A resident of Santiago showcased a private establishment in the city, revealing that for just 5,000 pesos, a couple can enjoy a meal. The TikTok profile Jesús de Cuba (@jesusdecuba) shared a video featuring a restaurant. Upon asking about the prices, he was informed that with 5,000 pesos, a couple can dine at Conta’s Empanadas Restaurante Sportbar.
“With 5,000 pesos, you can get something basic,” noted the restaurant’s bouncer, highlighting that this amount covers “a beer, a juice, and an empanada.” Additionally, he mentioned a special offer at the restaurant that includes two pizzas with sausage, ham, gouda cheese, and tomato sauce for 1,900 pesos.
The video’s creator pointed out that the establishment is not affordable for those who rely solely on their salaries. Inflation in Cuba has made accessing any form of commerce a significant luxury. This issue is also evident when purchasing any kind of food.
Recently, a Cuban woman demonstrated on social media how she spent 5,000 pesos—a professional’s monthly salary—on a few food items within minutes. Anita Mateu (@anita.mateu) documented the inflation evidence in Cuba on TikTok, with a message that leaves little room for further explanation: “The sad reality of my country.”
In Cuba, people spend substantial sums on food. When there is any leftover from their meager monthly salaries, the situation with other products is equally bleak, marked by soaring prices.
Last March, during the 32nd International Book Fair, the cultural event once again highlighted the bitter reality of high book prices, with a single book costing the equivalent of a monthly salary. Yosmany Mayeta, a communicator, shared a mother’s message of indignation. She chose not to buy any books for her child due to the exorbitant prices.
“This message is just to say that these are the unit prices at the Book Fair for children. The monthly salary of us parents is approximately what a book costs,” the woman lamented.
Understanding the Financial Strains in Cuba
To better grasp the financial challenges faced by Cubans, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why is inflation so high in Cuba?
Inflation in Cuba is driven by a combination of economic mismanagement, limited production capacity, and external factors such as the US embargo. These elements contribute to high prices for goods and services.
How are Cuban salaries compared to the cost of living?
Cuban salaries are generally low and do not keep pace with the high cost of living. Many Cubans struggle to afford basic necessities due to this disparity.