Average $$ for Casa in Santo Dom.

Recently, I visited some DR people in their homes in SD. These were usually 2 very small rooms located in narrow alley off of a street. Cement floors, old gas stove, old refrig, sometimes a tv.. etc.no closets, no toilets of course. What does one of these cost?? Do they usually own or rent?? How much for rent?? How do they figure electricity, phone etc. What do they do for showers, toilets, etc. No one seems to work at all in these areas.. I know there lots of poorer areas down by the rivers.. It really makes one think of how lucky we are....

Well my dear is better be poor and happy than be live the way that you guys live and don't be happy as we are there YOU IDIOT.

Hi Antonio, I totally agree with your comment, but I think she just wanted to know "how much" does one of these places cost to rent and/or buy??? I'm curious also, as I have friends that live in places like this and I've never been happier there visiting with them!

Rich, I cannot answer what it would cost for a house in Santo Donmingo. I visited friends in Mao and their home sounds like the one you described. After eight years, it was paid off and they own it. The family does not pay for electricity, they did not have a phone, and they have a latrine. When I had to use the facility, I used a bed pan as they would not permit me to use the latrine, and as for showers, they use a big basin/tub and fill it with water. As my Dominican friends explained to me, because they are poor (their words, not mine) the government does not charge for the electricity. However, black outs are common as everyone knows. Never in my life have I been happier than those three days spent with my friends and I cannot wait to return! Hope this helps you.

Houses vary in price depending on the size and location just as they do here. Electricity isn't expensive. A small house may pay 30$ a month. My friend had a small semi-detached with with 3 rooms(total) and water and electricity ( whenever it was on) and they payed around 1,000 RD in San Pedro De Macoris.I also had another friend who shared a tin shanty after hurricane George in the same area for like 95$ a month because so many homes had been destroyed housing went up. Don't get me wrong that was a horrible home with one room and it barely had a roof. I had a home with a garage 2 bedrooms, patio, kitchen complete bathroom in an ok area for 2,300 RD like 230 Canadian.