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The Cuban regime announced with great fanfare that the average monthly salary in the country rose to 6,649 pesos during the first half of 2025, representing an increase of 16.4% compared to the same period the previous year.
The data, released by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) and replicated by Cubadebate, is presented as a positive indicator of the official economic policy.
However, far from providing relief for the population, this increase amounts to little or nothing in the face of the deep inflationary crisis and the ongoing depreciation of the Cuban peso.
A nominal increase that means nothing at the Cuban table
According to the official report, salaries in the business sector experienced the highest growth, increasing by 24.9% to reach 7,331.8 pesos, whereas in the budgeted sector—encompassing essential activities such as health, education, and culture—the increase was just 6.8%, bringing it to 5,922.6 pesos.
By province, Havana led with 7,660 pesos, followed by Artemisa (6,820.1) and Holguín (6,640.9). In contrast, Guantánamo, Isla de la Juventud, and Granma recorded the lowest salaries, all below 6,000 pesos.
The highest-paying economic activities were the supply of electricity, gas, and water (12,362.8 pesos); construction (11,255.9 pesos); and business services (9,077.8 pesos).
On the contrary, the most depressed sectors were commerce (4,531.4 pesos), community services (4,545.3 pesos), and culture and sports (5,153.5 pesos).
However, the figures "on paper" clash with the reality of daily life: the informal market rate published by ElToque this Sunday reveals that the dollar remains at 410 CUP, meaning that this new average salary barely amounts to 16.22 dollars per month.
In other words, what a worker earns in a month is not enough to meet even a small portion of their needs.
In June, the ONEI announced a monthly average salary increase to 6,506.5 pesos, which at that time was equivalent to just 17 dollars at the informal exchange rate in the Island.
Citizen Discontent: "Don't inflate more balloons"
The Cubadebate post on Facebook was filled with criticism. A doctor commented: "It's not the increase in salary that determines improvement; it's the purchasing power. Today, that salary is minimal."
A self-employed worker was more straightforward: "Nothing gets resolved. They offer salaries in a currency that doesn’t pay, while the prices of food, hygiene products, medicines, and even electricity are unaffordable. It's time to think about the quality of life for the people, not just to polish figures."
Other comments highlighted the total disconnection of the official discourse from reality: "Even earning three times more, one cannot live in our country," wrote an economist; while a resident in Havana urged: "Make a graph of those salaries and compare it with the dollar on the street, to see what a worker can buy in a store in MLC."
A computer specialist summed up the general sentiment: "A median salary of 6,000 or 7,000 pesos hardly covers 20% of the most basic needs. At least 30,000 is needed to survive, and much more to live with dignity."
Inflation, dollarization, and scarcity: the trap of the Cuban salary
Despite the supposed salary growth, purchasing power continues to decline. Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged in February that "with a salary of 6,000 pesos you cannot live". And he was not exaggerating. Today, a Cuban needs between 30,000 and 60,000 pesos monthly to survive minimally, according to estimates by independent economists.
In a country where most basic goods—from milk to oil or medication—are sold in dollars or MLC, a salary in pesos is rendered useless.
The state market offers virtually nothing, and private MIPYMES adjust their prices based on the informal dollar, reducing the Cuban peso to a currency that is almost worthless.
A statistical mirage
Ultimately, the official announcement of the salary increase does not provide relief for Cubans, but rather represents yet another attempt to disguise a structural problem with numbers. Wages are increasing in nominal terms, but inflation, dollarization, and shortages consume any gain.
While the government boasts of increases, the average Cuban remains trapped in a fragmented economy, with a devalued currency and an unattainable basic basket of goods.
The salary of 6,649 pesos, which on paper seems like an improvement, is in reality just an illusion that barely covers the most basic needs: not even a week's worth of food or the dream of a dignified life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salaries in Cuba and Their Economic Impact
What is the average salary in Cuba in 2025 and what does it mean in dollars?
The average salary in Cuba during the first half of 2025 is 6,649 Cuban pesos. At the informal exchange rate, this is approximately equivalent to 16.22 dollars per month. This figure reflects a critical economic reality, as the purchasing power of the average Cuban is extremely limited in the face of the high cost of living on the island.
How does inflation affect salary increases in Cuba?
Although the average salary has experienced a nominal increase of 16.4%, high inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso have neutralized any real benefit from this increase. The cost of basic goods far exceeds the average salary, which prevents any improvement in the quality of life for the population.
Why doesn't the salary increase in Cuba improve the quality of life for Cubans?
The salary increase does not improve the quality of life for Cubans because inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso reduce purchasing power. The prices of essential goods are dollarized and are unattainable for most individuals, making the salary increase practically insufficient to meet basic needs.
What is the situation of wages in different economic sectors in Cuba?
In Cuba, the highest-paying economic sectors are the supply of electricity, gas, and water, construction, and business services, with salaries exceeding 9,000 Cuban pesos. In contrast, sectors such as commerce, community services, and culture have significantly lower salaries, around 4,500 Cuban pesos.
How does the devaluation of the Cuban peso affect the average salary?
The depreciation of the Cuban peso against the dollar and other currencies has eroded the purchasing power of the average salary. Despite the reported nominal increases, the salary in terms of foreign currencies has decreased, reducing the ability to purchase basic products and essential services for the Cuban population.
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