Can You Live at an All-Inclusive Resort for Less than a Middle-Class Lifestyle?

The Big Picture on Living at an All-Inclusive Resort vs A Middle-Class Lifestyle:

• • The average American middle-class lifestyle costs over $4,000/month, driven by housing, transportation, food, and other recurring expenses.

  • Resorts like Viva Tangerine in the Dominican Republic provide meals, entertainment, fitness, and even workspace—potentially for less than U.S. living costs. 

  • Resort living isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a real alternative for those working remotely or seeking a lifestyle change, with minimal trade-offs.

When you hear “all-inclusive resort,” you probably think of luxury vacations, endless buffets, and tropical cocktails. But have you ever considered that living at an all-inclusive resort might actually be more affordable than maintaining a middle-class lifestyle in the U.S.? It sounds crazy, but when you break down the numbers, the idea starts to make a lot more sense.

The Real Cost of Middle-Class Living in the U.S.

The typical middle-class American household comes with a long list of recurring expenses. Let’s take a look at some common costs:

• • Housing (Rent/Mortgage): $2,000/month (Median U.S. rent per Zillow)
  • Internet: $50/month
  • Water & Utilities: $300/month
  • Transportation: $600/month (Car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance)
  • Groceries: $500/month
  • Meals Out: $300/month
  • Entertainment (Streaming, Nights Out, Social Events): $300/month
  • Gym or Fitness Memberships: $100/month
  • Coworking Space (if applicable): $250/month

Total: $4,250/month

This is a conservative estimate—many people spend even more depending on their location, lifestyle, and family size. Now, let’s compare that to the cost of living at an all-inclusive resort.

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The Cost of Living at a Resort

For comparison, let’s look at Viva Tangerine by Wyndham in the Dominican Republic, an all-inclusive resort right on Playa Cabarete.

• • Single Person Stay (15 days): $2,037
  • Monthly Cost: $4,072
  • Couple’s Monthly Cost: $4,940

At first glance, the numbers seem close. But let’s look at what’s included in that resort price:

✅ All Meals & Drinks Included – No grocery bills or dining expenses

✅ Resort Entertainment – Nightclubs, concerts, live shows, and bars 

✅ Pools, Beach Access & Water Sports – No need for a gym membership 

✅ Fitness & Wellness – Yoga classes, a full gym, and fitness programs 

✅ Housekeeping & Maintenance – No chores, no home repairs

✅ Transportation Savings – No need for a car, insurance, or gas expenses 

✅ Office & Wi-Fi Included – No coworking space fees if you work remotely

Is It Worth It?

While resort living might not be for everyone, it does challenge the traditional belief that a middle-class lifestyle is the best or only path. The key takeaway? You have options. If you work remotely or are looking for a lifestyle change, this could be a financially smart (and exciting) alternative.

The Trade-Offs

Of course, resort living has its drawbacks. You might have less personal space than in a traditional home, limited ability to cook your own meals, and potential visa restrictions for long-term stays. But for some, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

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Final Thoughts

The goal isn’t to convince you to sell your house and move to a resort tomorrow—it’s to challenge the assumptions about what life has to look like. Maybe an all-inclusive resort isn’t the answer for you, but what other unconventional options could provide a better quality of life for the same or even lower cost?