A Cuban woman, Noemi Delgado Zamora, recently shared a video on Facebook revealing the staggering amount she spent on basic groceries and household items: a whopping 11,700 Cuban pesos for just six items.
In the video, Noemi breaks down the cost of her purchases: a bottle of oil priced at 3,650 pesos, 30 eggs costing 3,800 pesos, one and a half pounds of pork for 3,300 pesos, a bottle of mojito at 1,100 pesos, a pack of cookies for 650 pesos, and a cleaning mop priced at 2,000 pesos.
"While the dollar is dropping, prices are climbing. I spent 11,700 pesos on this shopping trip," Noemi remarked at the video's conclusion.
This expenditure far exceeds the average state monthly salary, which the National Office of Statistics and Information reported to be 7,354 pesos as of August 2026. With the minimum wage set at 3,210 pesos since July 2026, Noemi's purchase equates to nearly four times the minimum salary.
Many Cubans echoed concerns over rising costs. One user commented, "Be grateful you can afford it. What about those of us earning 3,000?" Another noted, "From my pension, I could only afford the mop; she bought quite a bit." A third pointed out the absence of essential Cuban staples, saying, "And there's still no rice, vegetables, beans, coffee, sugar, or salt included. How much more would that cost?"
"We've really experienced a drastic change in life; eating used to be a necessity, now it's a luxury," lamented another Cuban.
Economist Javier Pérez Capdevila estimated that an individual needs at least 96,060 pesos monthly to meet basic needs, a figure approximately 13 times the average state salary.
Understanding the Economic Challenges in Cuba
Why are prices so high in Cuba?
Prices in Cuba have escalated due to economic mismanagement, inflation, and the government's control over the market, compounded by external factors like international sanctions.
How does the average salary compare to living costs in Cuba?
The average salary in Cuba is significantly lower than the cost of living, making it difficult for citizens to afford even basic necessities without additional income sources.
What are some essential items missing from Noemi's purchase?
Noemi's purchase lacked basic staples such as rice, beans, vegetables, coffee, sugar, and salt, which are crucial components of the Cuban diet.