Basic Expenses

Depends on what you like to eat.  Food costs in the markets if you use local brands and not imported  stuff should be about 40% cheaper then in the US. Eating out again 40% cheaper.
As to renting a car (very dangerous) or a scooter (even more dangerous) I would not reccomend you do this.  Besides you will have a very hard time parking a car in the town. Use the local transport and cabs.

Bob K

wow...good to know...thanks again Bob

Bob, I hope you don't mind me following up on Gord's question regarding transportation.

Are high-end stores, hardware to housewares, close to each other in Santo Domingo?  If not what is the best way of travel?  Bus? Taxi?  And, how/where do you find one going where you want to go?  What is the fare around Santo Domingo and how much to outlying towns and cities (Boca Chica)?

One of the first things I need to do when I arrive next month is shopping for supplies and equipment for my new life on board a boat at marina Zar Par in San Andres.

There are some large malls that are next to each other including a large la Serina (like a super wal-mart).
Getting around Santo Domingo is best done by cab.  A cab ride to just about anywhere should be about $150 RD (pesos or about $4.00 US).

Bob K