The Cuban mother, known on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, once again stirred conversations across social media by disclosing her monthly rent in Matanzas. She pays 10,000 Cuban pesos, approximately $30 to $35, as she explained in her latest video. "This is the reality of renting in Cuba. I'm renting this place for 10,000 pesos," Anita shared, noting that this rate includes furniture and appliances. "They left it with a lot of stuff inside... they could have charged me much more."
In the same video, Anita highlighted that rental prices across the island vary significantly: "You can find cheaper options from 4,000 pesos, but others range up to 20,000, 25,000 pesos or even more. It all depends on what's included: refrigerator, air conditioning, bed, little things..." She expressed relief for having secured a relatively affordable rent given the current market conditions: "Thank God they left it at 10,000. Rentals are super expensive, and there are hardly any available right now. Here in Matanzas, rentals are almost nonexistent."
Comments flooded with reactions of surprise at the rent cost versus the low wage levels in Cuba. "How do people afford such rent when there aren't any well-paying jobs?" one user questioned, while others humorously remarked, "I'm moving to Cuba, I'll be a millionaire there." Anita responded, explaining that she manages to afford this rent by working as a teacher, a manicurist, and monetizing TikTok. Just days prior, in another viral video, she showcased what she can buy with her teacher's salary, which shrinks to just $8 a month during her maternity leave.
Anita has been using her social media platforms to highlight the harsh realities of daily life on the island. In February, she touched hearts by showing how she cooked for homeless elderly individuals with the little she had, a gesture that was widely praised at the time. She has also shared experiences of eating after enduring 48-hour blackouts, exposed shortages in hospitals, and candidly discussed the struggles of being a single mother in Cuba.
As some users inquire about the cost of renting a place with consistent electricity or air conditioning, others thank her for her honesty: "Anita, you always provide good information," commented a follower. Concerns were also raised: "Why pay for air conditioning if there's never any power?" said another user.
The young Cuban, who has detailed life under constant blackouts and lack of basic resources, emphasizes that her videos aim to inform, not complain. “Any other questions you have about rental prices or if you want to know a bit more, leave me a comment, and I'll respond in a video,” she assured.
Understanding Cuba's Rental Market
How much do rentals cost in Cuba?
Rental prices in Cuba can vary widely. They can start as low as 4,000 pesos and go up to 25,000 pesos or more, depending on the amenities included like furniture, appliances, and utilities.
Why are rental prices so high in Cuba?
Rental prices in Cuba are high due to the scarcity of available properties and the inclusion of amenities such as furniture and appliances, which are often scarce and costly on the island.
How do Cubans afford high rent with low wages?
Cubans often rely on multiple sources of income, such as side jobs and remittances from family abroad, to afford high rent costs. Many also monetize social media or other platforms to supplement their income.