A Cuban woman took to her TikTok to reveal the staggering amount she spent on groceries in Havana, where she shelled out $100, approximately 40,000 Cuban pesos at the unofficial exchange rate. In the video, she detailed her purchases, which included a 15-kilogram box of ground meat for $21, a 40-pound box of chicken for $35, and a 50-pound box of clean, boneless pork for $106.
Additionally, her shopping list featured 3 pounds of squash (37 cents), 5 pounds of sweet potatoes (75 cents), two pineapples ($2), a bunch of bananas ($1), a bundle of chives (37 cents), a melon (87 cents), a bunch of green beans (32 cents), peppers (87 cents), several lemons (75 cents), 4 pounds of tomatoes ($3), 2 pounds of black beans ($2), and a bottle of dry wine.
"Let me know in the comments what you think of my grocery haul," she remarked while showcasing the bags filled with her purchases. In Cuba, the informal market pegs the dollar at around 400 pesos, making the $100 spent equivalent to about 40,000 CUP—a sum out of reach for most state employees who earn average salaries of less than 5,000 pesos.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Cuba
How do the prices in Cuba compare to state salaries?
The cost of living in Cuba, as illustrated by the grocery expenses shared, is significantly higher than what most state employees can afford, given their average salary of less than 5,000 pesos.
What is the informal exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in Cuba?
The informal market exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in Cuba is approximately 400 pesos.