Be aware that guy, the former yabadabadu, in order to live cheaper eats pine bark for roughage and dries the resulting poop for cooking fuel.
My objective is not to live cheap ... but, rather to get the most from my money, time, and investment in a culture/place. Personally, I love Colombia for many reasons. I have lived there about 16 months over the last 48. Let's face it, no place is PERFECT. But, certain cities in Colombia are great IMO.
(But, would my family and friends believe me, or have the courage to visit me? I think not
The DR can be a little rough around the edges, but it does have a GREAT deal of variety! It is very close the USA. It is a place, it seems to me, that is still very affordable where you can enjoy a little bit of luxury without being in an artificial world. It is a place where "IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT." It seems to me that gringos are treated more fairly in the DR than Colombia or Panama.
Providing an income stream is created outside the DR, what's not to like? The USA is a short, cheap plan ride away.