Cuba Travel Budget - Visit Cuba on a Budget or Travel in Style


How much does it cost to travel to Cuba?

You should plan to spend around $41 (₱1,095) per day on your vacation in Cuba. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $9.97 (₱264) on meals
  • $9.64 (₱256) on local transportation
  • $46 (₱1,220) on hotels

A one week trip to Cuba for two people costs, on average, $579 (₱15,335). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $41
    1,095
  • One Week Per person
    $289
    7,667
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $579
    15,335
  • One Month Per person
    $1,240
    32,860
  • One Week For a couple
    $579
    15,335
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,157
    30,669
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,480
    65,720
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cuba cost?

A one week trip to Cuba usually costs around $289 (₱7,667) for one person and $579 (₱15,335) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cuba on average costs around $579 (₱15,335) for one person and $1,157 (₱30,669) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cuba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cuba on average costs around $1,240 (₱32,860) for one person and $2,480 (₱65,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Cuba expensive to visit?

Cuba is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.

Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Cuba is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Cuba.

For more details, see Is Cuba Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cuba?

The average Cuba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cuba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) 1,220 ($46)
Local Transportation 1 256 ($9.64)
Food 2 264 ($9.97)
Entertainment 1 219 ($8.27)
Tips and Handouts 1 10 - 29 ($0 - 1)
Alcohol 2 52 - 156 ($2 - 6)
Accommodation Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Cuba is $23 (₱610). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Cuba is $46 (₱1,220). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $23
    610
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $46
    1,220

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Hotel Prices in Cuba

Looking for a hotel in Cuba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Local Transportation Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Cuba is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $9.64 (₱256) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cuba.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $9.64
    256

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Cuba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Cuba, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Short Taxi Ride
    18


Food Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Cuba can vary, the average cost of food in Cuba is $9.97 (₱264) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Cuba should cost around $3.99 (₱106) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Cuba is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $9.97
    264

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Cuba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Cuba, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Pizza
    0.88


Entertainment Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Cuba typically cost an average of $8.27 (₱219) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $8.27
    219


Tips and Handouts Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Cuba is $0.74 (₱20) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Cuba is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $0.74
    20


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Cuba is $11 (₱297), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $11
    297


Alcohol Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $3.91 (₱104) on alcoholic beverages in Cuba per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $3.91
    104

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Cuba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Cuba, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Mojito
    4.00


Water Budget in Cuba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $0.26 (₱6.88) on bottled water in Cuba per day. The public water in Cuba is not usually considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $0.26
    6.88


Related Articles
Cuba On a Budget
Cuba Havana, Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and also the closest to Key West. Despite its extremely close proximity, few Americans are able to make a trip to this fascinating and historic country. A U.S. embargo currently limits travel to the area, although some travelers reach the country through Mexico or elsewhere in Central or South America.

Poverty is apparent in Cuba, but the locals are very welcoming to visitors. While much of the infrastructure in the country is in need of repair, in tourist destinations you will find very few problems. Throughout the country it is not uncommon to have power outages, but many popular tourist destinations are equipped with generators. Some of the more popular cities to visit include Havana, the capital city, Trinidad, a World Heritage Site with many colonial buildings, and Varadero, which is one of the more popular beach destinations in the country for tourists.

Traveling around the island is most easily done by bus. There are several bus options, but the most popular with tourists is Viazul. These buses are typically air conditioned coach style vehicles that are equipped with bathrooms and televisions. They are generally efficient and reliable although breakdowns do happen. You can make reservations in advance. This may be required during peak seasons, but often you can purchase a ticket on arrival. The buses stop at highway restaurants in route, although the food is generally disappointing. You are better off if you come prepared with your own snacks.

Taxis are another option, but they can be quite expensive for long trips between cities. They do offer a good option for travel within cities. You will find both government run taxis and unofficial, unlicensed taxis.

You're unlikely to find many ATMs in Cuba. There are a small number in Havana, but those are unreliable. U.S. issued cards are not accepted anywhere. It is recommended that you carry enough cash during your trip and have some foreign currency on hand as well.

Tipping in Cuba is encouraged. Even if there is a service charge added to a bill, give the attendant some cash, as they are likely to receive only a small fraction of the applied charge. Wages can be quite low, and a generous tip, although not required, is generally a nice and appreciated gesture, particularly if the service was good.
At A Glance
  • If you're flying in or out of the airport, make sure your valuables are in a secure place. It's not uncommon for luggage to be searched after it's been checked and the valuables may be removed and stolen. If at all possible, keep your belongings on you during your flight.

  • Renting a car is possible. The traffic is usually light but you will encounter plenty of pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road. The roads are poorly marked so make sure you clearly understand where you're going before you begin your journey.

  • It helps if you speak a little Spanish, but this is by no means necessary to enjoy your holiday. In touristy areas many people speak at least a little English. If you can try your hand at Spanish you'll quickly make some friends though.

  • There are many ways you can experience the Cuban culture. Head outside of the more touristy areas and explore some off the beaten path neighborhoods. Take in a show or head to a local market and you're sure to have an interesting and one of a kind experience. By simply wandering through residential areas you will begin to get a feel for what life is like in Cuba. It is a great way to meet the locals and see what daily life is really like.

  • Before you go to the effort of exchanging your home currency, make sure you actually have to. Many popular western currencies are actually accepted and this is the more financially beneficial way to pay for things. This will help you avoid loosing money in the exchange.

  • ATMs are hard to come by throughout Cuba, but you will find a small number in Havana. US based cards are not accepted anywhere. Most of the ATMs are linked to the Mastercard/Cirrus or Visa/Plus interbank system.



Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Pilar Beach (Playa Pilar): This is a beautiful stretch of beach that is also popular for snorkeling. Pilar Beach is a popular destination for it's blue water and white sand. A taxi or local bus will take you there for a cheap price.

Old Havana: Havana is an absolutely unique place and one of the most fascinating cities in the world. You must check out the buildings, people, and food in this historic area. You will feel like you stepped back in time.

Partagas Cigar Factory: Take a tour of this famous cigar factory. It was established in 1845 and is one of the most well known brands of cigars in Cuba.

Popular Foods
Restaurants in Cuba are owned by the government but run by the employees. Most of the food prepared in restaurants can be frustratingly bland. You will find the best food in Cuba in either your casa particular or in paladares, which are locally run eateries that are located in private homes. You'll find paladares in even the smallest towns, but they do have limited seating so it is best to arrive early. Ask a local for the best recommendation of where to eat.

Congri: This is a typical dish of rice and red beans that is made with spices and vegetables. It's a staple meal in the country and you are likely to find it for cheap almost anywhere.

Ropa Vieja: This is a dish of flank steak in a tomato sauce. The dish can also be prepared with shredded meat, and unlike elsewhere in the Caribbean, it is not usually prepared with chickpeas or potatoes in Cuba. It makes for a hearty and filling meal, particularly at dinner time.

Cocido de Garbanzos: This is a common chickpea stew that is made with a vegetable broth. It's often accompanied by rice and can make an affordable, but filling lunch option.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.