Essential items like rice, beans, chicken, pork, eggs, bread, hygiene products, medication, transportation, and basic services are all part of the monthly expenses for a small family in Havana. According to a calculation done by a Cuban citizen, these costs amount to approximately 205,000 Cuban pesos (CUP), even without including all necessary items.
Yulieta Hernández Díaz shared a meticulous breakdown of these expenses on Facebook, simply stating, "Sometimes I get the urge to do the math..."
For some of the primary food items, Hernández estimated 9,600 CUP for 12 kilograms of rice, 6,000 CUP for four kilograms of beans, 9,000 CUP for eggs, 18,000 CUP for chicken, and 24,000 CUP for pork.
Additional costs included 9,000 CUP for milk, another 9,000 for oil, 4,000 for coffee, 6,400 for onions, 4,500 for fruits, another 4,500 for root vegetables, and 19,200 CUP for bread.
Hygiene and household cleaning products such as detergent, toilet paper, wet wipes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, dish soap, and bleach were also factored in.
Medical expenses were calculated at 7,000 CUP, with 24,000 CUP allocated for transportation, 2,500 CUP for electricity, and additional costs for water, gas, phone, mobile data, and calls. A reserve of 10,000 CUP was set aside for unforeseen expenses.
Hernández arrived at a total of 205,000 CUP per month, summarizing, "Over 200,000 CUP for a small family in Havana."
However, this breakdown is an approximation rather than a definitive budget. Some items were not priced, such as beef and spaghetti, nor were luxury items like ice cream, cheese, ham, or chocolate included, which she noted with an emoji reflecting their status as luxuries for many Cuban families.
Hernández's post was accompanied by an image where the word "SOBREMORIMOS" was transformed into the silhouette of Cuba, closing with the expression "We continue to 'overdie'." This sentiment captures a widespread feeling among Cubans: transitioning from living to surviving, and beyond that to "overdying"—a reflection of the deepening economic crisis that has increasingly eroded living standards and normalcy.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The public response reinforced the notion that the estimated expenses might fall short. Comments included suggestions to re-evaluate the list, noting, "You're missing a few things," while others pointed out the absence of expenses like clothing, footwear, water purchases, vacations, or additional family needs.
One individual summed up the situation, saying, "We're alive because we're breathing," while another stated that surviving on the basics requires more than 150,000 CUP monthly.
There were also questions about the prices used in the calculation. For instance, one commentator pointed out that the price of pork per pound is closer to 1,700 CUP rather than the 1,500 CUP used in the estimate, highlighting the variability of prices depending on the location and time of purchase.
Comparative Analysis and Economic Context
Other Cubans have conducted similar analyses, sharing their findings in a context where various estimates reveal a growing gap between income and the cost of living. In May, economist Javier Pérez Capdevila's study suggested that an individual required at least 96,060 CUP monthly to meet basic needs.
His calculations included 70,070 CUP for food, 11,450 for personal hygiene, 5,800 for clothing and footwear, 4,740 for household cleaning, 2,000 for medication, and 2,000 for transportation. However, it excluded expenses such as electricity, water, internet, and recreation, prompting Pérez Capdevila to label it a minimum threshold.
The disparity between income and expenses is stark. As of July, the minimum wage in Cuba is 3,210 CUP per month, up from the previous 2,100 pesos. Based on Hernández's estimate of 205,000 CUP, this equates to nearly 64 minimum wages.
This decline in purchasing power occurs amid a new economic downturn. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) predicts a 10.3% drop in Cuba's GDP by 2026, marking the worst forecast among Latin American and Caribbean economies.
Understanding the Economic Challenge in Cuba
What are the primary expenses for a small family in Havana?
The main expenses include food items like rice, beans, chicken, pork, eggs, bread, as well as hygiene products, medication, transportation, and basic services.
How much is the estimated monthly cost for a small family in Havana?
The estimated monthly cost for a small family in Havana is approximately 205,000 Cuban pesos.
Why is there a gap between wages and living costs in Cuba?
The gap is due to the high cost of living compared to the low wages, with the minimum wage being only 3,210 CUP monthly, significantly lower than the estimated living expenses.
What factors contribute to the economic crisis in Cuba?
Factors contributing to the crisis include government mismanagement, economic sanctions, and a lack of foreign investment, leading to a significant downturn in the economy.