The Cuban content creator @pavelantonio8 has stirred up a significant buzz on TikTok by sharing videos detailing his move from Miami, Florida, to another U.S. state. "I couldn't take it anymore—the rent, the traffic, the gas, everything," he said, expressing his frustration with the high cost of living in Miami, which prompted him to leave Florida after two years.
Finding Affordable Living and Better Salaries
In his videos, he explained how he found a place to live for $650 a month, with all utilities included (electricity, gas, water, trash), in his new state. He also compared the wages in his current area to the lower salaries in Florida, stating, "You start at $16 and up here."
Respect and Courtesy in a New Environment
He emphasized the respect and courtesy that he feels are prevalent in his new location. "I wake up in the morning and people say 'good morning, sir,' 'sorry, excuse me, please,' where there's real education and respect," he noted. However, he chose not to disclose his new location to maintain his peace and avoid an influx of people. "I'm not going to tell you where it is because you'll invade this place. If I say where I am, it'll be swarming with people in two months."
Mixed Reactions and a Strong Response
The video sparked a flood of comments and mixed opinions. Some people shared their own experiences of finding affordable living outside of Florida: "I've been in the U.S. for over 2 years, and 10 months ago, I found a small town in Illinois. It's not pretty, but it's comfortable. I earn $28 an hour, rent a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house for $800, and there's no traffic. The kids walk to school alone." Others were skeptical: "That's not true," to which @pavelantonio8 firmly responded, "I have no reason to lie. I left Miami to improve my life."
Encouraging Others to Move
Despite some doubts, many expressed their willingness to follow his example: "I'm in Miami, and I'm just waiting for my papers to fly out of here," one user commented, to which he responded, "Don't think twice, get out of there."
Addressing the Critics
The controversy grew so much that @pavelantonio8 posted another video addressing the comments he was receiving: "There are many positive comments, many negative comments, and personal comments. They all need to be respected." He detailed why he decided to leave Miami: "After two years, I realized I wasn't progressing. If you're doing well in Miami, stay there. But if you're not, you need to leave. This country has 50 states and hundreds of cities; you're not obligated to stay in Florida."
He also criticized the constant focus on politics in Miami: "All you hear about is politics, politics, politics—Cuba, the power, Cuba, the hunger, Cuba, the ground meat. That's not all there is to life."
Seeking a Better Quality of Life
"I left Cuba to forget everything, except for my family, to forget all the poverty and negative energy," he added. He reiterated that the high cost of living in Miami makes it hard for many to get ahead, comparing Florida's wages with the rent prices. "You earn $12 an hour, and rent costs $1,500 for an efficiency. Do the math; it doesn't add up."
He advised those struggling in Florida to consider moving: "If you're paying $1,200 or $1,300 in rent there and you move somewhere else where you earn $16 an hour and pay $800 in rent, do the math."
He insisted that life in other states is more relaxed, cheaper, and with fewer daily stresses: "I'd rather live in a small, truly American city, learn the language, work, and live peacefully." He contrasted this peace with the chaos he associates with Miami. He also criticized the obsession some Cubans have with emulating celebrities and living beyond their means: "I saw people driving Teslas from 2023, doing deliveries, and drowning in debt."
A Life-Changing Decision
Throughout his videos, @pavelantonio8 maintained that leaving Florida was the best decision he ever made. "If this video and the advice I'm giving get positive comments, it shows that if I could do it, so can you."
The reactions to his second video were also numerous: "You're absolutely right, blessings, I'm a new follower," one person said. However, some followers were still frustrated by the lack of details about his new location: "You're talking a lot, but you don't say which state you're in." He maintained his stance and assured that he would continue sharing his experience bit by bit.