Local vs. Tourist Living (What Does That Really Mean?)

In this video, we explore the differences between living like a tourist and living like a local in the Dominican Republic. Find out what it means to experience a destination from both perspectives!
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[@henriquezsimilien8871]

This is very helpful guys, I was on vacation in punta cana for 40 days, I was staying at an airbnb in residential, I had a car rental too, but I am surrounded by locals dominicans living in there, buy I did my best to keep a low profile every single day , not being flashy, I showed them respect, I entertained with them, despite being from New york 🇺🇸🇺🇸 I never try to elevate myself on some status levels to the locals, I was living the same way the locals do

[@NorberisR]

Sounds like you enjoyed yourself 💛

[@henriquezsimilien8871]

@@NorberisR I enjoyed more then myself 😁

[@Seti2897]

😂😂😂 toilet paper comment was funny as hell!

[@NorberisR]

😅

[@proteusxl9814]

My wife is from Santo Domingo. We have a home in America and DR. When we visit DR, we usually stay in a resort for a week. We are spending money, haha. The rest of our time is in our home in Santo Domingo. We spend less money. So many stores it's cheaper compared to the resorts of course. When we home in SD extra cold presidente and my wife cooking up good foods. Seeing the neighbors and family the community shows love and it feels good. Keep cooking up the marvelous content 💯👌🏾

[@nelsongomez480]

You guys are spot on with some of your comments. I think it helps to clarify that most of your viewers are either people living in the US, Europe or expats interested in moving to the DR....that is your target! Everybody knows there's poverty in the DR (there's poverty in the US also), but I like the fact that you highlight that not ALL Dominicans are struggling - many are actually THRIVING!!

[@NorberisR]

Very true 🤗

[@robbienyc3102]

I love the ways this couple allows each other to speak without interrupting each other. (And if a small interruption they apologize,).

[@NorberisR]

Thank you, we appreciate the kind words🤗

[@user-yz7gx9id9z]

Living in Florida you guys are right about all prices on everything you stated! The savings are huge! People need to compare from what they are paying where they live now! Keep up the good work!

[@NorberisR]

Absolutely!!

[@AphrooneRichardson]

As a couple living in Dominican Republic you all are doing a great informative and enlightening job sharing your videos! ANKH-ASE!

[@NorberisR]

Our pleasure!

[@dannymercedes1185]

Some people rub their wealth on others' faces, but there is not shame in enjoying what you work hard to gain.

[@easyrawlins2392]

I like when you guys have these conversations. However cost of living depends on where you live in the dominican republic. Here's my understanding and knowledge. $2000 dollars a month is enough to live comfortable in the dominican republic. I have a 2 bedroom apartment with hot water and other good apartment expectations that's 20 minutes from the beach. I know several expats living in dominican republic on their ssdi which is around $2300 dollars a month and they live great.

[@NorberisR]

Glad you enjoy these types videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@kittygriffith7141]

Hello Beautiful couple. I just love the both of you. I am from Niagara Falls area in Canada. It costs us 5000 to pay a mortgage, grocerys, car is paid off, insurance, house property taxes, grocerys, utilities, internet and phone. I am sure I forgot a couple things, but we spend 5000 to 5500 a month. We are relocating to Cabarete or Sosua. We will do a long stay for the first few months until we get the lay of the land. We are moving in Nov 2025, we set our date. Selling our house, contents, car etc. We will be living on our pensions of 5500 canadian a month. Your videos have helped so much. Thankyou. Love you both.

[@NorberisR]

Thanks for the kinds words. Glad the videos have been helpful. You guys should be just fine living on that amount of money here. Keep us posted on your move. Congratulations.

[@rosemaryvp]

Don’t sweat it guys, you did a great job showing a different perspective. After spending 12 days there, I realize that indeed you can live with that kind of money, even better if you own a home, which most repats do own. If you’re not buying a home of course the bulk of your dough will go to rents as is anywhere else. With regards to the cleaning supplies dude, please introduce my boy to the concept of “la tusa” Yes, la de los 3 golpes 🤪 he’ll get a kick out of that responding to any one whom ask about cleaning supplies 🤣 next time! great job, don’t be discouraged.

