"Not at all, Miami isn't for me!": Cuban shares why he returned to Houston and wants nothing to do with Florida

His testimony adds to a growing trend of Cubans who prefer to settle in other cities in the United States where they find a better quality of life, more peace, as well as opportunities to save and enjoy.


The Cuban content creator known as @dabiel_oficial shared a video on TikTok where he discusses the reasons why he decided to leave Miami and return to Houston, a city he now considers his true home in the United States.

“I returned to Houston, I'm here, already at the airport”, Dabiel starts off, then he delivers a powerful statement: “No way, Miami was not what I expected!”.

According to reports, his experience in the City of the Sun was marked by disappointments, excessive spending, and a lifestyle that did not align with his priorities.

For Dabiel, living in Houston is not only more affordable, but it also allows him to enjoy a better quality of life.

He assures that with the savings on rent, where they have even offered him a month free, you can "party," go on cruises, or simply enjoy your free time more.

“Here there are parks, water, pools, artificial beaches...”, he explains, contrasting it with his experience in Miami, where he says everything was just appearance.

The influencer also criticized the superficiality of some of his acquaintances in Miami. "I dress with a Mickey vibe, normal European style. They don't... I had to wear a gold chain like a block, otherwise they would look me up and down as if I were a starving person."

In addition to the high costs and social pressure, Dabiel lamented the chaos of traffic in Miami and the attitude of many people.

"In Miami, when there’s traffic, it takes you an hour to walk five meters, literally. Such a bad situation, people with such a bad attitude," he said.

But what ultimately convinced him to return to Houston was an incident at a gas station. While he was calmly browsing some snacks, the attendant hurriedly shouted at him to hurry up because she was closing the register. "No, I'm done. I'm completely off to Houston," he declared.

Dabiel states that in Houston, although the work can be tough, such as driving a truck for a week, he earns more money and can enjoy life for the rest of the month. "Here you manage to make ends meet, and then you relax,” he said.

He even joked that he would rather face a tornado in Houston than continue dealing with the frenetic and expensive pace of Miami.

“What happened to me was a succession of successive events”, she concluded with laughter, reaffirming that for now, her place is far from Florida.

However, Dabiel's testimony, although it may seem like a strategy to attract an audience, is not an isolated case. In recent months, several Cubans have shared on social media their negative experiences in Miami, pointing out issues such as the high cost of living, traffic, and the lack of support among fellow countrymen.

For example, the user @xmen_coco alerted about the rising cost of living in the city, mentioning that a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to $3,000 a month, which forces many people to share housing to manage the expenses.

Similarly, the TikToker @cubitabella09 described her experience in Miami as "a complete chaos", criticizing the condition of the airport, the traffic, and the customer service in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans Living in Miami and Houston

Why did Dabiel decide to return to Houston after living in Miami?

Dabiel decided to return to Houston because he found that living in Miami involved excessive expenses and a lifestyle that did not align with his priorities. In Houston, Dabiel enjoys a better quality of life, lower rental costs, and more free time for recreational activities.

What are the main criticisms Dabiel makes about living in Miami?

Dabiel criticizes the high cost of living, the chaotic traffic, and the social superficiality in Miami. He also describes the social pressure to project a high economic status, which did not align with his simpler and more authentic lifestyle.

What is the opinion of other Cubans about living in Miami?

Other Cubans have also expressed criticism about life in Miami due to the high cost of living and the congested traffic. However, some appreciate the presence of the Cuban community and the cultural products available, although not everyone is willing to pay the price of living there.

What advantages does Houston offer Dabiel compared to Miami?

Houston offers Dabiel a lower cost of living, reduced rental expenses, and a better quality of life. This allows him to enjoy recreational activities and have more free time, which contrasts with his experience in Miami of high costs and social pressure.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.