The Cuban content creator, known online as @dabiel_oficial, recently shared a TikTok video explaining why he left Miami and returned to Houston, a city he now considers his true home in the United States. "I'm back in Houston, right here at the airport," Dabiel begins, before delivering a blunt statement: "Miami wasn't what I thought it would be!"
Dabiel's time in the Sunshine City was fraught with disappointment, excessive spending, and a lifestyle misaligned with his priorities. For him, living in Houston is not only more affordable but also offers a better quality of life. He mentions that with the savings from lower rent—where he was even offered a month free—he can "enjoy life," take cruises, or simply relish his free time more.
"There's parks, water, pools, even artificial beaches here," he notes, drawing a stark contrast to his Miami experience, which he describes as all about appearances. The influencer also criticized the superficiality of some people he encountered in Miami. "I dress casually, European-style, but there, without a heavy gold chain, they'd look at me like I was nobody," he remarked.
Beyond high costs and social pressure, Dabiel lamented the chaotic traffic and attitudes in Miami. "In Miami, when there's traffic, it takes an hour to move five meters. People are in such a bad mood," he said. The final straw for him was an incident at a gas station. While leisurely browsing snacks, an employee hurriedly yelled at him to rush because the register was closing. "That was it. I was done with Miami, back to Houston," he concluded.
In Houston, although work can be tough, like driving a truck for a week, Dabiel finds his money goes further and he can enjoy life more the rest of the month. "You work hard here, then you enjoy life," he stated. He even joked that he'd rather face a tornado in Houston than deal with Miami's frenetic and costly pace.
"What happened to me was a series of unfortunate events," he laughed, reaffirming that, for now, his place is far from Florida. While Dabiel's account might seem like a ploy to attract viewers, it's not an isolated case. In recent months, several Cubans have shared their negative Miami experiences on social media, highlighting issues like the high cost of living, traffic, and lack of community support.
For instance, user @xmen_coco warned of the rising living expenses in the city, noting that a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to $3,000 a month, forcing many to share housing to manage expenses. Similarly, TikToker @cubitabella09 described her Miami experience as "total chaos," criticizing the state of the airport, traffic, and customer service in the city.
Understanding the Move from Miami to Houston
Why did Dabiel decide to leave Miami for Houston?
Dabiel left Miami due to the high cost of living, superficial social pressures, chaotic traffic, and a lifestyle that didn't align with his priorities. He found Houston to be more affordable and better suited to his quality of life.
What are some benefits of living in Houston according to Dabiel?
Dabiel appreciates the lower cost of living in Houston, which allows him to save money and enjoy more leisure activities. He also values the amenities like parks and artificial beaches that enhance his quality of life.
How have other Cubans described their experiences in Miami?
Other Cubans have shared negative experiences in Miami, citing the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and lack of community support as major issues. They have used social media to express their dissatisfaction with life in the city.