A Cuban living in Florianópolis, Brazil, recently shared his grocery shopping experience on TikTok, revealing that he spent 149 Brazilian reais, roughly equivalent to $29, describing his haul as "quite a bit of food."
The video, posted by user @locuras_con_yendry on Wednesday, walks viewers through the aisles of the local supermarket with a shopping list in hand, culminating in a cart full of goods.
Throughout the video, he can't help but reflect on his life in Cuba. "Here, you walk into a store and find everything in one place, folks," he remarks, highlighting the contrast.
His reference to the island is poignant and filled with emotion: "Often, there was nothing to buy, and when something did show up, it would spoil due to power outages," he recalls.
For this Cuban, the ability to complete a grocery trip is more than a mundane task; it's a sign of deeper significance. "It's the little things that make you appreciate a life with more opportunities and dignity, living like human beings," he reflects.
Assessing Life in Brazil
While he acknowledges Brazil's challenges, his assessment remains positive: "It might not be the wealthiest country in the world, but there are opportunities for everyone, for those with much, for those with little, and for those with even less," he observes.
The stark contrast with Cuba is evident when considering the current food prices on the island: rice costs between 280 and 350 Cuban pesos per pound, beans between 300 and 500 pesos, and eggs can reach 570 pesos each, all in a context of chronic shortages.
Even in Havana's dollar stores, prices are steep: white beans can cost $5.10, chorizo $9.45, and flour ranges between $3 and $3.20. Recent data shows Cubans need around 96,000 pesos for basic monthly expenses, a figure unattainable for most on state salaries.
Florianópolis: A Different Reality
Located in Santa Catarina, Florianópolis is known for its high cost of living, with a basic monthly basket estimated at about R$858 per person. Yet, for Cuban immigrants used to scarcity, the ability to shop in a well-stocked supermarket marks a dramatic shift.
This type of content reflects a growing trend among Cuban expatriates in Brazil. In July 2025, a Cuban woman showcased a R$556.71 shopping trip that fed two people for about 15 days, while another shared spending R$509 weekly on groceries in March 2025.
As the video concludes, the Cuban poses a question that encapsulates the entire experience: "Is it worth it or not to live here in Brazil?"
Cuban Immigrants in Brazil: Common Questions
How much does a typical grocery trip cost for Cubans in Brazil?
The cost varies, but as seen in the video, a grocery trip can cost around 149 Brazilian reais, which is approximately $29. However, other reports show expenses ranging from R$509 weekly to R$556.71 for two weeks.
What challenges do Cubans face when shopping in Brazil compared to Cuba?
In Brazil, Cubans enjoy access to a variety of goods in well-stocked supermarkets, a stark contrast to the shortages and high prices they faced in Cuba. Despite the high cost of living in some Brazilian cities, the availability of products is a significant improvement.
Is the cost of living in Brazil manageable for Cuban immigrants?
While cities like Florianópolis have a high cost of living, many Cuban immigrants find it manageable due to the broader availability of goods and opportunities compared to Cuba. The ability to access well-stocked supermarkets is a major advantage.