Living in The Dominican Republic 2007:

But how is it possible you can live so well in the Dominican Republic on this monthly amount? A very good question and here is the answer. With a fully paid for home or apartment (no mortgage, no monthly home payments either for rent or otherwise), your basic living expenses will involve utilities, food, leisure activities, etc. In regards to utilities, you can expect your monthly electric bill as a worst case to total about US$250 per month with constant running of your air-conditioner (your bill may even be much less). Your telephone and high speed DSL Internet bill to total about US$150 and your monthly cable television bill about US$60 - for roughly 90 channels, 14 or so in English (CNN, HBO, CINEMAX, The Movie Channel, BBC News, CNBC, CBS, ABC, The Disney Channel, etc.). Remember these are high estimates, as your own expenses for such things could be lower. Of course, the other question is what would the same things cost in Florida, California or Europe?
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In regards to other living expenses, such as food shopping, entertainment and so on, this will be a function of what kinds of items you want to buy and what you want to do. In other words, if you have fairly simple taste and stick with local products, your food bill will be quite reasonable. In fact, local fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. are inexpensive in comparison to prices in North America. Imported food items of course do cost more. Regardless, it is not unreasonable to assume a monthly food budget for two people ranging from US$400 to US$700 with variables being local versus imported food products, plus how much you might spend each month on things like wine or spirits.
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So far, we have spent roughly half of your monthly bank account interest earnings on food and utilities, and you have not skimped or denied yourself anything either. The other half we can spend on things like golf, eating out, movies, plus a maid who will come in every day 9 to 6 Monday to Friday (plus cook, wash and iron) for about US$150 per month. Aside for this, living in a tropical climate means less expenses for clothing because there really is only one season - constant year-round summer. Also, living on the second largest island in the Caribbean (about the size of South Carolina) means you have the option of both the beaches and the mountains, within a short car ride away. Not to mention what could possibly be the largest selection of vacation resorts of any Caribbean destination (more than 30 at current count) to treat your self to over a long weekend. In fact, resort rates are often deeply discounted and advertised in the local newspapers during off-season for tourism, so you can very well invite friends and family for a few days of fun - at a price that is quite reasonable.
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In summary, if the Caribbean is your destination choice and you think you cannot afford to retire there, take a hard look at the Dominican Republic. The country, as a choice for retirement and investment, make just surprise you.
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by Dominicanrepublicpage.com