Did you know that Cuba is the 40th most expensive country and the 55th most livable country in the world?
Cuba is best known for its colonial architecture.
It’s a beautiful country that many people dream of living in.
But how expensive is it to live in Cuba?
The overall cost of living in Cuba is around 22018.73 CUP per month.
This is about USD 97.
If you’re still wondering where the cheapest places are to live in Cuba, continue reading to learn more.
12 Cheapest Places to Live in Cuba
1. Havana
Havana is a well-known city in Cuba.
It is first on the list for offering affordable living in the country.
Believe it or not, 2.49 million people live here.
Havana has a livability score of 78 out of 100.
Did you also know that Havana is the capital of Cuba?
Havana is a beautiful town with a lot of history and much to offer its residents.
The cost of living in Havana is about $1,001 per month.
Rent is also affordable, coming in at $409 per month.
There are a lot of things to do in Havana, including visiting the Cuban Art Factory, Old Havana, and the Fort of San Carlos of the Cabin.
2. Matanzas
Matanzas is infamously known for its culture, poets, and Afro-Cuban folklore.
It’s situated along the northern shore of Cuba.
It’s also known for offering residents a high quality of life, including affordable housing.
One person can comfortably live on $1,182 per month.
Rent can range anywhere from $471 to $571 per month.
Moreover, the average cost of living in Matanzas is close to the world’s average.
For entertainment purposes, you’ll find many things to do in Matanzas.
For instance, you can visit the Cuevas de Bellamar, Sauto Theater, or the Lolo Galeria-Taller.
3. Güines
Güines is located just 31 miles from Havana and right along the Mayabeque River.
It is a town that is located within the Mayabeque Province and is also the most populated.
Güines is known for offering affordable living for all.
The average cost of living for one person living in Güines is about $1,139 per month and $2,668 per month for a family of four.
Rent can range from $522 to $732 per month.
Things to do in Güines include Tour de L’Horloge, Saint Joseph Village, and Parc Bagatelle, a well-known amusement park in town.
4. Artemisa
Next on the list is Artemisa.
It’s most known for having natural beauty, a commercial center, and plenty of agricultural products.
Not to mention, Artemisa was also given the nickname “Jadrin de Cuba” as it’s known for its breathtaking landscape.
Artemisa is a relatively affordable place to live.
A single person can live on $1,092 per month, while a family of four would cost about $2,612 a month.
Furthermore, rent can range anywhere from $449 to $1,251 per month.
And while this may sound like a huge range, it all depends on where in the city you live.
There’s a lot to do in Artemisa. Check out Tungasuk Farm, The Soroa waterfall, and Las Terrazas.
5. Cardenas
Cardenas is a town located in the Matanzas Province of Cuba.
With nearly 86,000 people living here, it’s the 15th most populated town in the country, following Manzanillo.
It’s also known for being affordable, and worth considering if you’re contemplating moving here.
The overall cost of living in Cardenas is around $1,220 for a single person.
A family of four will cost about $2,749 per month.
Furthermore, rent may range from $544 to $652 a month.
Cardenas has a lot to do in terms of entertainment.
For instance, you can enjoy the Galeria De Arte Cuevas, the Museum Oscar De Rojas, and the Crab monument.
6. Holguín
Also on the list is Holguín.
Holguín is located in the eastern region of Cuba and is known for being a hub for communications and trade.
There are various beautiful landscapes in Holguín, and it has a population of more than 350,000 people.
The average cost of living is similar to others on the list and is about $1,176 per month for a single person.
A family of four costs about $3,531 per month.
Rent can be as low as $366 per month and as high as $1,142 per month, depending on where you are in the city.
There are plenty of museums, parks, and nightclubs in Holguín.
Visit the Calixto Garcia Park, Plaza de la Marquere, or the Provincial Museum of History for some great entertainment.
7. Santa Clara
Santa Clara is located in central Cuba and is also the capital city of Villa Clara province.
What is so great about Santa Clara, you ask?
Besides being one of the most affordable places to live in Cuba, it’s the fifth most populated town in the country.