[@NorberisR]

Thanks for sharing this. Also understand we are not discourage or sweating these comments we enjoy sharing and breaking down comments from viewers to give others a better understanding. Other than that it doesn't phase us at all.

[@rafaelpolanco9672]

I agree with you, sometimes people doesn't look at the whole picture.

[@clareinc2009]

You can live in DR with $1400 or less a month, you not gonna live in Piantini but yes is a normal number

[@mariajackson2570]

Norberis’ face about the toilet paper comment is hilarious 😂 I agree with James. I prefer a nice house. I don’t care about a car and in SD I don’t want to drive. It’s too stressful. I plan on downsizing here in the U.S. so that I can get an apartment in RD in the area that I want and price range, since I’m already there every 3 months or so. I know the lifestyle that I want to live so while these videos are informative. I think you have to actually be there, boots on the ground, to determine how you will live and what your budget will be. And I might be living partially like a tourist because I need hot water in my shower lol! Great video!

[@NorberisR]

You're, that to really understand your monthly budget you have to be here and these video are just estimates. What areas are you looking to rent?

[@estherstephens1858]

I like how you have always given your opinions of “cost of living” or “how much you can expect to pay” living in Santo Domingo. I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and I know you have provided “updates” on those expenses. I think an easier way for your viewers to get a better idea of their OWN budget/expenses is to list EVERYTHING they pay for where they are currently living and do a currency conversion. 😂😂. In my personal case, I don’t spend the same amount of money for gas every week/month. I go out to eat often but I don’t always spend the same amount of money every week/month. My groceries are a different amount every week/month, etc, etc. There’s no way to always have the same expenses for everything every week/month. Most of the time but not ALL of the time. Sorry for long comment. 😂😂.

[@NorberisR]

You're right. I think that would helpful to them as well.

[@draysh7950]

This is funny. Very sorry you two had to make this video.. But you did a great job of explaining. Obviously some people have lost the energy to think for themselves. A true realistic traveler knows how to adjust spending for the spectrum of accommodations they will live. Many different places to live there., from city to very rural areas. I found that the better I communicate, the better deals I found while living there. Blessings

[@NorberisR]

Nothing to be sorry about, we like to address commenters to give others a better understanding.

[@josieramirez9483]

Thank you for this video. The issue is that we have been sold the idea that the whole DR is poor. You ofter hear them Dominicans say that the DR is a poor country. In reality, DR has societal diversity like in the USA. There are rich, middle and poor. Saying that the whole DR is poor is the biggest lie ever sold about the DR. Sadly, a lot of Doninicans have to leave their country to realize that they were wrong about their country. The DR has many pros that not even big potencies such as the USA and Canada dream of. It is smart foreigners like you who realize that not all Dominicans are poor like they say.

[@melvindachef]

Hello, Norberis and Jay. My name is Melvin from Dallas, Texas, and my Dominican girlfriend, Katherine, lives in Santo Domingo. We are fans of you and your wife. Katherine and I wanted to know if it's possible to connect with you and your wife, maybe at a restaurant or something. We or I have some questions about marriage, marrying in the United States, and moving to the Dominican Republic.

[@katherineduverge7800]

Hola bella Norbelis, mi nombre es Katherine... Dios les bendiga muchoooooo. Asì es mi novio Melvin y yo queremos hacerles varias preguntas, relacionadas al estlilo de vIda de USA y RD, económia y posibles oportinidades de trabajos segùn su expericencia de vida. Sus orientaciones nos ayudarian muchisimo. Esperamos su pronta respuesta, que la pasen súper...

[@NorberisR]

Hola buenos días Katherine, claro que si solo mándenos un mensaje con anticipación de cuándo y qué hora quisieran juntarse con nosotros para chequear nuestra disponibilidad.

