A Cuban mother, who shares her experiences on TikTok under the handle @lilianne.calunga, recently illustrated what it means to indulge in a luxury in Cuba: dining out with her son cost her a staggering 20,000 Cuban pesos, an amount she equates to four months of her salary.
In a brief 48-second video shared on TikTok, she describes her decision to break away from the daily grind and treat her son to a special day out.
"Life in Cuba is expensive and challenging, and dining out is a luxury that not everyone can afford," she asserts at the beginning of the video.
The day's menu featured shrimp for herself, ropa vieja for her son, pork, and pizzas to take home for the rest of the family.
"I spent 20,000 Cuban pesos; to give you an idea, that's equivalent to four months of my salary. Is it expensive? Yes, it is. All of Cuba feels the pinch," she candidly acknowledges.
This single dining experience cost her more than three times the average monthly salary of a Cuban worker.
In Havana, a meal at a "budget" restaurant can cost around 13,000 CUP, while mid-range eateries charge between 2,500 and 2,800 CUP per person.
@lilianne.calunga's video adds to a growing trend of Cubans using social media to showcase the true cost of everyday life on the island.
Back in July, another Cuban mother revealed that a simple outing to the park with her daughter — including food, a temporary tattoo, and a toy — amounted to 5,600 CUP. In April, a monthly grocery shopping trip documented from Santiago de Cuba totaled 45,700 CUP.
Despite the financial strain, the video creator does not regret her choice. "Seeing how much my son enjoyed it made it completely worthwhile," she concludes.
The Cost of Living in Cuba: FAQs
How much did the Cuban mother spend on dining out with her son?
The mother spent 20,000 Cuban pesos, which she equates to four months of her salary.
What was included in the meal for the family?
The meal included shrimp for the mother, ropa vieja for her son, pork, and pizzas to take home for the rest of the family.
How does the cost of living in Cuba affect everyday activities?
Everyday activities in Cuba, such as dining out or recreational outings, can be financially burdensome due to the high costs relative to the average salary.