Cost of Living in Havana, Cuba

Updated On May 10, 2022

How 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 Index:
49.52
* Based on Research & User Data

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Cost of Living in Cuba
Restaurants

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.

Markets

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.

Transportation

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.

Utilities

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.

Sports and leisure

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.

Clothing and shoes

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.

Rent per month

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.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Havana

*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.
Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant)$5
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter)$1
Water (0.33 Liter)$0.50
Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter)$7.57
Loaf Bread (500g)$0.64
Eggs (12)$1.40
Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket$0.10
Monthly Pass$6.50
Gasoline$3.79
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
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
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
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

11.4%
38.5%
18.7%
11.1%
2.8%
3.7%
13.7%

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.

Average Salary$33.83
Minimum Wage$9
Mortgage Interest Rate5.85%

Havana Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Havana Safety Review

Safety Index:
46
  • OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: LOW
  • SCAMS RISK: HIGH
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Where to Next?

See these related locations:

Or, browse the country/city indexes:

Cost of Living - Country Index Cost of Living - City Index

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