[@katherineduverge7800]

@@NorberisR Excelente, muchas gracias querida. Màs adelante les enviamos la fecha y hora con anticipaciòn y usted nos confirma su disponibilidad...Feliz inicio de semana y bendiciones..😉

[@walteranderson2507]

Buenas día klk! Got in yesterday and it feels great! Me and mí flaquita caramela enjoying our time together! Arriba-arriba Santo Domingo 🇩🇴!

[@NorberisR]

Hola Walter. How are you and the Wife? I know you're happy to be here.

[@clytchan]

Great video as always! That toilet paper comment had me rollin’!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 But you’re right, you can’t factor that into your budget, that could change every month.

[@NorberisR]

😅

[@angelagiglio3661]

Hello guys, I am a Dominican follower of yours, and I think that firstly it depends on income and secondly, all people think differently, there are people who see the negative side. Look at it this way and the Dominicans who live there? and many of them make their own houses, as I say, it's how everyone sees it. okay bye.

[@protectiondogsecured7504]

Stop responding to these negative people please....dont even respond they will just fall off. keeping having fun and giving that amazing info

[@NorberisR]

The comments were not negative. And we are having fun. Why do people think because we highlight a comment it bothers us? It's just us bringing about a discussion to clarify what some people may not understand so we will continue doing these types of videos. We feel it's helpful. If it's not your type of content just skip over it. Thanks again🤗

[@hamletliriano]

You guys make great content for those interested in making the move to DR (like me). Just a recommendation for Jay, don't pay too much attention to comments from crazy people. People nowadays say whatever it takes to get attention. Keep the good and relevant content up, videos are very entertaining and educational. Thanks for what you do.

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome🤗

[@colmcb]

Very good video, as always. Your comment, Jay, was hilarious and SO true. I love that you guys left it in the video. Totally agree - everyone's lifestyle is different and everyone's idea of "living good" means is different. And yes, with expats - unless we're willing to let go of brands we're used to back in the U.S., and try Dominican brands on many products, we'll always pay more because they're imported. The savings, by using local brands on many items, really adds up. That would be true moving abroad to most countries and not just applicable to the DR.

[@NorberisR]

This is very true. Thank you for sharing.

[@muhammadwilliams2533]

So true everything you said. Things have gone up everywhere. I would like to find something to move in but I might have wait until I get there. Maybe when I get there, we can meet up at cigar lounge.

[@NorberisR]

I'm assuming you are speaking to my husband. You can email him at [e-mail]

[@amabelisalinas364]

love it, you both are so down to earth, we just left Santo Domingo we love being out there. We have our home in the Residencial Pablo Mella and we love it there. keep making videos

[@NorberisR]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy these discussions. 🤗

[@cpred3052]

Real Talk Sir

[@vernonedmonds8596]

This video was a mouthful. I commend you both for going through and answering the majority of your comments on all of your channels and Emails. A lot of creators don't. But it's also beyond me of how some people will comment without conscious thought. The 1st issue; what does this person expect you to do about the gap and how is it disrespectful? There are those that have their own businesses, and those that work for a company or work for someone. A venerable salutation is 'if you don't like where you are or what you're doing, do something about it'. Then there are some that like what they do regardless of pay. Cleaning comment; not even Cleaning companies have a standard budget for equipment and supplies. Average budget by month or year, yes. So, I don't think the person was just speaking of toilet paper. 😅🤣

[@steverose7122]

i just got back from a two week stay in Puerto Plata. i live like the locals and i always have a great time.

[@NorberisR]

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[@danielgrullon1438]

I dominican i love you coment is very good

[@bryanbingham3953]

Excellent!! Video

[@NorberisR]

Thank you!

[@patrickjlouis6651]

I appreciate these types of videos with a wealth of information and the toilet paper comment was real funny..

