Daily costs per person in USD. Havana operates on a dual economy — tourist prices are higher than local, but casa particulares and paladares keep costs manageable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: CUP (Peso) (Tourist economy uses USD/EUR. 1 USD ≈ 120 CUP official)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15–25 | $40–80 | $150+ | Casa particular → boutique casa → luxury hotel |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–45 | $70+ | Street food & peso meals → paladares → fine dining |
| Transport | $2–5 | $10–20 | $40+ | Colectivo taxis → regular taxi → classic car tour |
| Activities | $5–10 | $15–30 | $60+ | Free sites & music → museums & tours → private excursions |
| Drinks | $3–6 | $8–15 | $25+ | Street rum & local bars → cocktail bars → hotel terraces |
| Daily Total | $35–66 | $98–190 | $345+ | Budget traveller → comfortable → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Casa particular stays
Private homestays (casa particulares) cost $15–35 USD/night and include breakfast. They're better value than hotels, more authentic, and hosts provide invaluable local knowledge. Book on Airbnb or at casaparticular.com.
Eat at paladares
Paladares (private restaurants) serve meals for $5–15 USD — far better than state-run restaurants. Ask your casa host for recommendations. Home-cooked casa meals ($8–12 USD) are often the best food in Cuba.
Cuban pesos vs USD
Pay in CUP (Cuban pesos) whenever possible — you'll get local prices. Tourist attractions and some restaurants quote in USD. Exchange EUR or USD at official CADECA offices for the best rates.
Colectivo taxis
Shared taxis (almendrones/colectivos) run fixed routes for CUP50–200 per person — ancient American cars packed with locals. They're an experience in themselves and 10x cheaper than tourist taxis.
Bring everything you need
Cuba has chronic shortages. Bring sunscreen, medication, toiletries, snacks, and a power bank. These items are either unavailable or hugely expensive locally. Also bring cash — ATMs are unreliable.
Free cultural events
Live music in bars, Callejon de Hamel rumba on Sundays, and street performances are free. Fabrica de Arte Cubano is only $2 USD. The Malecon — Havana's greatest attraction — costs nothing.
