A young Cuban has sparked a major controversy on TikTok after posting a video in which he makes harsh criticisms about the high cost of living in Miami. The video's author, known online as @xmen_coco, recorded the message from a street in the city, stating that the economic situation has deteriorated drastically.
"I just filled up with gas at 4 dollars a gallon, and I don't understand how there are still people who are so blind that they don't realize the country is going down the drain, that everything is getting really bad," she says at the beginning of the recording. Throughout the video, she argues that prices are out of control and that the quality of life has decreased considerably.
"A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment costs $3,000. You have to call the whole family, the cousins, the nephews, everyone to come live with you because it's too complicated for just one person," he points out. In his remarks, he insists that the situation will only get worse: "This is just the beginning; it's going to get worse."
He also criticizes food prices: "Food is super expensive and in a market, you can easily spend 400 or 500 dollars." Although he acknowledges that "it will always be better than Cuba," he insists that those who lived in Miami between 2017 and 2018 know that "things are really tough right now, it's extremely bad."
The young man argues that even the highest salaries do not cover basic expenses: “You earn 20 pesos an hour and it’s just for fun, it’s not enough. You earn 30 pesos an hour and it’s just for fun, it’s still not enough.” He then adds: “Gas prices are through the roof, food prices are through the roof, a bunch of people living under the bridge, there’s nothing, there’s no money, completely suffocated.”
Later in the video, he warns: “People who have jobs are living under the bridges,” and ends his message with a call to action: “It’s going to get worse. So get ready for what’s coming. Get out of here, Miami, because it's on fire.”
The video sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok, mostly critical. Comments like “Come back to Cuba,” “Shut up, clown,” or “Why don’t you go to Cuba?” frequently appeared. Several users accused him of being a “crybaby” and of having supported Donald Trump, linking his current discontent to a shift in political opinion. “But weren’t you a Trump fan, haha?”; “Enjoy what you voted for, you jerk,” or “That’s easy, you’ll be fine in Cuba; with a ticket, you won’t suffer anymore,” were just some of the phrases reflecting the prevailing tone among the comments.
Some questioned his credibility, recalling that he had recently claimed to be in Canada. “Weren't you in Canada?” or “Did you get a visa to go to Canada or not?” were common questions among users. Others mocked his accent or manner of speaking: “Can someone translate what this little Cuban said? I didn't understand a word.”
There were also those who supported his testimony. “You’re clear and honest,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Very true, this is not just ugly in Miami,” while someone else appreciated his frankness with a simple, “Truths.” One user even defended his right to express himself: “We are fortunate to live in a country where we can say what we think. No one should have to leave for expressing their feelings. That’s what they did in Cuba.”
The testimony of the young man adds to a series of recent viral posts where other Cubans have shared their struggles to make ends meet in Miami. Earlier this year, the user @orlycastillo1401 stated that living in that city was "unsustainable," paying $1,600 for a small room and having only one day off per week. "No one can live in Miami," he said at the time.
In another case, a young woman living in Miami Lakes explained that, despite sharing a home, her expenses for rent, electricity, internet, and other services exceed $1,800 per month. "You can’t live on $1,400 in Miami," she stated.
Official figures confirm what these testimonies express. According to a report from Redfin, the average rent in Miami was $2,373 in December 2024. To afford that rent, an annual income of around $95,000 would be needed, while the actual average income in the city was only $57,157. Miami remains one of the most expensive cities in the country.
In March, user @dianelarodrgz reported that “the cheapest efficiency costs 1,500 and it's just a small room.” Her video also went viral. Another Cuban complained about a rental of 1,200 dollars for a small space without a kitchen, stating, “What do you think is in the closet? A refrigerator and above a microwave.” That case also caused outrage.
These statements, like that of @xmen_coco, not only portray an increasingly difficult economic reality but also reopen the debate on the expectations of those who emigrate and the tensions between quality of life, financial stability, and the desire to remain close to the Cuban community in South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about the High Cost of Living in Miami
What is the average rent cost in Miami?
The average cost of rent in Miami is approximately $2,373 per month. This high cost of living has led many residents to share housing in order to manage expenses, as it is estimated that an annual income of around $95,000 is needed to adequately cover this type of rent.
Why is it so expensive to live in Miami?
The high cost of living in Miami is due to the high demand for housing, the lack of regulations, and the constant influx of new residents. Moreover, wages in the city have not increased at the same pace as rental costs, creating an unsustainable economic situation for many individuals, especially those with modest incomes.
Is it possible to live in Miami on a salary of 20 dollars per hour?
Living in Miami on a salary of 20 dollars an hour is extremely difficult. Although this wage may seem reasonable, the costs of housing, transportation, and utilities in the city are so high that many people find their income is insufficient to cover basic expenses without having to share a home or seek additional income.
What challenges do Cubans face when moving to Miami?
Cubans moving to Miami face significant challenges, such as the high cost of living, difficulty in finding well-paying jobs, and heavy traffic. In addition, many must cope with nostalgia for the family and community they left behind, further complicating their adjustment to life in this expensive and competitive city.
How does the cost of living in Miami compare to other cities in the United States?
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher compared to many other cities in the United States. While in smaller or less sought-after cities one can find housing at more affordable prices, in Miami, rental and service costs are considerably higher, requiring higher incomes to maintain a stable standard of living.
Filed under:
