The young Cuban mother known on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64 sparked debate on social media again by revealing how much she pays monthly for her housing in Matanzas: 10,000 Cuban pesos, which is equivalent to about 30 or 35 dollars, as she explained in her latest video.
"This is the cost of rentals in Cuba. I live in a rented place, and for the apartment I'm in now, I pay 10,000 pesos," Anita shared, clarifying that the price was set because the apartment includes furniture and appliances: "They left me with a lot of things inside... they could have rented it to me for much more."
In the same video, he clarifies that rents on the island vary significantly: "They start at 4,000 pesos, which is cheaper, and can go up to 20,000, 25,000 pesos or more. It all depends on the amenities included: refrigerator, air conditioning, bed, little things..."
Anita expressed relief at having found a relatively affordable rent, given the market conditions: "Thank God they set it at 10,000. It's really expensive; there are hardly any rentals available right now. Here in Matanzas, there are almost no rentals to be found."
In the comments, many users expressed their surprise at the cost of rent compared to the low salary levels in Cuba. "How do people pay that rent if there are supposedly no well-paying jobs?" asked one user, while others joked with phrases like "I'm going to Cuba; there I'll be a millionaire."
The content creator herself responded that she can afford to live on rent because, in addition to being a teacher, she is also a manicurist and monetizes TikTok. Just a few days ago, in another viral video, she showed what she can buy with her teacher's salary, which amounts to just 8 dollars a month during her maternity leave.
Anita has used her social media to highlight the precariousness of daily life on the island. In February, she moved many by showing how she cooked for homeless elderly people with the little she had at home, a gesture that was widely praised at the time.
On other occasions, she has shared what she eats after 48 hours without power, shown the shortages in hospitals, and spoken candidly about how difficult it is to get by as a single mother in Cuba.
While some users ask how much it would cost to rent a property with consistent electricity or air conditioning, others thank her for her honesty: "Anita, you always provide good information," wrote a follower. There were also messages of concern: "Why pay for air conditioning if there's never any electricity?" commented another user.
The young Cuban, who has recounted what it's like to live under constant blackouts and without basic resources, insists that her videos are not complaints, but rather informative. "If you have any other questions about rental prices or want to know a little bit more, leave me a comment and I'll respond in a video," she stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rental Prices in Cuba and the Economic Situation
How much does it cost to rent a home in Cuba?
The cost of renting a home in Cuba varies considerably. According to Anita, a Cuban mother living in Matanzas, rent can range from 4,000 Cuban pesos to over 25,000 pesos, depending on the amenities of the place, such as the inclusion of furniture or appliances.
How does the cost of rent compare to salaries in Cuba?
The cost of rental in Cuba is disproportionate compared to average salaries. Salaries on the island are extremely low, as is the case with Anita, who receives only 8 dollars per month during her maternity leave as a teacher. This makes paying rent, even for one considered "affordable," a significant challenge for many Cuban families.
What impact do power outages and the energy crisis have on daily life in Cuba?
Power outages and the energy crisis in Cuba deeply affect the daily lives of its citizens. Anita has shared how these interruptions complicate basic activities such as cooking and preserving food. Often, families must resort to alternative methods such as using charcoal stoves, reflecting the dire situation they face due to the lack of electricity.
What do the testimonies on social media say about the economic situation in Cuba?
Social media testimonials, such as those from Anita and other Cuban content creators, highlight the economic hardship and daily challenges faced by Cubans. These videos depict the struggle to obtain food, pay rent, and manage the ongoing interruptions of basic services, providing a realistic perspective of life on the island.
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