In a candid piece of advice, a Cuban living in the United States cautions newcomers from the island against relocating to Miami as their first stop. The individual behind this warning is Javier Díaz, known as @el_javiiko on TikTok, who shared his insights regarding the challenges awaiting anyone setting foot in the city.
"Asere, Miami is the toughest city to start in if you're fresh off the boat," begins Díaz in his video, emphasizing the exorbitant cost of living. "Let me be straight with you, Miami's pricier than beef in Cuba. Between rent, groceries, and even a simple coffee, money just flows away like water. Check this out: a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment could set you back around $1,500, brother. They'll drain your wallet with rent alone," he adds with a touch of humor.
Another significant issue highlighted by Díaz is the infamous traffic and the lack of efficient public transportation options. "Miami traffic is something else. And if you don't have a car, you're in trouble. Public transport here is like unicorns. You know it exists, but you never see it," he remarks.
Finally, Díaz points out the struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs. He notes that many positions in Miami are either temporary or poorly paid, making it even harder to manage the high living costs. "Finding a steady, good-paying job here is like discovering free Wi-Fi in Cuba," he jokes, while making it clear that the job market isn't ideal for newcomers.
The video has sparked a debate on social media, with some users supporting his views and others defending life in Miami. The young Cuban's message sheds light on the reality facing many immigrants arriving in a city famous for its large Latin community, but also notorious for its steep costs and employment challenges.
Comments on the video ranged from, "Miami isn't for everyone, I've been here 30 years and wouldn’t trade it for anything," to "Miami is Miami, you either adapt or leave," and "I've been here 18 years, and if you want a luxurious life, you need at least four jobs." Others shared, "It's crazy, I had to leave, man. It's unlivable," "The quality of life is terrible, plus everything is super expensive!" and "I lived there for 4 years and don't even want to see it in pictures. Moving to Texas was when I really arrived in the U.S."