Dominican Republic vs Cuba
Dominican Republic has a population of 10.8M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Dominican Republic is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 2.3 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 4.4 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
Dominican RepublicCuba| Population | +10.5%10.8M | -9.5%9.7M |
| Area | -55.7%48,671 km² | +125.8%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $124.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $10,875.662 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -5.6%73.7 yrs | +5.9%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +330.3%28.4 | -76.8%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +191.6%5.1% | -65.7%1.7% |
| Capital | Santo Domingo | Havana |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | DOP ($) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Dominican Republic is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba, with 10.8M residents compared to 9.7M. Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% 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 Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Dominican Republic's GDP stands at $124.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Dominican Republic is 73.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 4.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 330% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Dominican Republic shares borders with 1 country, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Both Dominican Republic and Cuba are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Caribbean and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Cuba is in infant mortality: Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Cuba is in land area: Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Cuba is in population: Dominican Republic's 10.8M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 10% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 2.5x more densely populated than Cuba (221 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 4.4 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Dominican Republic vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Dominican Republic vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Dominican Republic is larger by population, with 10.8M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Dominican Republic is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Dominican Republic or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Dominican Republic and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. Dominican Republic's life expectancy is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Dominican Republic or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Cuba is 2.3 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Dominican Republic and Cuba?
Dominican Republic recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Dominican Republic or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Dominican Republic's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Dominican Republic or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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...
Is Dominican Republic or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may o...
Is Dominican Republic or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 acces...
Is Dominican Republic or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countri...