Holguín-based writer José Poveda Cruz shared a poignant reflection on Facebook this Sunday. What began as a philosophical musing evolved into a stark depiction of contemporary Cuba, where even the simple act of cooking or enjoying rice and beans has become a nearly unattainable privilege.
The inspiration came from a circulating phrase on social media: "It's not the wealthiest who have the most, but those who need the least." While Poveda Cruz acknowledged the phrase's appeal, he pointed out its harsh collision with Cuban reality. "The issue arises when this philosophy attempts to settle in today's Cuba. Philosophy then clashes with accounting," he noted.
The High Cost of Basic Living
From his home in Holguín, Poveda Cruz meticulously outlined the expenses of a modest lifestyle. Cooking requires charcoal, "a fuel that has survived through the ages and ironically has become a luxury item." Each sack costs around 2,500 pesos, and a monthly supply demands four or five sacks, resulting in a monthly expense of approximately 13,000 pesos just for cooking.
Next comes the food. Poveda Cruz pointedly mentioned that meat is off the table, having long exited the realm of daily staples to become the stuff of legends. Rice and beans are each priced at 400 pesos per pound. "I could almost claim to be a vegetarian by choice... or by budget," he remarked with bitter irony. Adding a liter of oil, which costs about 2,200 pesos, means "mathematics ultimately defeats any philosophical treatise."
Income vs. Reality
The disparity between real incomes and costs is shocking. Using a 4,000-peso salary as a benchmark, Poveda Cruz concluded that "survival demands several times that amount." As of July 1, 2026, Cuba's minimum wage is set at 3,210 pesos, with the average state salary hovering around 6,930 pesos. However, basic monthly living costs are estimated to be around 96,060 pesos, nearly 14 times the average salary.
The most heart-wrenching moment in the text isn't about prices, but about a retired friend who arrived at Poveda Cruz's home "faint with hunger" and accepted a meal "with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment." This man has a son who also struggles to support his own family. "Neither asks for luxuries; they merely try to survive another day. What should we call them? Poor? Impoverished? Survivors? Perhaps no word suffices," Poveda Cruz pondered.
The Stark Reality of Cuban Life
This scene reflects a crisis substantiated by data. In September 2025, the minimum Cuban pension was raised to 4,000 pesos, equivalent to just seven to nine dollars at the informal exchange rate. An overwhelming 99% of retirees report that this amount fails to cover food, housing, or medicine, and 79% of those over 70 can't afford three meals a day.
Poveda Cruz concluded with the image of the nightly blackout that looms at the end of each day in Holguín. "Tonight, the blackout will return. The darkness, punctual as a model bureaucrat, will occupy the house," he wrote. The province operates at a mere 70 MW of electrical capacity against a demand of 225 to 240 MW, with some neighborhoods experiencing outages lasting more than 50 consecutive hours.
The philosophical phrase that sparked his reflection takes on a different meaning in Cuba, "where even the most basic needs seem like luxury items. Because in some places, needing little is still too much. And that, more than a philosophical paradox, is the daily chronicle of a country that still promises a bright future... while the twilight continues to illuminate the reality," Poveda Cruz concluded.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What are the basic costs of living in Cuba?
Basic living costs in Cuba include high expenses for essentials like charcoal for cooking and staple foods such as rice and beans, which are priced at 400 pesos per pound. These costs are exorbitant when compared to the average Cuban salary.
How do the income levels in Cuba compare to living expenses?
The average state salary in Cuba is about 6,930 pesos, while the cost of covering basic needs is estimated to be around 96,060 pesos monthly, which is about 14 times the average salary, highlighting a severe gap between income and expenses.
What challenges do retirees in Cuba face?
Cuban retirees face significant challenges as the minimum pension of 4,000 pesos is insufficient to cover necessities such as food, housing, and medication. Many struggle to afford even two meals a day.