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Independent economist Omar Everleny Pérez Villanueva estimates that the cost of food in Cuba has risen by 18% in the past year.
The figures from their analysis are devastating and reflect the drama that Cubans are currently experiencing.
To cover only the basic needs of two people, approximately 24,351 Cuban pesos (CUP) were required in December 2024 for Havana, which is equivalent to about 202 dollars, as revealed by the economist in a detailed analysis published on the site La Joven Cuba.
The figure is dramatic because this amount represents 12 times the minimum wage, set at 2,100 CUP.
If additional essential expenses such as transportation, internet, clothing, and personal hygiene are added, the monthly cost for two people would exceed 45,000 CUP.
The economist acknowledges that determining the cost of living in Cuba is a complex challenge due to the variety of markets, prices, and income inequality among the population.
The cost of living is the amount required to maintain a certain standard of living, allowing a person to cover their basic expenses, such as housing, food, clothing, and transportation. Determining this figure is complicated, as it depends on subjective factors like the level of satisfaction and the economic conditions of the country.
One of the key elements in this calculation is the basic food basket, which according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) represents the set of foods necessary to meet the energy requirements of a person while maintaining an adequate nutritional profile.
However, it should be clarified that this basket represents a minimum food supply and not a sufficient diet in all nutrients.
Increase in the cost of the basic food basket in Cuba
According to Pérez Villanueva, in January 2024, the estimated cost of the basic basket for two people was 19,975 CUP, while in December of the same year it increased to 24,351 CUP, reflecting a significant rise.
For these calculations, the maximum prices published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) for Havana were taken as a reference, although it is known that prices in other provinces may vary.
In many cases, the regulated family basket products do not arrive complete or are delayed, forcing the majority of the population to buy food in supply and demand markets, where prices are considerably higher.
Breakdown of the 24,351 CUP monthly for the basic basket for two people
The table presented by the economist details the prices of the main products that make up the food basket for two people in Havana, distinguishing between the costs of regulated products and those purchased in informal markets or other establishments.
These values reflect the difficulty of accessing basic nutrition in the country, as the monthly cost of this basket exceeds the average salary of a worker in Cuba.
Relationship between wages and inflation
To understand the economic situation of Cubans, it is important to compare incomes with the cost of living.
In December 2024, the average salary in Cuba was approximately 5,600 CUP per month.
Other income includes:
Average pension: 1,528 CUP/month.
Minimum wage: 2,100 CUP/month.
Salary of a health or education professional: between 6,000 and 9,000 CUP/month.
The cost of living in Cuba has increased dramatically due to inflation. According to ONEI, the Consumer Price Index reached 442.8 points in December 2024 compared to the base year of 2010.
The income deficit of the Cuban family
With an average salary of 5,600 CUP, more than 8 full salaries are needed to cover the cost of living for a family of two, or 29 average pensions.
This demonstrates the significant income deficit that the majority of the Cuban population faces.
Despite the fact that the Cuban government maintains certain free services in health and education, the economic crisis has deteriorated the quality of these services, forcing citizens to cover additional costs such as medications and medical supplies in the informal market and private tutoring for their children.
Solutions and Perspectives
In response to the critical situation, Cubans resort to various strategies to survive: reducing their quality of life, receiving remittances, participating in the informal market, or engaging in illegal practices such as corruption.
The government has proposed a macroeconomic stabilization plan aimed at improving the population's purchasing power. However, without an increase in domestic production and a comprehensive economic reform, the well-being of Cubans will remain compromised.
The update of these data shows that the cost of food in Cuba continues to rise, while salaries remain frozen and government solutions are not forthcoming.
In a country where the supply booklet no longer guarantees even basic products and where the informal market has become the only real alternative, the question remains the same: how can a Cuban live on salaries that barely cover the cost of food?
The answer is clear: without deep structural changes in the economy, without effective policies that increase production, and without measures to curb inflation, the situation will only continue to deteriorate.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living and Inflation in Cuba
What is the actual cost of the basic basket for two people in Cuba?
The economist Omar Everleny Pérez Villanueva estimates that the cost of the basic basket for two people in Havana is 24,351 Cuban pesos (CUP), which is equivalent to approximately 202 dollars. This cost is 12 times higher than the minimum wage in the country, set at 2,100 CUP.
How does inflation affect the cost of living in Cuba?
Inflation has significantly increased the cost of living in Cuba, with a 18% rise in food prices over the past year. This has resulted in the monthly cost of living for two people, including essential expenses, exceeding 45,000 CUP, while salaries remain stagnant.
Why is it so difficult to access basic goods in Cuba?
Access to basic goods in Cuba is challenging due to shortages and high prices, especially in informal markets. The regulated family basket is often incomplete, forcing Cubans to buy in supply and demand markets where prices are higher.
What solutions has the Cuban government proposed in response to the economic crisis?
The Cuban government has proposed a macroeconomic stabilization plan to improve the purchasing power of the population. However, without an increase in national production and deep economic reforms, the well-being of Cubans remains at risk and government solutions have not been effective.
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