Diana, a Cuban resident in the United States, has caught the attention of many on TikTok by candidly sharing her monthly expenses while living in Oklahoma. Her video not only stood out for its transparency, but also for revealing how affordable life can be there, especially when compared to the costs in states like Florida.
She begins her video with the question, "How much do I spend living in Oklahoma?" Diana (@dbetty_22 on TikTok) details that she resides in a two-bedroom apartment costing $1,100 per month, with water included. She notes that many of these apartments offer complimentary laundry services. Her monthly food budget for her family of three is $700.
Electricity costs around $100, though it used to be less. Gas expenses are approximately $50 in the summer but rise to $70 or $80 during the winter due to heating. One of her largest expenses is her daughter's daycare, which is $115 weekly, totaling about $460 monthly. Fortunately, she receives a discount as an employee.
Recently, Diana refinanced her car, reducing her payment to $280 monthly. Additional expenses include $160 for car insurance, $30 for phone service, and $60 for internet. All told, her monthly expenses total approximately $3,000. She ends her video by asking, "Does this seem like a lot or a little to you?"
The question sparked numerous comments. Many Cubans living in Florida were astonished that she could cover everything with that amount. One user remarked, "Girl, compared to Florida, that's amazing," to which Diana replied boldly, "The U.S. isn't just Florida; there's a whole world out there." Her opinion resonated with many, as numerous comments agreed that more affordable states exist for starting anew.
Diana also addressed critics of her having car payments, saying, "I know, I believe in paying cash for a car, but I had my reasons. Anyway, I'll soon be done with that bill." She even offered assistance to those interested in moving to Oklahoma, saying, "Come here, I've got rent and work for you."
The video not only piqued curiosity but also served as a resource for other Cubans seeking more economical options to start over in the U.S. With her straightforward and realistic approach, Diana made it clear that good planning can make all the difference, and that Oklahoma is indeed a much cheaper alternative.
Insights on Affordable Living in Oklahoma
What are the average monthly living expenses in Oklahoma according to Diana?
Diana's total monthly expenses are approximately $3,000, which covers housing, utilities, food, daycare, car payments, insurance, phone, and internet.
How does Oklahoma's cost of living compare to Florida's?
According to Diana, living expenses in Oklahoma are significantly more affordable compared to Florida, particularly in terms of housing and overall monthly costs.
What are some of the largest expenses Diana faces each month?
Diana's major expenses include her apartment rent, daycare for her daughter, and car-related costs such as payments and insurance.