Cost of living
Hi there. I am a new member to DR1, currently living in the UK but moving out to the DR in the next 2-3 months. Firstly, like many others, I’d like to say a massive thank you to DR1 and all you forum members – the site is hugely helpful and massively appreciated! Keep up the good work!
I do still have a few questions though and I have posted a few different messages across the forum – I hope you guys don’t mind and I really hope that you can help me out. I have spent many hours reading through the whole site and message boards thoroughly - and used the search button! - in the hope that I don’t waste anyone’s time or ask the same questions yet again!…
Cost of living:
I appreciate that there have been many discussions and more than a few slightly-too-vague ‘how much does it cost to live in DR’ posts in the past. However, I am drawing together information from many different places in the hope of getting some realistic feedback without covering the same old ground. Some if the information that is already on the forum regarding costs appears to be out of date and elsewhere this topic may have been covered but the responses varied hugely. So here goes…
For your reference, I am a single guy, living on my own. I will be out at work 6/7 days a week (7.30-5.30), so I will only be home in the evenings. I will own a budget car that is paid for. I will be able to eat breakfast / lunch and dinner at my workplace. I will socialise a couple of evenings a week, involving a reasonable meal in restaurant and a few beers. I am looking to rent a 1 or, if possible, 2 bedroom apartment in the Punta Cana / Bavaro area with the following facilities: fully furnished, all appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, oven etc), air conditioning, fast internet, telephone, cable TV, shower, burglar alarm, inverter / generator and parking - in a secure & safe complex / neighbourhood.
All costs are per month.
Rent (Inc maintenance fees) US$650
Food US$100
Fuel (TBC - Subject to mileage)
Electricity (Inc air con) US$50
Telephone US$15
Water ???
Health insurance (Fully comprehensive) US$70
Dental costs US$15
Shopping (Clothes etc) US$50
Motoring (Servicing & maintenance) US$50
Entertainment (Socialising) US$300
Motor insurance ???
Home insurance (Comprehensive) ???
And if not included within US$650 Rent:
Cable TV US$20
Internet (High speed) US$60
- Please tell me, are my figures above realistic?
- Are there any other expenses which should be included that are missing?
- Any realistic estimates on the ‘???’ sections would be most welcome!
Many thanks.
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