A Cuban woman living in Italy, known on TikTok as @yurelismarin, recently shared a video detailing the high expenses of her young daughter's daycare and the government assistance that significantly reduces this financial burden.
In a video posted last Wednesday, which has garnered nearly 2,800 views, the TikToker recounts her experience during her daughter's initial week at the daycare—referred to as asilo nido in Italy. "I'm a Cuban living here in Italy, and let me tell you, the cost of childcare, of the asilo nido, is shocking," she begins in the clip.
She explains that part-time care, which runs until 1:30 PM, costs approximately 400 euros monthly, plus an additional 5 euros daily for meals. For full-day services, the price can escalate. "For those who need full-day care, it can reach nearly 900 euros," she remarks, using "pesos" colloquially to mean euros, a common practice among Cuban expatriates.
However, @yurelismarin highlights that the Italian system offers subsidies that significantly ease this financial strain. With a low ISEE—Italy's family economic status indicator—the local municipality covers half of her monthly expenses. "Since I qualify for low-income assistance, the comune pays half, and I cover the rest," she explains.
She also mentions the INPS Nursery Bonus, an Italian social security benefit that further cuts costs. This aid can cover up to 3,600 euros annually for families with an ISEE below 40,000 euros and children born from 2024 onwards. For children born before that, the amount reaches 3,000 euros annually with an ISEE of up to 25,000 euros.
Immigrants with legal residency in Italy can equally access these benefits if they present their ISEE and meet income requirements. Since January 22, 2026, INPS expanded the Nursery Bonus to include holders of job-seeking residence permits, following court rulings in Trento, Turin, and Monza that deemed previous exclusions discriminatory.
The contrast with Cuba is stark. State-run daycare centers in Cuba are free for working or studying mothers, but there are limited spots, and demand far exceeds supply. This has led to private daycare options costing between 375 and 7,500 Cuban pesos monthly. The TikToker admits the necessity of working compels one to bear these costs: "The issue is we have to do it because we need to work; otherwise, how do we live?"
There are an estimated 12,000 Cubans residing in Italy, primarily in Milan, Rome, and Bologna, according to ISTAT data. @yurelismarin's experience is one of many shared by Cubans in Italy, highlighting both the economic challenges and the benefits of Europe's welfare system. She concludes her video by encouraging other emigrant mothers to seek information: "When I heard the cost of the daycare, I nearly fainted...but then I found out there are aids, and it changes EVERYTHING. If you're in Italy with babies, get informed because it can be very worthwhile."
Her story echoes that of another Cuban in Italy, who shared how her partner bought a house with monthly payments of 350 euros, showcasing how access to state aid can transform the economic experience of Cuban emigrants in the country.
Understanding Childcare and Financial Aid in Italy
What is the average cost of childcare in Italy?
On average, part-time childcare costs around 400 euros per month, with additional daily meal charges. Full-time care can reach up to 900 euros monthly.
How can families in Italy reduce childcare costs?
Families can reduce costs through government subsidies like the ISEE-based municipal aid and the INPS Nursery Bonus, which can cover significant portions of childcare expenses.
Who is eligible for the INPS Nursery Bonus in Italy?
Eligible families include those with an ISEE below 40,000 euros for children born from 2024 onward, and below 25,000 euros for those born earlier. Recent expansions include job-seeking permit holders.