"Dressing is a luxury": Cuban woman outraged by the prices of footwear and clothing in a store in Cuba

A young Cuban woman denounces in a viral video the high prices of clothing and footwear in Cuba, highlighting that salaries do not allow for these costs. The economic gap and inflation further complicate the situation.


A young Cuban has gone viral on social media after posting a video showing the prices of shoes in stores in Cuba, claiming that dressing and footwear in the country have become a luxury that not everyone can afford.

“Today I will show you that wearing shoes and clothing in Cuba is a true luxury that a person living on their salary cannot afford,” she remarked while walking through a store and recording the prices of various shoe models.

In the video shared on her TikTok account @rodriguez20245, the young woman showcases shoes priced between 10,000 and 15,000 Cuban pesos, which she described as "exaggerated."

"A person who lives on their salary cannot afford these shoes," she added with indignation, as she pointed to price tags and various models available in the store.

The post generated a wave of comments on social media, many of which supported the complaint and shared similar experiences about how difficult it is to purchase clothing or footwear given the low wages on the island.

The video highlights the growing gap between the incomes of Cuban workers and the prices of basic goods, set against a backdrop of rampant inflation and a persistent economic crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions about the High Cost of Living in Cuba

Why is dressing and wearing shoes considered a luxury in Cuba?

Wearing clothes and shoes in Cuba is considered a luxury due to the high prices compared to the average salaries on the island. A viral video shows that shoes can cost between 10,000 and 15,000 Cuban pesos, prices that are unattainable for a person living solely on their salary in Cuba.

How does inflation affect Cubans in their daily lives?

Inflation has driven up the prices of basic goods in Cuba, causing essential items such as food, clothing, and footwear to become unaffordable for most. This has widened the gap between workers' wages and the cost of daily living, creating a critical economic situation.

What other basic items are considered luxuries in Cuba?

Basic elements such as food, electricity, drinking water, and transportation are also considered luxuries in Cuba. The scarcity and high cost of these goods and services reflect the challenges that Cubans face in their daily lives.

What is the impact of the dollarization of stores in Cuba?

The dollarization of stores in Cuba has increased social inequality, as the majority of the population receives their salary in Cuban pesos rather than in foreign currencies. This limits access to products that can only be purchased in dollars, deepening the economic distortions in the country.

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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.