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome. We think breaking down some comments from viewers and discussing can help others understand better. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kmack4191]

Send you hello to you and the Mrs. James. That was great information. When I'm there I go in the same stores that regular Dominicans go in. I can't tell if they local or touris

[@TheadventuresofBlackRob]

Is that gonna make the video ................Yes..... We dont know how much TP you need to buy. Norberis was in shock 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣... I was in shock too! Still laughing

[@NorberisR]

😅

[@dojo6913]

Ayeee...gimme that #1 (again)!!! I must be getting them fast because I'm here. Anyways Great Video!!! The first week I was here I lived like a tourist (mucho denero)! Second week, livin like a local (only local/authentic shops and food and eating at the casa). Definitely could still "ball-out" doing local, but it's about being conscience of what you are doing, no matter what it is or what you do. Absolutely wonderful video...thank you for sharing!! Yall take care!

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome. I hope you are enjoying yourself.

[@walterray96]

Can you live on ???? In Thailand, Philippines. Cambodia, Vietnam, Portugal, Kenya or you name the country are some of the most popular video on KZbin and the price point is often closer to $1,000 a month. It's good information that people who are considering relocating want to know. Of course it's just a range or number and everyone's requirements are different but it's good to have an idea of what's possible especially for the budget traveler! I'm not ashamed to say I'm one😅. I know a number of places that I can and have lived comfortably for less than a thousand a month. But that's just me.

[@vincenzaperriano876]

Can't believe he said that!

[@dhick815]

I think the conversation relating to living like a local vs getting the gringo price falls some where in what I'm about to say. James keeps mentioning the $2200 you guys paid for rent in Fl, vs the $1300 rent you guys are paying now in DR. So you feel like that's not too much money being paid for what you are getting. So, for the apartment in the DR that you guys stay in now would you pay $2200 for the rent??? For example, if your landlord at the end of this month came over and said your rent is going up to that new amount ($2200) immediately. That's the comparisons I think most people think of when they hear you are getting the gringo price. My advise to anyone looking to relocate overseas is to not do the comparisons, I would never think that the deal i got in a foreign country is sweeter all because it's cheaper than what the cost was in the states.

[@clareinc2009]

Great video……

[@NorberisR]

Thanks!

[@JulioHutchinson]

Si se necesita un par de videos en español, básicamente por la gran cantidad de views en Europa, y gente Dominicana como yo que están considerando muy pronto su retiro. Desde ya estamos calculando a ver si ese ingreso es suficiente para pagar servicios de internet, servicios médicos etc etc. Un video sobre salidas a cenar, dónde están las mejores opciones, un video en el súper mercado 😂❤me encantaría, un video en la Duarte con Paris😂porque? No. Pero si el tema del costo de la vida es siempre interesante. Jay, tranquilo, deja que ella se suelte con el español, que eso solo le va a subir los seguidores 🎉❤😂

[@NorberisR]

Mi nuevo canal en espanol youtube.com/@NorberisRD?si=57lOSrwN_zRVtrt6

[@LEONARDO126790]

Nobody lives like a tourist all the time, even the expats, there are a lot of Dominicans with good living, a lot.

[@RozyRoPink150]

Those people that are saying it’s too expensive are living in their mommy’s section 8 apartment in the USA so they don’t know what adults pay in the USA.

[@NorberisR]

I agree.

[@Juancarlossantana2023]

When im on vacation in DR i usually spend about $1500-$2000 a week. But that's for a family of 4, plus thats usually helping our family who live there also, i would guess for just us without including our family there it would be more like $1000-$1500 a week, but living there may cost me a little more because i would have to spend more on Rent as we have a house in DR and the only time we spend money is when we rent and Airbnb when we want some space., and that could be costly.

[@NorberisR]

Wow, that's a lot of money.

[@spratmajor2576]

*Me again (new to the channel). I wonder if your viewers have the local vs tourist view based on money because DR is a developing country? As I’ve posted on other videos I live in Manhattan NY (NYC proper). To your point everyday after work and definitely on weekends I had an agenda/things to do and see list. Same when I lived in London (I’m from San Diego CA). Eventually that changed and I feel into a routine. My point is I feel if you wake up everyday thinking “I have to get out and explore” you’re on tourist mode. Once you settle down, you’re on local mode. Just my thoughts*

[@NorberisR]

Great point. Thanks for sharing.

