A TikTok video from Cuban creator @dieego_blogger has once again highlighted the skyrocketing cost of living in Cuba and the increasing reliance on external assistance for meeting basic needs.
In the clip, the young man shares that a follower from abroad has been sending him money, totaling 10,000 Cuban pesos (CUP), which he used entirely to purchase food and hygiene products in Cuba.
"I live in Cuba, and this is everything I bought with the money my follower sent me," he states at the beginning of the video, showcasing each item he acquired while expressing gratitude for the kind gesture. "I want to thank that lovely follower because without her, we wouldn't have been able to make this purchase," he says.
He details that with the 10,000 CUP, he was able to buy:
- Two bags of rice, at 750 pesos each
- Two pounds of beans, for 1,000 pesos
- One kilogram of sugar, for 700 pesos
- A package of powdered milk (9 liters), for 2,000 pesos
- One liter of oil, for 1,300 pesos
- A tube of tomato paste, for 500 pesos
- Two packs of "El Abuelo" sausages
- A small tube of ground meat, for 700 pesos
- A one-kilogram package of detergent, for 1,000 pesos
- Two bars of soap, at 150 pesos each
The creator notes that the funds were completely used up by this purchase, which consisted only of basic items in limited quantities, sparking numerous reactions among platform users.
The video has drawn comments from Cubans both inside and outside the country who point out that 10,000 pesos isn't enough to cover even a basic monthly grocery run, underscoring the declining purchasing power of salaries in Cuba and the hardships faced by countless families.
Such content has become increasingly common on social media, where citizens expose the stark contrast between actual market prices and average incomes, against a backdrop of inflation, scarcity, and the need for remittances or charitable aid to survive.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why is the cost of living so high in Cuba?
The high cost of living in Cuba is attributed to a combination of factors, including economic mismanagement, stringent government controls, and a reliance on imports due to limited domestic production. Inflation and scarcity further exacerbate these issues.
How do Cubans manage to survive financially?
Many Cubans rely on remittances from relatives abroad, informal markets, and mutual aid within communities to meet their basic needs. The government also provides some subsidized goods, but these are often insufficient.
What impact does currency devaluation have on everyday life in Cuba?
Currency devaluation leads to reduced purchasing power, making everyday goods and services more expensive for the average Cuban. This exacerbates poverty and increases dependency on external financial support.