A Cuban woman shared on her TikTok account how much she spent on groceries in Havana, where she paid 100 dollars, equivalent to about 40,000 Cuban pesos at the informal exchange rate.
In the video, the young woman explained that she purchased a 15-kilogram box of ground meat for $21, a 40-pound box of chicken for $35, and a 50-pound box of clean, boneless pork for $106.
Additionally, he bought 3 pounds of pumpkin (37 cents), 5 pounds of sweet potato (75 cents), two pineapples (2 dollars), a bunch of bananas (1 dollar), a bunch of scallions (37 cents), a melon (87 cents), a bunch of green beans (32 cents), peppers (87 cents), several lemons (75 cents), 4 pounds of tomatoes (3 dollars), 2 pounds of black beans (2 dollars), and a bottle of dry wine.
"Let me know in the comments what you thought of the purchase," said the Cuban while showing the bags with the acquired products.
In Cuba, the price of the dollar in the informal market hovers around 400 pesos, meaning that the 100 dollars invested amounts to approximately 40,000 CUP, a sum that is out of reach for most state workers who earn average salaries of less than 5,000 pesos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living and Food in Cuba
How much does it cost to buy food in Cuba currently?
Buying food in Cuba is extremely expensive due to inflation and the devaluation of the currency. A recent example shows that a purchase that cost 100 US dollars in the informal market equates to about 40,000 Cuban pesos, an amount that significantly exceeds the average state salary on the island.
Why is food so expensive in Cuba?
The high inflation and the scarcity of basic products are the main reasons for the high cost of food in Cuba. Additionally, most products must be imported, which further increases prices. The centralized economic model of the Cuban government is pointed to as one of the causes of this food crisis.
What is the average salary in Cuba and how does it compare to the cost of living?
The average state salary in Cuba is around 5,000 Cuban pesos per month, which is insufficient to cover basic needs due to the high cost of living. It is estimated that a Cuban needs at least 30,000 pesos per month just for food, which leaves the state salary far below what is necessary for survival.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect its population?
The economic crisis in Cuba has resulted in the majority of the population being unable to afford a basic adequate diet. The purchasing power is extremely low, and many people rely on remittances or the informal market to survive. Furthermore, the lack of access to basic goods has led to growing discontent and ongoing complaints on social media.
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