Haiti vs Dominican Republic
Haiti has a population of 11.9M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Haiti is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 4.9 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Dominican Republic covers 48,671 km², 1.8 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 8.8 years higher than Haiti's 64.9 years.
HaitiDominican Republic| Population | +10.2%11.9M | -9.2%10.8M |
| Area | -43.0%27,750 km² | +75.4%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -79.7%$25.2B | +392.7%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -80.3%$2,142.623 | +407.6%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.9%64.9 yrs | +13.5%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +41.9%40.3 | -29.5%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +193.5%14.9% | -65.9%5.1% |
| Capital | Port-au-Prince | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | French, Haitian Creole | Spanish |
| Currencies | HTG (G) | DOP ($) |
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
Haiti is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 11.9M residents compared to 10.8M. Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 4.9 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 5.1 times wealthier than those in Haiti.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Haiti is 64.9 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 8.8 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Haiti's infant mortality is 42% higher than Dominican Republic's 28.4.
Geographic Comparison
Dominican Republic (48,671 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Haiti shares borders with 1 country, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Haiti spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Both Haiti and Dominican Republic 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 Haiti and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Haiti's $2,142.623 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Haiti and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Haiti's $25.2B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Haiti and Dominican Republic is in land area: Haiti's 27,750 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Haiti's lower-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic'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 5.1x that of Haiti ($2,142.623). 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
Haiti is 1.9x more densely populated than Dominican Republic (428 vs 221 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Dominican Republic's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Dominican Republic live an average of 8.8 years longer than those of Haiti (73.7 vs 64.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Haiti vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Dominican Republic's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Haiti vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti 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.
Haiti vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Haiti 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.
Haiti vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Haiti, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Haiti offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Haiti can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Haiti vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Haiti and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Haiti spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Haiti'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, Haiti or Dominican Republic by population?
Haiti is larger by population, with 11.9M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Haiti is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Haiti or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Haiti's $25.2B. Dominican Republic's economy is 4.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Haiti and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Haiti's 64.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. Haiti's life expectancy is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Haiti or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic is larger by land area, covering 48,671 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Dominican Republic is 1.8 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Haiti and Dominican Republic?
Haiti recognizes the following languages: French, Haitian Creole. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Haiti or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Haiti or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bo...
Is Haiti or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may ...
Is Haiti or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Haiti may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Haiti or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Haiti, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Haiti offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Haiti or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Haiti and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Haiti spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Haiti's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...