A Cuban living in Florida has sparked a heated discussion on social media by posting a video claiming that surviving in the United States by 2025 has become "an impossible mission." The content creator, known as Javiko La Doble C (@el_javiiko), highlights the rising cost of living and job insecurity, particularly in cities like Miami, where he suggests the American Dream "as we know it is fading away." "Everything is going up except the salary," he states in the TikTok video. Among the issues he addresses are the uncontrolled rise in rent, high food prices, insurance costs, and fuel expenses. "You can't even step out anymore because any normal outing costs you at least 300 dollars," he remarks with frustration.
Javiko also criticizes the current job market: "In Miami, it's terrible; you can't find a job no matter how much you apply... and the wages are laughable," he laments. He claims that unfair competition and the necessity of connections to secure decent employment are worsening the quality of life for immigrants. While he acknowledges that the United States still represents a land of opportunity, he clarifies that it's "not for workers and laborers, but for entrepreneurs." In his view, those who don't aim to become self-employed are doomed to "live under the system's shadow."
The video has triggered various reactions on TikTok, ranging from empathy to criticism. "If you live, there's no money, and if there's money, it's because you're not living," one user commented, reflecting the sentiments of many immigrants in similar situations. Others responded with irony: "There's no American Dream, but we have American insomnia," while some dismissed his testimony as a personal exaggeration: "Another Cuban talking about his personal experience as if it were universal," wrote one user.
Javiko's video joins other viral testimonies from Cubans residing in the United States, especially in South Florida. Recently, another young man, identified as @xmen_coco, warned that "this is just the beginning; it's going to get worse," in a clip where he also harshly criticizes the housing, food, and gas prices in Miami. "A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment costs $3,000," he stated. "Food prices are outrageous, and you spend $400 to $500 at the market." His message sparked a wave of comments on social media, many questioning his credibility or suggesting he return to Cuba.
The complaints align with official data: according to a Redfin report, the average rent in Miami was $2,373 in December 2024. To afford this rent, an annual income of nearly $95,000 is needed, whereas the actual average income in the city was just $57,157. Amid this landscape, more Cuban voices are warning about the gap between the expectations with which they emigrate to the United States and the economic reality they face upon arrival—a reality that, according to testimonies like these, is far from the American Dream.
The Reality of Living Costs in Miami
What is causing the rising cost of living in Miami?
The rising cost of living in Miami is driven by a combination of factors including uncontrolled rent increases, high food prices, escalating insurance costs, and fuel expenses.
Why do immigrants find it challenging to secure well-paying jobs in Miami?
Immigrants face challenges in securing well-paying jobs in Miami due to unfair competition, the necessity of having connections, and the generally low wages offered by employers.
How do official income statistics compare to the cost of living in Miami?
Official income statistics show a significant gap, with the average income in Miami being $57,157, while an income of almost $95,000 is needed to afford the average rent.