If you prefer living in a large town with a lot to offer that you can afford, Santa Clara is perfect.
Santa Clara costs around $1,312 per month for a single person, while a family of four would pay close to $2,327 per month.
Rent will vary greatly depending on where you live in Santa Clara.
For instance, you may spend anywhere from $633 to $1,963 a month.
Consider visiting Cayo Santa Maria, the Statue of Che Guevara, and El Mejunje for some fun around the town.
8. Cienfuegos
Located along Cuba’s south coast is Cienfuegos.
Cienfuegos also made the list for offering affordable living.
It is an amazing town that is well-known for having colonial-era buildings.
More than 165,000 people are currently living in Cienfuegos.
So how cheap is it to live in Cienfuegos, you ask?
For one person, the average cost of living is around $1,247 per month.
A family of four can get by on $2,413 per month.
Rent is also affordable here in the city, and can range from $536 to $644, depending on where in the city you live.
But what about entertainment?
Moving to Cienfuegos gives you access to plenty of attractions, including José Martí Park, Tomas Terry Theater, and Museo de Las Artes Palacio Ferrer, a popular museum.
9. Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is another affordable town and happens to be the second-largest city in Cuba.
It is situated on a bay that leads right to the Caribbean Sea.
It’s a town that has a rich history, as it was once a focal point for a variety of historical events.
More than 445,000 people call Santiago de Cuba home.
But can you blame them?
The average cost of living for one person per month is $1,527, while a family of four would pay an average of $2,860 per month.
Rent, on the other hand, can range from $528 to $731.
Check out Cespedes Park, Plaza de Dolores, Padre Pico Steps, or Helechos Garden for some fun entertainment in Santiago de Cuba.
10. Pinar del Rio
Pinar del Rio is located in northwest Cuba.
In truth, it’s located just two hours from Havana.
Pinar del Rio is a town that is infamous for its tobacco, traditions, and natural beauty.
The town is also a major tourist attraction.
It made the list because of the high quality of life and affordable living it offers its residents.
For one person living in Pinar del Rio, the cost of living is $1,137 per month.
Rent can also range anywhere from $525 to $731 per month.
You are sure to find somewhere affordable to live in Pinar del Rio.
If you love the outdoors, you will love visiting the Indian Cave, Vinales Botanical Garden, and Vinales Valley.
11. Placetas
Placetas is a town located in the Villa Clara Province in Cuba.
It’s also referred to as “La Villa de los Laureles” because of the variety of wild laurel trees present in the city.
It’s also a great town to consider moving to if you’re looking on a tight budget.
With rent, one person would pay around $1,371 to live comfortably in Placetas.
A family of four would pay around $2,448 in rent per month.
You’ll quickly enjoy living here as there are a variety of things to do.
Visit Santa Maria Beach, Cayo Santa Maria, or Playa de Las Gaviotas for some fun adventures in Placetas.
12. Sagua La Grande
Last but not least, we can’t forget to mention Sagua La Grande.
It is located in Villa Clara province in Cuba, along the north coast.
Sometimes, it is referred to as Sagua or La Villa de Undosos.
The town is a major manufacturing center and is known for producing black beans, rice, and sugarcane.
The average cost of living, including rent in Sagua La Grande, is around $1,268 for one person.
Rent alone can range anywhere from $516 to $638 per month.
There are many things to do in Sagua La Grande, including Parque Albarran, Casino Espanol, and Palacio Arenas.
Cuba Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Cuba Safety Review
Safety Index:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What would a family of four need to live in Cuba?
A family of four is estimated to need a monthly budget of $2,337 per month, not including rent.
One person can live on a budget of $686 per month, not including rent.
Is the cost of living in Cuba cheaper than in the United States?
Yes, the cost of living in Cuba is 33.8% lower than that of the U.S.
Moreover, the average rent in Cuba is 71.8% lower than in the United States.
What is the average rent paid in Cuba?
The average rent paid in Cuba is $363.87 per month for a one-bedroom.
It can be as high as $1,021 per month, depending on where in the country you live.
Rent in Cuba is 88.3% lower than rent in New York.
