In a video shared on Facebook by the page "Cuba Sin Filtro," two Cubans living in Mexico shared their experiences of life in the country, answering questions from followers. Their account encapsulates what many Cuban migrants have discovered after crossing the border: plentiful resources, affordable prices, and ample employment opportunities.
"Every corner in Mexico has food, folks. There's food everywhere," one of the video participants states, with the clip having garnered over 114,000 views and 5,300 reactions.
According to their account, working from Monday to Saturday can earn a person between 1,500 and 2,000 Mexican pesos each week, aligning with Mexico's current minimum wage, which is set at 278.80 pesos per day by the National Minimum Wage Commission.
When it comes to groceries, the Cubans in the video claim that with 500 pesos, a single person can buy enough food to last 10 to 15 days.
One stark comparison they make is the price of eggs: "You know in Cuba, a carton of eggs costs you like 20 American dollars. Here, a carton costs just 99 pesos, maybe 100 pesos."
This price gap highlights the severe supply shortages in Cuba, where basic goods like eggs have become luxuries beyond the reach of most people, whose monthly wages hover between 100 and 200 U.S. dollars.
Mexican Work Ethic Praised by Cubans
The video also praises the work ethic of Mexicans: "I haven't seen anyone in the whole world who works harder than a Mexican. I haven't seen it. They are the hardest working people in the entire world," one of the Cubans states, who has previously been to Russia and Nicaragua.
Their conclusion is clear: "Mexico is better than Cuba, the whole world knows it, not just us."
Such stories have become common among the Cuban community in Mexico. A Cuban woman named Niuris, who has lived in the country for a year, mentioned that she does her bi-weekly shopping at Soriana with 1,000 pesos and earns 2,000 pesos per week. "In Cuba, I didn't have milk, but here I do. You have to choose wisely," she said.
Another Cuban described himself as "wealthy" in Mexico, simply because he can enjoy coffee with milk every morning—something unattainable for most back in Cuba.
The Growing Cuban Presence in Mexico
These accounts emerge amidst a growing Cuban presence in Mexico, partly driven by deportations from the United States. ICE increased the detention of Cuban migrants by 463% between October 2024 and January 2026, and about 6,000 Cubans have been sent to Mexico through an informal agreement between the two governments.
However, the situation is not easy for everyone: thousands of Cubans remain stranded in Tapachula, Chiapas, without a migration solution, and around 3,000 were homeless in Villahermosa, Tabasco, as of last April.
Nevertheless, those who manage to settle down agree that the material conditions in Mexico are vastly superior to those in Cuba. Exuan Guzmán, a Cuban from Villa Clara deported from the United States, showcased his apartment in Mexico City, stating: "Cubans are resilient, and wherever they go, they make it work."
Understanding Cuban Migrants' Experiences in Mexico
What are the main reasons Cuban migrants find life better in Mexico?
Cuban migrants often find life better in Mexico due to the abundance of food, affordable prices, and job availability, which contrast sharply with the scarcity and economic hardships they experience in Cuba.
How does the work ethic in Mexico compare to other countries, according to Cuban migrants?
Cuban migrants have praised the work ethic in Mexico, stating that Mexicans are among the hardest working people in the world, surpassing experiences they have had in places like Russia and Nicaragua.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Mexico?
Despite better living conditions, Cuban migrants in Mexico face challenges such as legal uncertainty and being stranded in areas without proper migration solutions, along with issues of homelessness.