first of all it is good to ask so one can be more specific with the budget: how much for basics, how much for living quarters, how much for transport and so on. one reads all sorts of stuff, even on DR, in regards to prices. some say cheap cheap, others say expensive. some like simple stuff, others like imported. so it's good to ask ballpark numbers.
second, yes, if you have to count every penny DR is not for you. not that you cannot lead a simple life: many do and many did. if you want to save the world one solar oven at a time, like yabadabadu (RIP) you will be happy here. but if you are an average dude, wanting to cut down costs then think it over. if you need to budget 100 pesos for lunch then what will you do in case of a sickness, accident, arrest?
furthermore, it's good to be frugal. plato del dia is a decent meal that will fill you up. but it's damn stupid to eat the same stuff over and over again, unless it's a cheesecake made by the gorgon. in sosua i would prefer to eat lunch in cafe tropical. for 250 pesos you can have a plate of meat/fish, veggies and salad. plentiful and varied food. every day something different. granted, it's a lot more than 100 pesos but it is also a nicer food and you sit in a cool, air conditioned place. great deal.
