The Cuban YouTuber Frank El Makina shared a video on TikTok (@frankelmakina) where he breaks down the monthly expenses he and his partner, Claudia, incur to live in their apartment in Maldonado, Uruguay. He explained that their fixed costs amount to 63,750 Uruguayan pesos per month, which is equivalent to about 2,125 pesos daily (52.58 dollars).
Frank clarified that both of them are self-employed and have a registered company in Uruguay. Although he did not disclose their income, he did itemize their basic expenses in detail: rent, common expenses, electricity, two contracts with Antel, gym, taxes like BPS and DGI, basic food, monthly remittances to Cuba, and credit card payments.
"We have to send money to Cuba, no matter what, because if we don’t, our family won’t eat," she stated.
The post generated dozens of reactions on TikTok. Many Uruguayan and Cuban users residing in the South American country felt that the expenses are underestimated, especially regarding food.
"10,000 pesos a month just for food?" asked one user, while others sarcastically remarked that with that budget, one could only afford rice with egg. They also pointed out the absence of important items such as cleaning products, transportation, medicine, heating, or health insurance.
On the other hand, several internet users highlighted the couple's financial organization and the order of their planning. "They are very well organized," commented a woman from Uruguay. "You spend very little. I want you as my accountant," added another follower. One user even shared their own family budget, which amounted to 85,000 pesos without paying rent, as a comparison.
Among the most debated points was the inclusion of taxes (BPS and DGI) and credit card payments in personal expenses. Some users argued that these are business expenses and not part of daily living costs, while others acknowledged that as self-employed individuals, these taxes are part of their household economy.
"Without less than that, one cannot live": other Cubans share their experiences
This testimony adds to a series of recent publications from Cuban migrants detailing their adaptation process in Uruguay. At the end of May, a young Cuban explained how much money is needed to start from scratch in Uruguay, including rental prices, furniture, appliances, and practical advice for those migrating alone or with family.
According to their experience, those who arrive alone can settle into pensions for between 9,000 and 12,000 Uruguayan pesos per month, while a family renting an apartment should have between 2,500 and 4,500 dollars available initially. They also explained the costs of furnishing a home and the obstacles to obtaining rental contracts without guarantees.
These posts have sparked debates and valuable contributions on social media, from strategies for saving money to alerts about the real cost of living in cities like Montevideo or Maldonado.
Path to citizenship and financial stability
Frank, who recently obtained the Uruguayan identity card as a legal resident without any issues, has shared various moments of his life as a migrant on social media since leaving Cuba more than two years ago. This progress has allowed him to access the banking system, apply for credit cards, and open formal accounts.
“I am going to have my first credit card in my life,” he celebrated in a video where he also explained that his next goal is Uruguayan citizenship. In that post, he reflected on the barriers faced by Cuban migrants in the country, due to payment default histories from previous waves of migration, which has made it more difficult to obtain credit without proper documentation.
The case of Frank El Makina not only illustrates the cost of living outside Cuba but also the slow yet feasible process of building stability from scratch: with discipline, effort, and proper documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living and Cuban Migration in Uruguay
How much does the Cuban YouTuber Frank El Makina spend monthly in Uruguay?
Frank El Makina spends approximately 63,750 Uruguayan pesos per month, which is about 52.58 dollars per day. These expenses include rent, basic utilities, food, remittances to Cuba, and credit card payments, among others.
Why does Frank El Makina send remittances to Cuba?
Frank El Makina sends remittances to Cuba because he believes that "money must be sent to Cuba, no matter what, because otherwise, our family won't eat". This act reflects the critical economic situation faced by his relatives on the island.
What is Frank El Makina's perception of the quality of life in Uruguay?
Frank El Makina considers that Uruguay is a great place to live and describes it as a "paradise" compared to Cuba. He highlights the quality of basic services, safety, and organization in the country.
What are the main financial challenges faced by Cuban migrants in Uruguay?
Cuban migrants in Uruguay face challenges such as the high cost of living, which includes expenses for rent, food, and basic services. Furthermore, the difficulty in accessing credit and the need to send remittances to Cuba complicate their initial financial stability.
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