Cost of Living in Cuba

Updated: December 01, 2024

If you've ever considered moving to Cuba, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Cuba?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Cuba and whether the reported $1457 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $33.55.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Cuba

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	7.0 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	25.0 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	5.5 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	2.5 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.92 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.63 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	2.31 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	1.34 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	3.21 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.14 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.4 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.78 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	5.4 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	5.77 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	11.37 $
Apples (1 lb)	7.0 $
Banana (1 lb)	0.86 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.2 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.83 $
Potato (1 lb)	1.9 $
Onion (1 lb)	2.34 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.88 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.92 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	7.0 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.72 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.75 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	4.0 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.1 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	20.0 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.0 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.54 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	15.0 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.21 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	80000.0 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	71000.0 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	30.33 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.33 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	152.86 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	15.25 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	7.5 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	1.12 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	70.0 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	15166.67 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	51.5 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	43.25 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	74.38 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	64.8 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	444.44 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	204.44 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1366.67 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	730.0 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	328.27 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	234.58 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	33.55 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	5.73 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 25.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 3.21 USD, a loaf of bread 1.14 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.78 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.1 USD and a monthly pass around 20.0 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 30.33 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 15.25 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 7.5 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 70.0 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 15166.67 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 51.5 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 74.38 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 444.44 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 204.44 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 328.27 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 234.58 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 33.55 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.73% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Cuba

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Cuba is, for the most part, a safe country to visit, though it's not without its dangers. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Cuba is filled with unlicensed cabs without meters so be sure to pre-arrange a ride with a reliable cab company. There are also many old-timers Cuba is known for that will overcharge you for a ride in their shiny car.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a threat of petty crime. Pickpockets do operate, especially at the beaches and in public transport so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Theft of hi-tech items is also on the rise.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There is a hurricane season in Cuba, and it usually lasts from June to November. This is the only thing you should be aware of when it comes to natural disasters.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There have been reports of muggings happening in urban areas, but it's not that common of an occurrence because criminals would have to pay a steep price to the authorities if caught. There is usually no force or weapons involved.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Cuba's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

This is where you should be particularly careful: the local scammers. Taxi drivers will probably try to overcharge you for the ride, the local drifters will catch you on the street and convince you that they live in the same street your accommodation is, with a goal to attract your attention. They sometimes give you some advice where to go and what to do and then ask for a tip. Since cigars are their most popular product, Cubans will try to trick you into buying cheap ones making you believe they are original. Only buy cigars in official cigar shops.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Cuba is not only a low-risk destination for women, it is actually one of the destinations where women should feel very safe. Cuba is a country with a high degree of feminine integration into the society. It is almost a normal occurrence for a man to comment on the beauty of any woman and this should be taken as a compliment because it definitely was given as one. These comments do not have a sexual connotation and should be answered with a polite "gracias".

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

Many countries do need a visa for Cuba although there's a number of countries who don't. Residents of the U.S. weren't allowed to enter Cuba as tourists up until recently when that changed and now they are allowed but they do need a visa and the requirements are strict. Upon arriving to Cuba, you will get a tarjeta de turista and it will be valid for 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least one month beyond your departure date. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

There are two currencies in Cuba: Cuban Pesos (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). Tourists usually use the CUC as this is the money used to pay for hotels, food, services, sightseeing, etc. CUP is used for only a number of things, such as fruit and vegetables at the market. ATMs are generally rare in Cuba. Make sure you have cash with you.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The weather in Cuba is tropical, and thanks to the Caribbean current, its waters are warm. Apart from the aforementioned hurricane season that lasts from June to November, there is a dry season that falls between November and April, and the rainy season lasts from May to October. The average temperature in January is about 21°C and in July it's 27°C.

flight_takeoff

Airports

José Martí International Airport, sometimes referred to as its former name Rancho-Boyeros Airport, is an international airport and the main gateway into Cuba, located 15 km southwest of Havana, Cuba.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Cuba, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Cost of Living in Cuba

Cuba

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing