Moving from Florida to the Dominican Republic isn't a decision most people make lightly. If you're weighing that kind of move, you probably have the same questions most people start with: What will daily life actually cost? Is the healthcare any good? Will it feel comfortable, or too far from everything familiar?
One Canadian couple living at Casa Linda can answer those questions from an unusual vantage point. They spent roughly 20 years in Florida, moved back to Canada, and later went looking for somewhere warm to build the next chapter of their lives. That search led them to the Dominican Republic and, after a short stay at Casa Linda, to a villa of their own.
Their story isn't a promise that your experience will look the same. Costs, insurance, residency rules and lifestyle preferences differ from person to person. But it's a useful look at what actually matters when you're comparing life in Florida, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
Key Takeaways
They didn't choose Casa Linda just because it was warmer or cheaper.
It came down to the combination of a private villa, manageable day-to-day costs, real access to services, and a community that felt welcoming.
Staying in the community before buying made the difference.
A short rental let them experience daily life firsthand, not just tour a model home.
Their housing budget went further here than it would have in Florida or Canada.
That was true for the lifestyle they wanted, though property costs still vary widely by location and finishes.
Healthcare and insurance were more affordable in their experience.
Every quote is personal though, so get your own written quotation before moving.
Dominican property tax (IPI) applies above a set threshold.
There's a possible exemption for owners 65 and older. Confirm current rules with the DGII or a local tax professional.
Their best advice: visit and live the routine first.
Grocery shop, drive the roads, check the internet, and ask other owners what surprised them.
Why Florida Was the Right Fit, Then Wasn't
The couple first moved from Quebec to Florida in 1989. They settled in Deerfield Beach, raised their kids, and built a roofing business there. When an economic downturn hit, they sold the business and moved back to Canada, spending the next 12 to 15 years in Ontario. Canada was home, but they knew they didn't want to spend retirement navigating long, cold winters.
Their story is a good reminder that choosing where to retire isn't about deciding which country is universally "better." Florida was the right call at one stage of their lives. Later, their priorities shifted, and so did their decision.
From Florida to the Dominican Republic: Finding Casa Linda
Before they ever heard of Casa Linda, the couple spent winters in Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula. Those stays gave them a real feel for the country beyond a one-week resort trip.
They found Casa Linda through YouTube. On a rainy day, they decided to drive out and see the community for themselves. After reaching out to a Casa Linda representative, they booked a short three or four day rental.
While staying there, they watched a Sunseeker villa going up next door and could picture themselves living in it. By the next day, they'd decided to build their own.
It sounds spontaneous, but there was an important step first: they stayed inside the community before buying. They experienced the surroundings, watched construction happen in real time, and got a feel for what ordinary life there might actually be like.
That's worth more than any set of photos. [Explore Casa Linda's villa models and visit options →]
The Value Was About More Than the Price Tag
One of the biggest differences the couple noticed was what their housing budget could actually deliver.
At Casa Linda, their home gave them what they wanted for tropical living: private outdoor space, a pool, and room to enjoy the climate year round. In their view, matching that lifestyle in the parts of Florida or Canada they knew would have taken a much bigger budget.
That doesn't mean every Dominican property is automatically the better deal. Prices vary by location, construction quality, lot size, finishes, community services and ongoing ownership costs, and currency shifts can move the comparison for Canadian and American buyers too.
The more useful question isn't "which country is cheaper." It's: what kind of everyday life does each option give me for what I'll actually spend?
When you compare, look at:
- The home, land and included features
- Community or maintenance fees
- Insurance and property taxes
- Pool, garden and household care
- Utilities and backup systems
- Transportation and travel costs
- Future repairs and replacement costs
[Casa Linda's current floor plans and pricing →] give you a starting point, but your personal budget should account for both the purchase and the ongoing cost of owning.
Healthcare Was More Accessible, in Their Experience
Healthcare tends to be one of the biggest questions for anyone considering a move abroad.
In the video, the couple shares that their health insurance ran approximately US$1,100 per year for both of them at the time of filming. They describe their copayments and medication costs as manageable.
Those numbers are personal examples, not standard pricing. Premiums and coverage vary a lot depending on age, medical history, insurer, plan limits, hospital network, and whether international or evacuation coverage is included.
Before you move, get a current written quotation and ask:
- Which hospitals and clinics are in the plan's network?
- Are pre-existing conditions covered or excluded?
- How do age and medical history affect the premium?
- What are the coverage limits?
- Are prescriptions, diagnostics and specialist visits included?
- Is treatment outside the country or medical evacuation covered?
[Casa Linda's expat support information →] is a good starting point for understanding local healthcare and other practical services. From there, verify coverage directly with a qualified insurance provider before you rely on any quoted number, including this one.
Insurance and Household Services Need Their Own Quotes
The couple also reports paying roughly US$1,000 per year for home insurance and about US$1,200 for vehicle insurance. In their experience, household help and pool and garden care were also more affordable than comparable services back in Florida.
Again, these are personal numbers, not guaranteed rates. Home insurance depends on the property itself: location, insured value, construction and coverage selected. Ask what a policy actually includes, especially for wind, water, flooding, liability and contents. Vehicle premiums depend on the vehicle, the driver and the coverage chosen.
