A young Cuban woman, who has been residing in Costa Rica for eight months, took to TikTok to share her insights on the monthly cost of food in the country, drawing a comparison to the grim reality of shortages in Cuba.
In a video posted by user @alexhalopz, she describes how, despite Costa Rica's abundance of products, the prices can be quite a shock to newly arrived Cubans.
"I thought money grew on trees and ended up spending a lot on food because I wasn't familiar with the more affordable brands," she recounted with a laugh.
The influencer points out that the best places for bargain shopping are Pali, Maxi Palí, Walmart, and the so-called "chinos." She highlighted brands like Sully and Sabe Más for their affordability and quality, offering essential items like rice, beans, salt, and oil at more reasonable prices.
"For my fellow Cubans who have just arrived, Pali is your best bet. Don't make the same mistake I did in the first few months," she advised.
She also shared current prices for some staple foods:
Potatoes: 790 colones per kilo (around $1.50). Onions: 500 colones per kilo (approximately $1). Tomatoes: 590 colones per kilo (just over $1).
Living with her parents, totaling three people, she stated that they spend between 200 and 250 dollars every 20 to 25 days, not including personal hygiene products.
"That's separate: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sponges... I'll explain that in another video," she hinted, already garnering hundreds of comments from other Cubans who have also migrated to Costa Rica.
Her experience highlights the stark contrast between the high cost of living in the Central American nation and the structural scarcity in Cuba, where basic foods are rare and sold at prices disproportionate to state wages.
Understanding the Cost of Living for Cubans in Costa Rica
Why are food prices in Costa Rica surprising for Cubans?
Food prices in Costa Rica can be a shock for Cubans due to the significant difference in cost compared to what they are used to in Cuba, where there is a scarcity of products but the prices are relatively lower compared to the average income.
What are some affordable grocery stores in Costa Rica?
Affordable grocery stores in Costa Rica include Pali, Maxi Palí, Walmart, and local "chinos." These outlets offer better prices on essential goods.
What are the recommended brands for budget-friendly shopping?
Sully and Sabe Más are recommended for their budget-friendly prices and quality, offering basic items like rice, beans, salt, and oil.