PR by a long shot. Having worked there many times over the past 16 years or so, the differences are vast. Things where everyday life is concerned, are more structured than DR. And, if you get away from the San Juan/Carolina area, I will venture to say that incidents of crime are drastically reduced.
On my last visit, I stayed in Loiza for a month. People were cautioning me about how dangerous it was. I never felt the need to constantly look over my shoulder, and had a great time. Vendor hopping in Pinones was an awesome past time.
Purchased a TV from radio shack. Returned it for a refund upon my departure, no questions asked. I suspect that would have been a bit more difficult in the DR.
On one of my visits, I had a gf who lived in Santurce. Now, THAT place had my head on a swivel.