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Cuba is an island country; Its official name is the Republic of Cuba. Cuba comprises beautiful islands such as the island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, 4,195 islands, archipelagos, and cays surrounding the main island. The average cost of living in Cuba is around 22018.73 CUP per month for a single person. It can vary according to a person’s living standards.
Cuba has 60 prestigious universities, such as The University of Havana, The University of Granma, The University of Camaguey and many others. This vibrant city attracts expats from around the world. In this blog post, we will show the cost of living in Cuba in various parameters, such as education, rent, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and many others. So, let’s begin our discussion without any further delay.
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living in Cuba for International Students
On average, the cost of living in Cuba for international students is 37.6% lower than in the United States. Cuba is famous for its tourist trips and other terrific things to do, such as its high-quality education system and educational programs. Studying abroad in Cuba is more affordable than in many other countries.
Here, we have given the general breakdown of the average cost of living in Cuba in different categories for the emigrants who wish to move here. Before moving to Cuba, students can get an idea of how much they have to keep with them:
Cost of Rent in Cuba:
The average cost of rent in Cuba for a single person or student is around 7043.78 CUP in the city centre. Depending on the budget and lifestyle of international students. The costs of living in Cuba concerning apartment rent are as follows:
| Apartment Location | Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 7043.78 CUP |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 10512.22 CUP |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 25829.76CUP |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 12613.22 CUP |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Grocery in Cuba:
The average cost of groceries in Cuba is around CUP 1613.01 per month, including meals, milk, water, vegetables, fruits and other items. These costs can impact the cost of living in Cuba as it is a daily expense here. Below is the list of a few grocery items with their prices available in Cuba:
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 77.28 CUP |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 23.59 CUP |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 47.43 CUP |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 58.02 CUP |
| Apples (1kg) | 112.43 CUP |
| Banana (1kg) | 22.15 CUP |
| Oranges (1kg) | 29.61 CUP |
| Tomato (1kg) | 30.57 CUP |
| Potato (1kg) | 39.72 CUP |
| Onion (1kg) | 66.69 CUP |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 15.65 CUP |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 25.04 CUP |
| meat, egg, drinks and Other items | 840.93 CUP |
Cost of Utilities in Cuba
The Basic Utility Cost in Cuba is around CUP 5705.71 /month for a single person, which is relatively low from the cost of living in Cuba. This utility cost in Cuba includes electricity, gas, a mobile plan, and internet. For your reference, we have given the Cost of Utilities in Cuba for immigrant students in the country:
| Utility Type | Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for 85m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 894.13 CUP |
| Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone (with Calls & 10GB+ Data) | 962.99 CUP |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 3851.95 CUP |
Cost of Transportation in Cuba
The most common inter-city transportation in Cuba is the bus, trains, and taxis. Transportation contributes around CUP 601.87 per month for local city transport. It comes under the overall cost of living in Cuba. Here are various modes of transportation with their fare costs:
| Mode of Transport | Monthly Cost |
| One-way Ticket(Local Transport) | 3.61 CUP |
| Monthly Pass(Regular Price) | 481.49 CUP |
| Taxi Start(Normal Tariff) | 36.11 CUP |
| Taxi 1km(Normal Tariff) | 18.06 CUP |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting(Normal Tariff) | 481.49 CUP |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 30.09 CUP |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Average Tuition Fees in Cuba
Cuba has 30 universities with 637 study programs. Moreover, 319 undergraduate programs were offered at 30 universities, 268 postgraduate programs at 26 universities, and 50 PhD programs at 12 universities.
If you decide to move to Cuba for your higher studies, the essential thing for you is the average tuition fees in Cuba’s Universities along with the cost of living in Cuba. Here in the table below, we have given the average tuition fee along with the program and university names:
| Academic Disciplines | Average Tuition Fees (Approximate) | Universities |
| Humanities | ~ 71500 CUP | University of Havana; Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas; University of Sancti Spiritus; University of Matanzas |
| Economics | ~ 12500 CUP | University of Pinar del Río; University of Holguín; University of Havana; University of Cienfuegos; Las Tunas University |
| Agriculture | ~ 64900 CUP | University of Matanzas; University of Sancti Spiritus; University of Guantanamo; Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas |
| Education and Teaching | ~ 66900 CUP | University of Guantanamo; University of Matanzas; University of Pinar del Río; University of Cienfuegos |
| Applied Sciences | ~ 71500 CUP | University of Havana; University of Ciego de Avila; University of Sancti Spiritus; Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas |
| Computer Science | ~ 72800 CUP | Polytechnic University José Antonio Echeverría; University of Pinar del Río; Pedagogical University Félix Varela Morales; University of Information Sciences |
| Mathematics | ~ 69500 CUP | University of Ciego de Avila; University of Guantanamo; University of Havana; Pedagogical University Enrique José Varona |
| Physical Education | ~ 66900 CUP | University of Guantanamo; Las Tunas University; University of Matanzas; University of Cienfuegos; |
| Engineering | ~ 63550 CUP | University of Sancti Spiritus; University of Guantanamo; Polytechnic University José Antonio Echeverría; Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Cuba
Before finalising the cost of living in Cuba’s budget, a student should consider a few other notable things while moving to Cuba for higher studies. There are generous options for international students to excel academically and have fun in Cuba. Some of them are given below:
Health System in Cuba
Cuba has a top-notch health system. Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the WHO, In 2014, it was noted that Cuba’s healthcare system is closely linked to research and development, making it a model for improving human health.
Politics and History are Fascinating
Cuba has breathtaking architecture, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and picturesque towns and villages. Moreover, it has a remarkable history, for starters, and it is a significant spot comprising everything from fortresses to coffee plantation remains. Cuba’s area is small, but it plays host to nine UNESCO world heritage sites, with three others on the tentative list.
Improve Your Spanish Skills
Cuban Spanish is widely regarded as one of the more challenging accents. However, if anyone wants to learn Spanish, Cuba offers plenty of opportunities. Many language experts agree that you’re in excellent shape if you can speak and understand Cuban Spanish.
Insurance is needed to enter Cuba
Whether you are a student or a tourist, you will need travel insurance for Cuba. It’s required to enter the country, and otherwise, you will be asked to deny your entry.
Work Opportunities in Cuba
Students in their college premises can search for Part-Time employment opportunities. There are various options, such as working in the cafeteria or library or supporting the administrative department. Work opportunities in Cuba will make the cost of living in Cuba easy.
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FAQs
Answer: The Cost of living in Cuba is around 22018.73 CUP per month for a single person, and it can vary for an expat depending on where they choose to live, university selection, and lifestyle. Moreover, the cost of living in Cuba is lower than that in the United States.
Answer: The average cost of rent in Cuba per month for a single person or student is around 7043.78 CUP. For a family of 4 members, it is around 25829.76 CUP per month, which makes the cost of living in Cuba affordable.
Answer For a single person, it is 722.24 CUP to 1203.74 CUP daily. This means you are required to pay approx 5055CUP to 8400 CUP per week, including food, accommodation, transportation, and some activities.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Cuba. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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