A young Cuban residing in Kentucky shared his migration experience in a TikTok video that has gone viral, where he compares the living conditions between that state and Miami, the city where he lived previously. In his message, he highlighted both the advantages and the challenges of living in an area less popular among Cuban immigrants.
According to the young man, who goes by the username @jancarlosespinosa95 on the platform, salaries in Kentucky are higher than those in Miami, although he noted that the tax burden is also greater. "Salaries are higher, but they take more in taxes," he stated. He also mentioned that the language barrier is an important factor, as mastering English greatly facilitates finding a job.
Another aspect he highlighted was the cost of rent, which, according to his experience, is more affordable in Kentucky than in Miami. However, he warned that it is essential to have your own vehicle for getting around, as public transportation in Kentucky is virtually nonexistent. “Here, it's mandatory to have your car to get around, because public transportation is nonexistent,” he explained.
The young man also mentioned that auto insurance is just as expensive as in Miami, but its price can vary depending on the area. In his case, he stated that he is paying less than in the southern Florida city.
Although he acknowledged that Miami offers more job opportunities and a variety of services, he emphasized that in Kentucky one can enjoy a quieter life with less competition in the job market, provided certain requirements are met, such as mastering the language and having reliable transportation.
His testimony has sparked various comments on TikTok, with some users expressing interest in moving to other states in search of better living conditions, while others defended the advantages of living in Miami despite the high costs.
“Thank you for the information,” “Louisville really looks like Hialeah with the number of Cubans here,” or “Honestly, it sounds like a good option with everything you mentioned, thank you,” can be read in the post.
This narrative highlights the challenges and opportunities that Cubans encounter when migrating within the United States, and how settlement decisions can differ based on the priorities of each individual or family.
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