In real life
I must say that I am really surprised someone has suggested that 30,000 USD is not enough to make a decent living in one year in DR. That is more than I make and I think I do have a decent living. This is not my budget, but it is fairly realistic and based in actual expenses. A litle shopping around is a must, but I guess real people do that all the time.
Let's see:
Appartment in Mirador Sur, Santo Domingo (1 st. north of Anacaona), I bd, 1 1/2 bathroom, maid's room with bathroom. Newly built, handsome appartment. Excellent location, residential area.: RD$6,500/month. Same app rented with nice furniture: RD$13,000.00
Telephone, VIP plan (no limits on local calls) and dial up internet: RD$975.00
Electricity, low consupmtion bulbs, ~232 kWh: RD$317.00
Car, regular maintenance and gas/transp would be about the same if you don't buy a car: RD1800.00
Groceries and toiletries, two people without meat or alcoholic beverages: RD3,800.00
Maintenance (water, garbage, gardening, security and common expenses): RD$800.00
Health insurance, two people, standard coverage: RD$750.00
That ammounts to: RD$21,442.00 of basic expenses.
30,000.00 USD ammounts to RD$41,625.00/month in one year. That would leave almost RD$20,000.00 left per month to be used for emergencies, entertainment, clothing, etc. Sounds like a pretty decent life to me. Maybe not luxurious like TW's life, but decent nonetheless.
Where the problem comes is that if you can't find (a) job(s) that can keep that level of income for the second year. But with a little adjustment and living in a cheaper place (yes, you can find them cheaper and still decent) you can stretch your money even more.