Cuban opens up about his life and sparks the debate: "Living in Miami is unsustainable"

A Cuban on TikTok reveals the challenges of living in Miami, such as high housing costs and limited free time, sparking debate about economic sustainability and family ties in the city.


A young Cuban has sparked a debate on TikTok after sharing a video in which he describes the economic difficulties and quality of life challenges he faces living in Miami.

In the post, the user @orlycastillo1401 expresses how high rents, constant work, and a lack of free time make life in this city, in their words, "unsustainable."

The young man explains that he pays $1,600 a month for a small room and only has one day off a week, which he must dedicate to household chores such as doing laundry.

“In Miami, there’s no one to live”, he states, adding that his decision to stay in the city is driven by the desire to remain close to his family, after having been separated from them due to emigration. “I live here for my family, and I don't want to drift further away from my family, as I have already distanced myself enough”, he confesses.

The video has sparked a wide response in the comments, with users sharing their own experiences and reflections on life in Miami.

"The good thing about Miami is that it's close to Cuba and the United States," one person commented, highlighting the city’s geographic appeal. Another user said: "I lived in Miami for 25 years. I recently moved to Cape Coral and I regret not having done it sooner. Oh, and I don't miss anything at all."

Some agreed with the young man that Miami has become economically unfeasible, while others offered advice on alternatives, such as moving to less expensive cities in Florida or out of state. “You should head north,” someone recommended, referring to areas where the cost of living tends to be more manageable.

Miami, known for its warm climate, vibrant Latino community, and proximity to Cuba, has been a favored destination for Cuban emigrants for decades. However, the rising housing prices and overall cost of living are causing many to reconsider their stay in the city.

The testimony of this Cuban highlights the tensions between family ties, cultural identity, and the economic realities faced by the migrant community, especially in places with a high cost of living like Miami.

Frequently asked questions about living in Miami and its cost of living

Why do some Cubans consider living in Miami to be unsustainable?

Some Cubans believe that living in Miami is unsustainable due to the high rents and the high cost of living, which encompass housing expenses, transportation, and basic services, making it difficult to cover these costs with the average income.

What are the alternatives for those looking to reduce their cost of living in Miami?

To reduce living costs, many residents of Miami are considering moving to less expensive cities within Florida, such as Cape Coral or Naples, or even out of state, to places like Texas or Kentucky, where the cost of living is more manageable.

How does traffic in Miami affect the quality of life?

The traffic in Miami is a significant problem that affects the quality of life, causing long commute times and daily stress, which leads some residents to consider moving to areas with less vehicular congestion.

What do Cubans think about living in other cities in the United States compared to Miami?

Some Cubans who have lived both in Miami and in other cities in the United States believe that, although Miami offers a culturally familiar environment, cities with lower costs of living and less traffic provide a better quality of life in economic terms and tranquility.

Why do many Cubans choose to stay in Miami despite the high cost of living?

Many Cubans choose to stay in Miami despite the high cost of living due to family ties and the Latino community that provides them with a sense of belonging and cultural closeness that they do not find in other cities.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.