[@joelouis5118]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeffersonfernandez3644]

😂😂😂 toilet paper comment! People real funny man 😂😂 pero como dime?!? Ponle 50 peso de cloro y mitolin también 😂

[@NorberisR]

😅🤗

[@Juancarlossantana2023]

$2500 a month is good, we spend about $8000 a month for our lifestyle here in the USA. But I know if I lived in DR I probably could live the same lifestyle I live here about $4k-$5k a month which would be a huge savings.

[@NorberisR]

$8,000 a month?😮

[@TheJoeyboots]

Did you two ever visit Boga Boga restaurant or Tony Roma's? Can you do some restaurant and club reviews? There are some hot places near Anaconda and that long park.

[@NorberisR]

No we have not been to Boga Boga yet. But James has order Uber eats from Tony Romas. We will do some restaurant reviews.

[@demarcosmith581]

Norberius i follow your husband on his KZbin channel! He's very cool!

[@NorberisR]

Yes he is a cool😀

[@Place2travel]

Linda haste otra versión de tus videos en español 😎😁😊🙏 para que animes a esos latinoamericanos de los países de Latinoamérica, España y dominicanos ausentes que tienen una precepción errada de nuestro país

[@NorberisR]

Ya lo tengo. Aqui esta el link suscribete y disfruta youtube.com/@NorberisRD?si=1qGI5Um2EmB6681o

[@Mangogoodie]

Toilet paper HAHAHAHAAA! 😂

[@moneymakingmitch]

The people who make comments like that local or tourist living don't know much about DR.

[@JJ-bg4yx]

Greetings, im a Puertorican who is very interested in buying or renting in DR. After living in crazy San Diego and now crazy Puerto Rico, I now really need a place where I can stretch my dollars. What areas do you recommend? Im also thinking in a zone near the ferry in case I need to head back to Puerto Rico with my POV. I understand need first to get me a retired Visa, do you think what i want to do could be done? Thanks in advance for all you do for all of us watching your videos.

[@NorberisR]

Of course what you want to do can be done. You don't need to have a retirement visa. I'm not sure the area where the ferry is but I imagine it's on the eastern part of the island around the Punta Cana area I also think or heard there maybe one near La Romana. La Romana is not a very expensive area depending on where you live. I recommend checking those areas.

[@lavernbernard6810]

Hello..I would like to buy a condo in DR - La Romana or Punta Cana. Which pueblo has the better beaches and where do you believe is cheaper to live?

[@NorberisR]

La Romana is cheaper to live than Punta Cana. Both places have nices beaches

[@charlesburrell4233]

Bro, you hit them hard with the toilet paper. Lol Stupid questions will always come in, so just take with a grain of salt.

[@Dee-pj7hh]

Do I need to tell you how much toilet paper to use🤔🤔🤔😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Some people. Come on people. If you plan to live in the Dominican Republic. Buy a ticket go to the Dominican Republic, and do a test run. James y Norberis can give you the basics, but your final budget will depend solely on you. Your taste, your preferences and your likes. Just saying. Nice video guys.

[@NorberisR]

🤗

[@AphrooneRichardson]

I'll be needing a 2 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dinner plus. My monthly budget is $900 USD RENTAL! Is this possible living in the Santo Domingo areas? Respectfully Aphroone Richardson of Chicago, IL, USA! ANKH-ASE!

[@NorberisR]

Yes it's possible depending on the area.

[@AphrooneRichardson]

@@NorberisRGracias tia! I'll be in touch with you ASAP!

[@KL-qx4ok]

Bruh..did you really says $10 a month....WTH lol. I mean you'll break it down for a 3rd grader, we hear that there is a true value in the savings aspect, most people whether they are in the US or DR, don't know how to begin anything with the end in mind, you can't help with that part lol

[@nypuniversaltlk7825]

You r guy forget to talk about school. How much is the pricate school?

[@NorberisR]

We didn't forget. I've already done a video about schools here. You can check that video out in my archives.

[@roberttaylor9628]

Most women use a lot of "TP." 🧻🧻😀

[@NorberisR]

😅

[@cpred3052]

Real Talk Sir