Kevin Hernández, a young YouTuber and digital creator, stirred controversy when he revealed in a video how much he spends living independently in Cuba for a month. Kevin's largest expense is rent, which costs him $200. He resides in a modest apartment in central Havana with another young man and his pet, where he doesn't experience power outages.
His next significant expenditure is on food and hygiene products. Displaying a stocked freezer, Colgate toothpaste, Lenor laundry beads, toilet paper, imported rice, a box of chicken for the month, and five liters of oil, Kevin claims he spends about $150 on these items. In total, Kevin and his roommate spend approximately $480 monthly in Havana, raising questions about the source of his substantial dollar income.
The video ignited a storm of criticism and skepticism among Cubans on the island: "Tell me your parents' names and I'll tell you who you are. You're not unique; all the offspring of the elite live like this," said one comment. "You need to explain how you make $500 or more a month," demanded another. Many questioned the authenticity of his lifestyle: "I want to know how he gets all that income"; "What kind of image are you trying to project, friend? That's not Cuba"; "Selling a reality that doesn't exist"; "Making Cubans feel even poorer with your video," were some of the reactions.
One comment criticized the video as a display of unattainable luxury in a country where over 90% of the population can't afford such a lifestyle: "The bag of rice, the jug of oil, not to mention the Lenor beads for laundry — these are luxuries in Cuba." Another viewer from Vedado claimed: "I don't criticize your content or want to be disrespectful, but everything you're saying is nonsense. No rental costs that much, nor do hygiene products or food, and I've lived alone for three years." Others highlighted the stark contrast with typical Cuban hardships: "Before your video, I watched one of a woman fanning her child due to no electricity, cooking with charcoal due to no gas, praying for water to wash clothes by hand, and then hoping to find some bread... Then your video shows the exact opposite. Show some empathy for your surroundings."
Kevin responded to the backlash by emphasizing that his earnings come from his work as a YouTuber and content creator. He insisted that his goal was to inspire others to see that achieving such a lifestyle is possible: "Don't let envy blind you; the most beautiful thing is to learn and be inspired by others."
Understanding Kevin Hernández's Lifestyle in Cuba
How much does Kevin Hernández spend monthly in Cuba?
Kevin Hernández reports spending approximately $480 per month on living expenses in Havana, Cuba.
What is Kevin's largest monthly expense?
Kevin's largest monthly expense is rent, which costs him $200.
What criticism did Kevin face after posting his video?
Kevin faced criticism for allegedly portraying a lifestyle that many believe is unrealistic for the majority of Cubans. Critics questioned the authenticity and income sources of his lifestyle.