What can you actually buy with 20,000 pesos in Cuba? A Cuban TikToker known as Brianita decided to answer this question by sharing a video tour of her shopping experience at a local private store. Her haul included essential items like oil, chicken, beans, and spaghetti, but the steep cost of these basics is what truly stands out.
"There's food in Cuba, but the issue is the lack of money," Brianita states at the start of her TikTok video (@brianitalacubana_1), where she details the prices of each item she purchased.
Her shopping list featured four bottles of oil for 3,840 pesos, six packs of spaghetti for 1,860 pesos, three packs of beans for 1,350 pesos, and a pound of sausage priced at 1,100 pesos.
Additionally, she bought a pound of gouda cheese for 2,100 pesos, two bottles of soy sauce for 1,000 pesos, a ten-pound pack of chicken for 4,000 pesos, and four pounds of boneless pork loin for another 4,000 pesos.
The total cost of these groceries reached 19,250 Cuban pesos, which is more than two and a half times the average state salary of 7,354 pesos reported in August 2026.
The Shift to Private Stores
Throughout her video, Brianita explains why she relies on private businesses to secure food that was once available in state-run stores.
"In these private shops, you can find items that the state no longer sells," she notes.
However, she acknowledges that the prices are far beyond what most Cubans can afford. "Everything is extremely expensive here, but what choice do we have? We have to buy it like this, or we won't eat," she laments.
Rising Food Costs in Cuba
Brianita's experience echoes that of another Cuban who recently shared her struggle to make ends meet with 8,500 pesos in Baracoa. On that occasion, the money barely covered essentials like rice, beans, and root vegetables, excluding meat, eggs, and dairy.
Reports on the escalating costs of staples such as chicken, eggs, and other goods in Cuban markets further highlight this issue. A pound of frozen chicken has been sold for 800 to 900 pesos, and a carton of eggs can exceed 3,500 pesos.
Economic Challenges for Cubans
The situation is particularly dire for those earning salaries in national currency. Official data indicates that the minimum wage is 3,210 pesos per month, while the average state salary is 7,354 pesos.
Moreover, the purchasing power of the Cuban peso has significantly declined. As of November 9, the exchange rate for the dollar was around 914 pesos in the informal market, underscoring the struggles faced by those needing to buy goods priced in foreign currencies.
A survey conducted in May 2026, involving over 2,500 participants from Cuba's 16 provinces, found that 33.9% of households had at least one member who went to bed hungry in the previous month due to food shortages. Additionally, 79.4% of respondents spent at least 80% of their income on food.
The cost of groceries in Cuba has become a common discussion topic among content creators. Previously, another Cuban showcased what she could buy with 100 dollars, while a woman in Camagüey revealed her shopping list after spending 180 dollars.
Brianita's store visit concludes with a poignant statement about her ordeal with food prices: "There's food in Cuba, but no money to buy it."
Cuba's Economic and Food Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Cuba?
As of August 2026, the average state salary in Cuba is 7,354 pesos per month.
How much can basic groceries cost in Cuba?
Basic groceries can be extremely expensive in Cuba, with items like a pound of chicken costing 800 to 900 pesos, and a carton of eggs surpassing 3,500 pesos.
Why do Cubans shop at private stores?
Cubans shop at private stores because they offer products that are no longer available in state-run establishments.
How has the Cuban peso's value changed?
The value of the Cuban peso has decreased significantly, with the dollar trading at around 914 pesos in the informal market by November 2026.