Travel Costs in Cuba
All figures are approximate estimates in USD for comparison.
- Budget / day
- $50
- Mid-range / day
- $120
- Luxury / day
- $300
- Budget meal
- $5
- Coffee
- $1.5
- Local transport
- $0.5
- Budget hotel
- $25
- Mid-range hotel
- $80
Overview
Cuba operates a dual-economy system where tourists are expected to pay in MLC or USD-equivalent prices, making it more expensive than its Caribbean neighbors might suggest for budget travelers. Accommodation in casas particulares (private homestays) is the most affordable option, while state-run restaurants and tourist-facing services inflate costs significantly. Import shortages and economic instability mean prices have risen sharply in recent years and can vary widely.
Notes
Stay in casas particulares instead of hotels and eat at paladares (private restaurants) to keep costs down; always carry USD or euros in cash as credit cards issued by US banks are not accepted and ATM access is extremely unreliable.