Cost of Living in Havana

Havana's rental market revolves around the casa particular system, where Cuban homeowners legally rent rooms or entire apartments to foreigners. This is by far the most common and practical housing option for digital nomads. In Vedado, the leafy residential neighborhood favored by most long-term visitors, a private room in a casa particular runs $20-35 per night, while negotiating a monthly rate typically brings the cost down to $400-600 for a full one-bedroom apartment with kitchen access, air conditioning, and basic furnishings. Centro Habana offers grittier but cheaper options at $300-450 per month, while upscale Miramar commands $600-900 for modern apartments with parking and quieter streets near the embassy district.

Havana's dining scene revolves around paladares, the privately owned restaurants that have become the heart of Cuban culinary culture. Budget paladares in neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Vedado serve hearty plates of ropa vieja, congri (rice and black beans), and lechon asado for $5 to $10 USD per person. Mid-range spots such as Topoly in Vedado, known for its Iranian-Cuban fusion, or Michifú near La Guarida in Centro Habana, run $12 to $20 per main course. At the high end, La Guarida on Concordia Street and Atelier in Vedado command $25 to $40 per person for multi-course dinners with cocktails. State-run restaurants still exist but offer limited menus with inconsistent quality, typically charging $3 to $6 for a basic comida criolla plate of rice, beans, and protein.

Grocery shopping in Havana is unlike anywhere else in the world and requires navigating three distinct systems. Agro markets (agromercados) like the well-known 19 y B in Vedado and the Cuatro Caminos market in Centro Habana sell fresh produce at market prices that fluctuate wildly. As of early 2025, expect to pay 500 to 750 CUP per pound of rice ($2 to $3 USD), 500 to 700 CUP for tomatoes, 80 to 120 CUP per plantain, and 1,100 to 1,400 CUP per pound of pork ($4.50 to $5.80 USD). Eggs run about 2,500 to 3,200 CUP for a 30-unit carton, and cooking oil costs 2,500 to 3,200 CUP per liter. Onions are particularly expensive at 1,200 to 1,600 CUP per pound. EJT army-run markets sometimes offer slightly lower prices than private agros, but their stock is unpredictable.

Havana's transport network is unlike anywhere else in the world, and getting around the city on a budget is surprisingly easy once you understand the local options. The iconic 1950s American almendrones — named after their almond-like shape — serve as the backbone of daily commuting for most Habaneros. These classic shared taxis run fixed routes along major arteries like Linea, Calle 23, and the Malecon, charging a flat fare of 10-20 CUP (roughly $0.40-$0.80 USD) depending on distance. If your route crosses the tunnel between Vedado and Playa, the fare doubles to 20 CUP. You simply flag one down, state your destination, and the driver will nod if it's on their route. A trip from Habana Vieja to Playas del Este costs around 25 CUP. For digital nomads based in Vedado or Centro Habana, almendrones are the cheapest and most authentic way to move through the city, though they can get packed during rush hours and rarely follow a schedule.

Cuba remains one of the most challenging countries in the world for internet connectivity, and digital nomads need to plan their workflow around significant limitations. All telecommunications run through ETECSA, the state-owned monopoly, which controls every aspect of internet access from mobile data to home broadband. There is no Starlink, no alternative ISP, and no Uber-style tech infrastructure. Mobile data plans for tourists are available through ETECSA's Cubacel Tur SIM card, which costs approximately $29 USD and includes 6 GB of data, 100 minutes of calls, and 100 SMS valid for 30 days. Additional data packages can be purchased in USD at $10 for 4 GB, $20 for 8 GB with 75 minutes and 80 SMS, or $35 for 16 GB. In Cuban pesos, extra data runs 3,360 CUP for 3 GB, 6,720 CUP for 7 GB, and 11,760 CUP for 15 GB. Speeds on mobile data typically range from 1-5 Mbps in central Havana where 4G coverage exists, dropping to sluggish 3G or EDGE in outer neighborhoods and rural areas.

Cuba's healthcare system is renowned for its well-trained doctors, but the reality for foreigners seeking care in Havana is more nuanced. The primary facility for international patients is the Clínica Central Cira García in Miramar, a dedicated hospital exclusively serving foreign nationals with 24-hour emergency care, internal medicine, cardiology, surgery, and dental services. A general consultation runs $30–50 USD, a night of hospitalization costs around $500 USD, and dental checkups start at $45 USD with root canals at $80–175 USD. The larger CIMEQ hospital in western Havana offers more advanced surgical and diagnostic capabilities, but Cira García remains the default referral for most expats and travelers. Payment is typically required by Visa or Mastercard credit card, and cash payments in USD are sometimes accepted.

Entry to Cuba requires either the traditional paper Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) or, since July 2025, an electronic e-Visa costing $50 USD online with processing in up to 72 business hours. If purchased at a Latin American or Caribbean departure airport the card costs $20–30 USD. Both options grant a 90-day stay that can be renewed once locally for another 90 days, giving digital nomads up to six months. Cuba has no dedicated digital nomad visa, so you will enter as a tourist and should not publicly advertise remote work. US citizens must travel under one of twelve OFAC-authorized categories such as "Support for the Cuban People" and should document all activities carefully. Sanctions tightened significantly in early 2026, with a new executive order targeting Cuba's energy supply chain, so check the latest OFAC guidance before booking.