A young Cuban woman who has been living in Costa Rica for eight months shared her experience on TikTok regarding the monthly cost of food in that country, comparing it to the harsh reality of shortages in Cuba.
In the video posted by the user @alexhalopz, the young woman explains that, although Costa Rica is a country with an abundance of products, the prices can be a shock for newly arrived Cubans.
"I used to think that the colón fell from a tree and I spent a lot of money on food because I didn't know which brands were the most affordable," she said with a laugh.
According to the influencer, the supermarkets where you can find the best prices are Pali, Maxi Palí, Walmart, and the so-called "chinos." She highlighted that the cheapest and good quality brands are Sully and Sabe Más, with which you can buy rice, beans, salt, oil, and other basic products at more affordable prices.
"For my fellow Cubans who have been here for a short time, the best option is Pali. Don’t make the same mistake I did in the first few months," he advised.
The Cuban also commented on the current prices of some foods:
Father: 790 colones per kilo (about $1.50). Onion: 500 colones per kilo (approximately $1). Tomato: 590 colones per kilo (a little over $1)
In his case, he mentioned that he lives with his parents—three people in total—and that they spend between 200 and 250 dollars every 20 to 25 days, not including personal hygiene products.
"That's separate: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sponges… I will explain that in another video," the young woman anticipated, who already has hundreds of comments from other Cubans who have also emigrated to Costa Rica.
His testimony reflects the contrast between the high cost of living in the Central American country and the structural shortages experienced in Cuba, where basic food items are scarce and sold at prices disproportionate to state salaries.
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