A Cuban man, known as Kevin (@kevin_sin.filtro), took to TikTok to express his frustration over the untenable living conditions caused by the minimum wage on the island. His heartfelt message resonated with thousands of fellow Cubans, both on the island and abroad.
"How is anyone supposed to survive an entire month on three dollars? Yes, a month, not a day, not a week, but a month. That's the salary for a Cuban," Kevin explains in the video he shared on June 17.
Anticipating criticism from skeptics, the young man argues that the minimum wage in Cuba ranges from three to five dollars per month, a sum he insists is inadequate for even the most basic necessities.
"How is someone supposed to buy food, purchase clothes, or handle emergencies with just three to five dollars a month?" he questions.
The figures support his claims. Until June 30, the official minimum wage in Cuba was 2,100 Cuban pesos, roughly equivalent to four or five dollars at the informal exchange rate.
The regime claimed in June that there would be an increase in the minimum wage to 3,210 pesos, a nominal 53% raise effective from July 1. However, workers won't see this amount until August.
Despite the nominal increase, the situation remains dire in real terms: with an informal exchange rate of around 690 pesos per dollar, the new minimum wage amounts to just 4.65 dollars monthly, offering even less purchasing power than before due to the peso's devaluation.
The government itself acknowledged that the wage hike is "insufficient," describing it as merely a "first step."
The disparity between wages and prices is staggering. Kevin provides concrete examples: "A carton of eggs costs more than a Cuban's minimum wage, seriously," he states, adding that "a bit of oil is nearly the entire salary."
Statistics back up Kevin's claims: a 30-egg carton costs between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos, matching or exceeding the full minimum wage, while a liter of oil ranges from 1,100 to 1,800 pesos, and a sack of rice tops 31,800 pesos—equivalent to ten minimum wages.
Economists calculate that meeting basic needs in Cuba requires around 96,000 pesos monthly, which is thirty times the new minimum wage, with more than 70,000 of that solely for food.
Kevin's video is part of a growing trend of Cubans using social media to denounce the crisis. In January, a young woman named @yaneisycanta_98 posted a video with over three million views, showing that with 2,500 pesos, she could only afford sausages, spaghetti, elbow pasta, and soap.
This phenomenon indicates a breaking of the long-standing fear of speaking openly about the situation, something historically suppressed on the island. According to the VIII Study by OBSERVACUBA, published in March 2026, 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty, and 78% wish to emigrate.
Kevin concludes his video with a statement that encapsulates the reality for millions: "In Cuba, we don't live, we merely survive. I'm not exaggerating. This is the reality for Cubans."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis
What is the current minimum wage in Cuba?
The current minimum wage in Cuba, after a recent increase, is 3,210 Cuban pesos, which is approximately 4.65 dollars per month at the informal exchange rate.
How do the prices of basic goods in Cuba compare to the minimum wage?
The prices of basic goods in Cuba are significantly higher than the minimum wage. For example, a carton of 30 eggs can cost between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos, while a liter of oil can range from 1,100 to 1,800 pesos, making it difficult for individuals to afford essential items.
What is the public perception of the economic situation in Cuba?
Many Cubans are expressing frustration and dissatisfaction with the economic situation, using social media to voice their concerns. According to a study, 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and a significant portion wishes to emigrate.