If you’re getting ready to take the leap and embrace expatriate life full time, you’ve no doubt figured out that there are quite a few details you’ll need to stay on top of to ensure a successful transition to living in your dream location. Whether you’re a recent retiree or simply in need of a change of scenery living abroad is an incredible experience that enriches the soul and brings so much more to your day-to-day. As one of the most visited places in the world, each year, the Dominican Republic welcomes expats from all corners of the globe and all walks of life to its sunny shores. As a longtime builder (nearly 30 years!) on the island, Casa Linda is thrilled to welcome newcomers to our tropical paradise and to introduce them to the joy of luxurious villa living.

As couples from around the world get ready to join us in their new dream home, one of the most frequent questions we get revolves around planning for their new day-to-day and knowing how much to budget for living expenses. The Caribbean attracts new residents based on its low cost of living and high quality of life, but it’s always wise to have a decent idea of what to expect when you settle in. To help you stay in the know, below, we’ve compiled some quick info on three of the most important areas of expenses. Read on to learn more!

Financial Foundations

First and foremost, the way the cost of living will affect you largely comes down to the nature of your individual finances both at present and in the future. Before you make the decision to move to the Dominican (or anywhere) full time, you need to have an in-depth look at your resources, ideally with a financial advisor that can help you plan for the long term.

While many will be hesitant to do so for fear of being limited, the lower cost of living in the Dominican generally means you can often do more than you’d expect, it just takes a little planning in advance to set yourself up for success.  With a little guidance, you can easily ensure that you’re prepared to settle in and enjoy the tropical lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

Key Expense: Housing

Of course, if you’re planning on relocating permanently, or even just having a snowbird destination, for the time being, finding a home to settle into is one of your top priorities. The Dominican has a relatively low cost of housing, and you may be surprised to find that you can often afford a far nicer residence than you can in your current location. Casa Linda is proud to offer breathtaking villas starting at prices as low as $184,700 USD. Nestled on the northern end of the island, our gated community features ten incredible floor plans to choose from, along with multiple amenities like 24/7 security, private restaurants, a VIP beach club and more. Casa Linda makes it easy to live the life you want at an affordable price point, with plenty of opportunities to customize to your exact needs.

Healthcare

Alongside housing, another key focus point to consider when moving is healthcare. For those worried about the quality of care, you can rest easy knowing that the Dominican offers exceptional care on all levels in state-of-the-art facilities alongside highly qualified professionals that are all readily available. One of the biggest surprises for our North America expats is that monthly health insurance can cost as little as $100 USD a month, and the wait time for medical procedures are often far shorter than they are back home. This means that the Dominican is a safe bet when it comes to taking care of your health today, tomorrow, and in the many years to come!

Daily Expenses

After housing and healthcare, you’ll want to have an idea of what your daily essentials (groceries, etc) will cost. Fortunately, the cost for daily necessities is much lower in the DR, and you can expect every dollar to go further with each purchase. With ample fresh vegetation and resources available all year round, the cost of groceries is usually lower than most are accustomed to, and the stable infrastructure means you’ll have access to high-speed internet, cable, dependable electricity and all of the standards you’re used to back home.

Ready To Learn More?

Tired of dreaming of island living? It’s time to make your vision a reality. Contact Casa Linda today to learn more about taking your first steps, and visit our resource centre for more information now!