Heading to Cuba, a warm and relaxing destination renowned for it's beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities? Our travel cost guide will help you plan an epic vacation without overspending. We’ve got all the essentials, from average hotel rates to dining and entertainment costs. All of the travel expenses are from real travelers, so you can travel smart and have an amazing trip.
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, $578 (₱15,330). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$289
₱7,665
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$578
₱15,330
-
One Month
Per person
$1,240
₱32,850
-
One Week
For a couple
$578
₱15,330
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,157
₱30,660
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,479
₱65,700
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 (₱7,665) for one person and $578 (₱15,330) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cuba on average costs around $578 (₱15,330) for one person and $1,157 (₱30,660) 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 (₱32,850) for one person and $2,479 (₱65,700) 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
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
₱212
($8.00)
|
₱610
($23)
|
₱1,964
($74)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
₱85
($3.19)
|
₱256
($9.64)
|
₱885
($33)
|
|
Food 2
|
₱93
($3.50)
|
₱264
($9.97)
|
₱838
($32)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
₱86
($3.23)
|
₱219
($8.27)
|
₱568
($21)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
₱19-56
($1-2)
|
₱52-156
($2-6)
|
₱159-478
($6-18)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on just $14 a day, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Cuba for $14 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Cuba will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $41 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $133 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like Havana.
Accommodation Budget in Cuba
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Cuba can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
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.
Looking for a hotel in Cuba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Cuba
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
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If you have a car in one of the bigger cities, check with your hotel beforehand about the parking situation. You may have to pay to park either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Either way, it might be cheaper to find somewhere further out of town to park your car.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Cuba, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Cuba
Calculated from travelers like you
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in France is around $10 (₱264) per person, with previous travelers spending from $3 to $32. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cuba are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $7
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
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.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Food and meal prices in Cuba, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Entertainment Budget in Cuba
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
Alcohol Budget in Cuba
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
While the nightlife can be one of the best parts of traveling, cutting back on cocktails can make a big dent in your overall budget.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Cuba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Cuba. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Cuba on a Budget
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.
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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.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.