Housekeeping, pool care and garden maintenance can make ownership a lot easier, especially if you travel. Define the scope and frequency you need before comparing quotes. [Learn more about Casa Linda's villa management services →]
Understanding Dominican Property Tax
For 2026, the Dominican Republic's DGII applies the annual Real Estate Property Tax (IPI) at a rate of 1% on the combined taxable value of an individual's real estate holdings above RD$10,695,494. That exempt threshold is adjusted annually.
The DGII also offers an exemption for owners aged 65 or older when the home qualifies as their sole real estate holding. Eligibility and valuation should be confirmed for your specific situation.
Start with the DGII's official IPI information, then bring in a Dominican lawyer or tax professional. Confirm the current threshold and any exemption yourself rather than relying on an older figure from a video or social post, including this one.
Residency and Travel Rules Can Change
Staying connected to flights mattered a lot to this couple, since they wanted to keep visiting family in Canada and the United States.
Flight routes, schedules and fares shift seasonally, so check current options from the airport you'd actually use. Immigration rules shift too. Entry permissions and residency options depend on your nationality, length of stay and personal circumstances. If you're planning to live here full time, get current guidance from Dominican immigration authorities or a qualified residency professional.
Security Is Both a Community Feature and a Personal Habit
They speak positively about feeling comfortable both at Casa Linda and in the surrounding area. The gated setting and community services are part of that.
No destination is risk-free, though. The couple also talks about using the same practical judgment they'd use anywhere: staying aware of their surroundings and making thoughtful transportation choices.
When you're evaluating a home, ask about entrance procedures, visitor access, emergency contacts, lighting, backup power, and how security is actually managed day to day. [See Casa Linda's community features and amenities →] for more context on life inside the development.
Community Support Helped Make the Move Work
Moving abroad involves more than buying a house. New owners need to learn how local systems work, find reliable service providers, and build a social circle. For this couple, the Casa Linda community played a real role in that decision, and over time, they became involved in helping other people explore the same move.
Casa Linda backs that up with resources like an Owner's Liaison and community engagement support, especially useful in the first few months when even small tasks can feel unfamiliar. [The Casa Linda community page →] covers more about the people and programs that help owners connect.
If you're weighing this move, ask what support continues after the sale, how maintenance gets handled, and what chances you'll have to meet neighbours. That day-to-day support can matter as much as the villa itself.
Their Best Advice: Live the Lifestyle Before You Decide
The strongest lesson from this couple's story is also the simplest: visit before you decide.
Go beyond touring model homes. Spend a few days living the routine you'd actually have as an owner:
- Buy groceries and cook a meal
- Drive to nearby beaches, shops and medical facilities
- Check internet and mobile service
- Ask current owners what surprised them
- Review realistic monthly expenses
- Spend time both inside and outside the community
- Notice how the place feels in the rain, not just the sunshine
[Casa Linda's owner videos →] can help you form better questions, but your own visit is what turns an appealing idea into an informed decision.
Is Moving From Florida to the Dominican Republic Right for You?
No. It shouldn't be treated as a cheaper copy of Florida.
Living here means adapting to a different culture, language, pace, infrastructure and administrative system. Some people find that energizing. Others prefer the familiarity of what they already know. The right call depends on your budget, health, family commitments, appetite for change, and expectations about daily life.
For this couple, the combination worked. They found the warm-weather lifestyle they wanted, a home that suited them, and a community they could picture staying in. Most importantly, they made that call after experiencing Casa Linda for themselves, not from a brochure.
If you're considering the same kind of move, start by gathering facts, talking to qualified local professionals, and planning a visit. [Contact Casa Linda to ask questions or arrange a closer look →]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance cost for expats at Casa Linda?
One Casa Linda couple reported paying approximately US$1,100 per year for both of them at the time of filming. Premiums vary significantly by age, medical history, insurer and coverage level, so get a current written quotation before relying on any estimate.
What is the Dominican Republic's property tax rate?
For 2026, the DGII applies a 1% annual Real Estate Property Tax (IPI) on the combined taxable value of an individual's real estate holdings above RD$10,695,494. The threshold adjusts annually, and owners 65 and older may qualify for an exemption on their sole property.
Is it cheaper to live in the Dominican Republic than Florida?
It depends on the comparison. Some owners find their housing budget delivers more lifestyle (pool, private outdoor space, land) than a comparable budget in Florida or Canada, but total cost of ownership varies by location, property and personal circumstances.
Do I need to visit Casa Linda before buying a villa?
It's strongly recommended. Staying in the community, even for a few days, lets you test daily life: groceries, driving routes, internet service and the overall feel of the area, rather than deciding from photos alone.
What ongoing costs should I budget for as a villa owner?
Beyond the purchase price, plan for community or maintenance fees, insurance, property taxes, pool and garden care, utilities and backup power, transportation, and future repairs or replacements.
What support is available to new owners after they move in?
Casa Linda provides an Owner's Liaison and community engagement support to help new owners navigate local systems, find service providers, and connect with neighbours during the first months.
