A Cuban immigrant living in Mexico has shared a video on Facebook revealing the stark reality of how much money an immigrant needs to survive in the country. According to his firsthand account, the monthly cost ranges between 8,000 and 16,000 pesos, equivalent to roughly $500 to $1,000, just to get by.
Leunam Cantero, the individual behind this revelation, speaks from personal experience. He resides in a modest apartment for which he pays 6,000 pesos per month. This rent, which covers water and internet but excludes electricity, consumes the majority of his budget. "And with that, a large part of your money is gone," he cautions.
The Struggle to Make Ends Meet
Beyond housing, food and transportation are additional expenses that expose the real challenge of living in Mexico. "The issue isn't how much it costs to live in Mexico. The issue is how much you can earn," Cantero explains. Finding employment is difficult for immigrants, who often have to settle for any available job.
The gap between necessary income and actual earnings is a significant concern. Cantero estimates that most Cuban immigrants end up earning between 2,000 and 2,600 pesos a week in informal jobs, totaling 8,000 to 10,400 pesos monthly. This barely meets the minimum threshold he considers necessary for survival.
Professional Devaluation and Economic Reality
"No one cares if you were a doctor or an engineer back home," Cantero states, summarizing the professional devaluation faced by undocumented immigrants who must work in the informal economy without benefits or social security.
This situation is not new. Cubans in Tapachula, Chiapas, near Mexico's southern border, have reported daily wages as low as 150 to 180 pesos for extensive 12 to 13-hour workdays in the informal sector, which is significantly below the official minimum wage of 315.04 pesos per day in 2026.
Community Voices and Growing Numbers
Other Cubans have shared similar stories on social media. In January 2025, one Cuban claimed on TikTok that he lived on 8,000 pesos a month, paying just 1,500 pesos in rent, sparking debate over the feasibility of such a budget in larger cities. On March 31st, another Cuban's message went viral: "In Mexico, we have no money, but we're not poor; we have freedom, clothes, food, and electricity."
The Cuban community in Mexico has grown significantly, from 25,976 people in 2020 to about 41,475 in 2022, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Many work without documentation in sectors like construction, cleaning, and retail, where working conditions are particularly challenging.
Despite the harsh reality, Cantero ends on a hopeful note for those considering emigration: "At least here in this big country, you don't have to worry about food or power outages. Your only job is to focus on moving forward and improving each day." For many Cubans, leaving behind the blackouts and shortages of the island, this sentiment captures the true value of emigrating.
Understanding the Economic Challenges for Cuban Immigrants in Mexico
What is the estimated monthly cost of living for Cuban immigrants in Mexico?
The estimated monthly cost of living for Cuban immigrants in Mexico ranges from 8,000 to 16,000 pesos, which is approximately $500 to $1,000.
How much do most Cuban immigrants earn in Mexico?
Most Cuban immigrants in Mexico earn between 2,000 and 2,600 pesos weekly from informal jobs, amounting to 8,000 to 10,400 pesos per month.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in Mexico's job market?
Cuban immigrants often struggle to find employment, facing professional devaluation and frequently having to work in the informal economy without benefits or social security.
How has the Cuban immigrant population in Mexico changed recently?
The Cuban immigrant population in Mexico has increased from 25,976 in 2020 to about 41,475 in 2022, reflecting steady growth.