A Cuban content creator recently shared a video on Instagram exposing the severe food crisis on the island. In the video, his mother prepares a typical Cuban lunch—congrí, minced meat, breadfruit purée, and avocado—which costs an astonishing 2,950 Cuban pesos. This amount is described as “wealthy” for an average Cuban family.
The video was uploaded by content creator Dieego Blogeer. His mother meticulously breaks down the cost of each component:
- 1 kilogram of rice: 850 CUP
- 1 pound of beans: 400 CUP
- 1 pound of ground meat: 1,200 CUP
- 1 breadfruit: 200 CUP
- 1 avocado: 300 CUP
“I live in Cuba, and I want you to join me in making a millionaire's lunch. Today, I'm going to show you why,” she states at the beginning of the video.
Considering the current informal exchange rate—approximately 670-675 pesos per dollar—those 2,950 pesos translate to merely four or five dollars. For those outside Cuba, it might seem insignificant, but for those reliant on a national currency salary, it represents a significant financial burden.
In 2025, the official average monthly salary in Cuba was just 6,930 pesos, equating to about 10.3 dollars per month at the informal rate. This "luxurious" meal would consume nearly half of a state worker's income.
The disparity between wages and prices becomes even more stark when considering that a person requires roughly 96,000 pesos monthly to meet basic needs in Cuba.
In a similar instance, a woman from Las Tunas showcased her version of a "millionaire's meal," consisting of rice with pork and pork rinds, in a video that also gained widespread attention in July.
The Economics of Eating in Cuba
What is the cost of a typical Cuban lunch?
A typical Cuban lunch, as shown in the video by Dieego Blogeer, can cost around 2,950 Cuban pesos, which is about four to five dollars at the informal exchange rate.
How does the cost of living in Cuba compare to the average salary?
The average monthly salary in Cuba was 6,930 pesos in 2025, which translates to approximately 10.3 dollars at the informal exchange rate. This is insufficient, considering that around 96,000 pesos are needed monthly to cover basic necessities.
How does the food crisis affect Cuban families?
The food crisis in Cuba places a heavy financial strain on families, as staple meals can consume a significant portion of an average worker's salary, leaving little for other essential expenses.