A young Cuban woman, Marlan Vázquez, has sparked a lively discussion on social media after posting a video where she voices her concerns about the rising cost of living in Miami. In a recent TikTok video, she commented, "This is insane. Prices in Miami are out of control," as she shared her experiences shopping at stores like Aldi and Burlington.
"I never go to Aldi, only to buy some meat for my dog… and this time the bill was $113. To top it off, everything was half-empty, the service was terrible, and the restroom... My God, it looked like a bus terminal bathroom in Cuba," recounted @marlan_estudio. The entrepreneur also criticized the steep prices at Burlington: "I spent around $300 on two or three blankets, a couple of Christmas pillows, and other little things. I just blew over $400 on three pieces of junk."
Marlan, who reports earning a good income through her work as an esthetician, expressed alarm about the financial struggles of those relying on low wages in Miami. "What do people earning $8, $10, or $12 an hour do? They have to pay $1500 to $1700 for a small apartment, send money to Cuba, and support their children. How are they managing? I don't think they can save money or live properly. If I, who earn well, feel this is too much, what about them?"
The video quickly garnered views and comments, evoking a range of reactions. Many users shared similar experiences: "The restroom indeed looks like a carnival bathroom in Cuba; I went the other day and couldn't even use it"; "Miami is bursting with high prices. One week you eat, the next you dress. It's crazy"; "I went to an Aldi in Miami Gardens, and my experience was awful too."
However, some defended Aldi, praising its affordability and organization: "I love Aldi, especially for fruits and vegetables. They also have a variety of cheeses and are among the most economical"; "Service and cleanliness at Aldi heavily depend on the store manager. In my area, it's super clean"; "Girl, the bag policy is for the environment, to make us aware of how much plastic we use. It's the same in Germany."
Despite this, there were criticisms of the video: "Oh, she doesn't look at prices. What a way to want sympathy"; "Girl, that's nothing for you. I saw a video where you said you earn about a thousand a day"; "That's because you're a millionaire."
Others reflected on the challenges of living in Miami: "Those who earn like that only buy what’s necessary and nothing more"; "I don't understand how in Miami, such an expensive city, such low wages still exist"; "Sad, but true. Everything is pricey, and there's no end in sight."
Marlan, 22, concluded the video expressing her frustration: "I have too many responsibilities, too many bills on my shoulders... I want to know how people live on those minimum wages. Oh my God, I'm only 22, and I'm going to go bald."