mona said:
I am looking to purchase a home there in the future, when I am sure employment can be secured.But a general idea of the cost to rent a home would be good too. I would like a small house that has running water (ja ja), cold water...I'm told but water none the less.
You are still somewhat vague on your information but I will answer the best I can.
Rent for a 2 bdrm home in the area (Higuey-Punta Cana) will range from about US$ 200/month and upward. Higuey costs will be slightly lower. Higuey will have a greater range of prices and quality of housing, poor to wow. Punta Cana has recent and new construction where rents will begin at US$ 600 and up. Costs of new homes and construction in P.C. for a 2 bdrm home/condo apt. will start at about US$ 45,000.
Land prices will vary, $15 M? and up in Higuey, $25 M? and up in P.C. - Land near or with access rights to a P.C. beach will start at $80 M?, a median price is around $150 M?. It is not unheard of a price in the $200 M? or higher range.
Higuey will have power blackouts and occasions of no water distribution. Punta Cana has 24/7 power and ample water. Higuey has better access to more food varieties, materials, and services. Punta Cana is limited in food variety, materials, and services - meaning if you can't find it in P.C. you have to go to Higuey, 45 km trip. Costs of materials and services in P.C. are higher.
Employment is another factor to review. The area has an agriculture/cattle raising history that has/is acquiring a tourism based economy. There are many who arrive to the area with desires of gainful employment only to have their bubble burst because of a job market saturated with similar job seekers. One has to be independently wealthy to establish a business demanded for the area or have credentials in demand. Otherwise, you are just another banana in the cluster.
Regards,
PJT