located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Caribbean and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Brazil is in land area: Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Brazil is in population: Dominican Republic's 10.8M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Brazil is in GDP: Dominican Republic's $124.3B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 1.1x that of Brazil ($10,310.549). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 8.8x more densely populated than Brazil (221 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 2.1 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (75.8 vs 73.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Dominican Republic vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Dominican Republic vs Brazil for Budget Travelers
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Dominican Republic vs Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Dominican Republic vs Brazil Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Brazil can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Dominican Republic vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Dominican Republic or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Brazil is 19.8 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Dominican Republic or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Brazil's economy is 17.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Dominican Republic and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. Dominican Republic's life expectancy is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Dominican Republic or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Brazil is 175.0 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Dominican Republic and Brazil?
Dominican Republic recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Dominican Republic or Brazil?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Dominican Republic or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. B...
Is Dominican Republic or Brazil cheaper to visit?
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic m...
Is Dominican Republic or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is Dominican Republic or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Dominican Republic or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...