In a revealing video, a Cuban woman has captured the stark economic reality of life on the island, where a meager average salary, approximately 6,000 pesos, pales in comparison to the tens of thousands required to meet basic monthly expenses.
Content creator Sisi Aguilera shared her eye-opening account on Facebook, filmed during a journey through Guanabo, a coastal town east of Havana. Her quest for motorcycle bearings turned into an exposé on the severe gap between income and prices that Cubans are facing in 2026.
During her trip, Aguilera first stopped at a private business where she found a selection of items and the bearings priced at 1,500 pesos each, roughly three dollars at the informal exchange rate, with the dollar valued at 518 pesos in the unofficial market.
"We discovered a new store, which is privately owned, not state-run. It was a beautiful shop, with all sorts of new things and lovely lamps," she reflected.
She also mentioned needing to purchase two boxes of bearings, costing 20 dollars each, totaling 20,600 pesos in the national currency while the basic salary in Cuba hovers around 3,000 pesos. "I don't know about you, but I find that expensive. Tell me what you think about these crazy prices," she contrasted.
This scenario mirrors the harsh reality for millions of Cuban families, with living costs exceeding 50,000 pesos monthly—a figure over 15 times the state's basic salary, turning every outing into a financial juggling act.
Official data indicates that the average monthly salary in Cuba reached 6,830 pesos by the end of November 2025, marking an 18% year-over-year increase. However, this rise is inadequate against the relentless price hikes that suffocate workers, a situation the regime has failed to manage.
The Private vs. State Sector Divide
The disparity between the state and private sectors is evident at every turn. While private businesses offer variety and availability, their prices remain out of reach for those reliant on a peso salary.
Additionally, over 209 stores and 60 gas stations operate in foreign currencies, excluding the majority of the population from accessing them.
Food prices are not immune to this upward spiral. Recent reports highlight that a single onion can cost up to 900 Cuban pesos, a figure that alone represents nearly a third of the minimum monthly salary for many state workers.
Inflation and Government Response
Amidst this crisis, the government has introduced new 2,000 and 5,000 peso bills as a response to inflation. However, for many Cubans, this move does little to address the fundamental issue of the vast chasm between earnings and the cost of living.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges in 2026
What is the average salary in Cuba, and how does it relate to living costs?
The average monthly salary in Cuba is around 6,830 pesos, which is insufficient given the high cost of living, often exceeding 50,000 pesos per month.
How does the private sector compare to the state sector in Cuba?
While private businesses in Cuba offer a variety of goods, their prices are typically unaffordable for those earning a salary in pesos, highlighting the economic divide between the sectors.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address inflation?
The Cuban government has issued new 2,000 and 5,000 peso bills as a response to inflation, though this has done little to mitigate the fundamental disparity between earnings and living expenses.