Varadero, a popular tourist destination in Cuba, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Varadero is crucial for both residents and visitors planning to stay for an extended period.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Varadero, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.72 on average, with a range between $4.44 and $7.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $47.53, with prices ranging from $20 to $75.06.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $3.75, imported beer $2.58, cappuccino $1, and Coke/Pepsi $1.95.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.39 and $3, with an average price of $1.28.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.37.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $5 per kg, while oranges are priced at $1 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes average $0.93 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.37 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - Public transport ticket prices are not specified.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.3 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1 per km and $20 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $400.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $800.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1200.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $650.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $395.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $350.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $40.
  • Internet - Internet services average $220.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.72
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$47.53
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.58
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.96
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.28
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.37
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.19
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.70
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.00
Apples (1kg)
$5.00
Oranges (1kg)
$1.00
Potato (1kg)
$0.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.37
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.48
Tomato (1kg)
$1.11
Banana (1kg)
$0.56
Onion (1kg)
$5.56
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.30
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$70,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$80,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$400.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,200.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$650.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$40.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$220.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$40.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$1.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$40.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$30.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$75.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$85.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$395.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$350.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$346.17
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
15%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$90.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$15,000.00
Varadero Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Varadero offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and basic groceries.

Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more affordable than those outside the centre.

Transportation costs are low, particularly for gasoline, making it economical for those who drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Varadero presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options.

While housing costs can vary, the overall expenses in Varadero are manageable, making it an attractive destination for both residents and long-term visitors.