Cuba : Cost of Living by CityHow Much Does It Cost to Live in Havana?
When you are planning relocation to Havana, it is important to think about your budget, as the prices in Cuba differ from the counties around the world.
You will be able to pay for things that you might not afford in your country, but only if you earn salary in your home country.
Otherwise, the citizens of Havana who earn only $30 per month do not manage to pay for many basic costs.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Havana
RESTAURANTS
The prices for dining out can vary greatly as some places are cheaper than others.
The citizens of Havana do not have much money for eating out, but they tend to visit inexpensive restaurants from time to time.
The cost of alcohol also varies and depends on where you choose to drink, but generally spoken, it is not expensive.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.50 |
MARKETS
If you are a savvy person, you would shop around until you find the most affordable price of food for you, as they differ from stores to stores.
It is always suggested to buy food at the local markets so as to save some money, and to avoid purchasing imported goods.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $7.57 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.64 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.40 |
TRANSPORTATION
The public transportation in Havana is comfortable and reliable, and above all it is inexpensive, as you will be able to commute all month for just $6,5.
Driving a car if you possess it might be pretty expensive as the price of gasoline is rather high.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $0.10 |
| Monthly Pass | $6.50 |
| Gasoline | $3.79 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
It is not strange for the citizens of Havana that the price of the Internet access is so high that they cannot afford it and do not think of spending money on it, due to the low incomes.
However, it would be high even for the foreigners, as it is twice higher than in those countries where the average salary is more than $2000.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $2 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.35 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $120 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Havana has to offer a lot of sites and activities that you might want to take part in, and you would be surprised to know that you can watch the latest cinema release for just $0.30.
Sports people would need to pay only $15 for monthly fitness pass.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $15 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $8.33 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $0.30 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
Clothing is on the last place when the monthly spendings of Havana’s citizens are in question, since not much money is left after all the expenses are covered.
Actually, designer clothing items prices are higher than the average monthly net salary and a very few people can afford buying it.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $35 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $30 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $75 |
RENT PER MONTH
Be ready to come across people who would offer you a room which you can choose to rent at lower prices than via bookings or rental agencies.
The rent is not expensive when related to other major cities in the world, but when compared to the salaries, it is definitely unaffordable.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $420 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $83.02 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $533.33 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Havana?
It is very difficult to determine whether Havana is expensive or cheap destination and whether it is worth relocating.
Actually, for people who are retired and want to spend the leisure time there, it an ideal destination.
On the other hand, if you have to work and earn money there, it would be one of the most expensive destinations.
Almost 40% of your monthly budget would go on food, while rent, utilities and transportation would take more than 30%.
Nothing would remain for the leisure and entertainment.
Average Costs Breakdown
Havana: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
How much money to bring when going to Havana and how much you can expect to spend there cannot be estimated, as the salaries and spendings differ.
The minimum wage is so low that it cannot cover basic needs such as food and utilities.
The average salary is also very low, and the only good thing is that the majority of people do not have to pay the rent.
In case they need to, they will have to give more than 10 salaries for one bedroom apartment in the city center.
Havana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Havana Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | MEDIUM |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | LOW |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| TAP WATER RISK | HIGH |
This really puts the cost of living into perspective, especially that $30 a month salary compared to what things actually cost. It sounds like if you come in with a foreign income Havana can feel surprisingly affordable but if you live and earn there it must be incredibly tough to cover even simple expenses. Kind of wild how the same city can be “cheap” and “unaffordable” at the same time depending on where your paycheck comes from.