A Cuban doctor residing on the island recently shared a TikTok video that starkly illustrates the disparity between prices and salaries in Cuba. While vacationing in Varadero, she visited a confectionery at the Los Icacos shopping center out of curiosity and ended up spending 9,990 Cuban pesos on a single snack. This amount exceeds the entire monthly salary of any doctor in the country.
Known on the platform as "Una Doctora Cubana," the doctor describes her experience with astonishment from the outset. "As soon as you walk in, it feels like you've left Cuba. Exquisite sweets everywhere, stunning displays, an incredible presentation that makes you want to try everything," she shares in the video.
The enchantment was short-lived. Upon seeing the prices, she was brought back to reality: "The cheapest sweet costs almost what I earn in three days of work as a doctor."
Despite this, she couldn't resist the temptation. "The allure was too much, and I went for it," she admits. Her order included five sweets to share, three sodas, and two espresso coffees. "When the bill arrived, I almost had a heart attack. Nine thousand nine hundred ninety pesos," she exclaims.
The stark contrast becomes even more evident when compared to the current salary scale. As per the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's Resolution 17/2026, effective from July 1, 2026, a newly graduated doctor earns 7,045 CUP per month, a resident receives 8,115 CUP, and a second-degree specialist earns up to 8,880 CUP. In all cases, the 9,990 CUP for the snack surpasses the entire monthly salary.
The average national salary in Cuba was 6,930 CUP monthly in 2025, according to data published in April this year. To put this into perspective, the Food Monitor Program estimates that a basic food basket for two adults requires between 39,595 and 41,735 CUP per month, which is equivalent to five to six average salaries.
This isn't the first time a Cuban healthcare professional has publicly highlighted such disproportion. In May 2026, another doctor revealed how she exhausted her entire salary in a single day of shopping, and in late July, a doctor expressed embarrassment over the recent salary increase in the health sector.
Varadero's Economic Strain and Tourism Decline
Varadero also shows signs of economic strain. The video creator notes, "This year, I was surprised to see that there were hardly any people in Varadero at all." This observation aligns with reports of declining tourism in 2026 and hotel discounts of up to 25% aimed at attracting visitors. However, prices in restaurants and confectioneries remain out of reach for the average Cuban.
As she concludes her video, the doctor poses a question to her viewers: "Let me know in the comments what you think and if you would pay that bill."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What did the Cuban doctor spend her money on in Varadero?
The doctor spent 9,990 Cuban pesos on a single snack, which included five sweets, three sodas, and two espresso coffees at a confectionery in the Los Icacos shopping center.
How does the cost of living in Cuba compare to the average salary?
In 2025, the average national salary in Cuba was 6,930 CUP per month. The Food Monitor Program estimates that a basic food basket for two adults requires between 39,595 and 41,735 CUP monthly, equivalent to five to six average salaries.