A Cuban content creator embarked on a Saturday trip to a market with 3,000 pesos in her pocket to document how far that amount stretches in the Cuba of 2026.
The video, shared on the Facebook page "El Vlog de Day," has garnered over 24,700 views, reflecting the severe food crisis affecting millions of families on the island.
"It's no secret that everything is getting more expensive by the day, yet basic needs still have to be met," the creator noted in the video's description.
With her budget, she returned home with burro bananas (250 CUP), sweet potatoes (250 CUP for about 5 pounds), cassava (350 CUP for 5 pounds), squash (350 CUP), beans (250 CUP for two bunches), melon (300 CUP), dry wine (300 CUP), and a package of detergent (740 CUP), all purchased at an agricultural fair.
She spent a total of 2,690 CUP, equivalent to approximately 4 USD, according to her account. A key item was missing from her haul. "I wanted to buy onions too, but they're way too expensive," she confessed in the video. Upon returning home, she also realized she forgot malanga, a costly staple often essential in children's diets in Cuba.
As of August 2026, the informal exchange rate places the dollar at around 670 Cuban pesos, making those 3,000 CUP roughly 4.48 US dollars.
This amount is nearly equivalent to the country's minimum monthly wage, set at 3,210 pesos—an amount independent economists deem laughable compared to a basic basket that would require about 96,000 CUP per month per person, with more than 70,000 needed solely for food.
Soaring Prices at Cuban Markets
Prices at fairs and informal markets highlight the extent of the disparity. A carton of 30 eggs ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 pesos, nearly consuming an entire month's minimum wage.
A liter of oil sells for between 1,100 and 2,000 pesos, and a pound of pork exceeds 850 pesos at most points of sale. The price of onions, which the video creator skipped due to cost, can reach 900 pesos per pound.
Root Vegetables as a Dietary Mainstay
In this environment, root vegetables—cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, squash—have become a crucial dietary fallback for many Cuban families, often replacing rice due to the inability to afford other foods.
The trend of shopping vlogs has proliferated on Cuban social media during 2026. Other creators have documented what they can purchase with 7,000 pesos or if 5,000 pesos suffice for living. The purchasing power of money continues to dwindle.
The average state salary in Cuba hovers around 6,930 pesos per month, covering less than 10% of what economists believe is necessary for survival.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges in 2026
What is the significance of the 3,000 pesos budget in Cuba?
The 3,000 pesos budget is nearly equivalent to the minimum monthly wage in Cuba and highlights the financial struggles faced by citizens in covering basic needs within a rapidly inflating economy.
How does the current economic climate affect Cuban families?
Cuban families are significantly impacted by rising costs, with essential goods becoming increasingly unaffordable. Many have had to rely on root vegetables as staple foods due to the high price of other items.
Why are shopping vlogs gaining popularity in Cuba?
Shopping vlogs are gaining traction as they provide a real-time glimpse into the economic hardships faced by Cubans, showcasing how much—or how little—can be purchased with limited funds.