A Cuban living in Curitiba, Brazil, recently took to Facebook to reveal the financial intricacies of his daily life as an immigrant. He detailed his earnings, rental expenses, and the monthly financial support he sends to his family in Cuba.
Luis Enrique Zayas Marrero provided a virtual tour of his modest kitchenette, aiming to enlighten fellow Cubans—and those contemplating emigration—that while life in Brazil offers improvements over Cuba, it remains fraught with challenges.
In his video, he states, "I'm here in Brazil by myself, also supporting my family back in Cuba, and in the near future, hopefully by next year, I plan to bring my family out of Cuba as well."
Financial Breakdown in Brazil
Employed under a fixed contract known as CLT, Luis Enrique earns a gross monthly salary of 1,790 reais, slightly above the Brazilian minimum wage set at 1,621 reais for 2026. His paycheck is reduced by 107 reais for transportation, 144 reais for social security contributions, and a symbolic real for meals at work.
His employment offers a significant benefit—free meals. "If I had to buy food on my own, I’d spend roughly 400 to 500 reais to eat well here in Brazil," he notes, emphasizing how this savings helps manage his budget.
Housing and Living Expenses
Luis Enrique rents a compact kitchenette—which includes a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom—at 750 reais a month, with water and electricity included. This is below Curitiba's usual range of 900 to 1,600 reais for similar accommodations.
Additional expenses include 65 reais for mobile internet with 26 gigabytes per month and 30 reais for shared wifi with a Brazilian neighbor. After covering these costs, he sends between 400 and 500 reais monthly to his family in Cuba. At the current exchange rate of approximately 4.81 Cuban pesos per real, this translates to 1,925 to 2,407 Cuban pesos—a stark contrast to the official Cuban minimum wage of 3,210 pesos, where monthly food costs for one person exceed 70,000 pesos.
Growing Cuban Migration to Brazil
Data from Brazil's International Migration Observatory highlights a significant trend: in 2025, Cubans surpassed Venezuelans in asylum applications for the first time, submitting 41,919 requests—an 88.1% increase from the previous year—accounting for 55.4% of the national total. By mid-2026, an additional 20,372 requests had been filed.
Curitiba, known for its cold climate, alongside São Paulo, has emerged as a key hub for Cuban settlers.
Other Cuban immigrants in the area share similar stories as Luis Enrique—working jobs below their qualifications, dealing with the constant pressure of sending remittances, and balancing survival with supporting those left behind.
While some Cubans in Brazil urge caution—highlighting that it’s not the paradise some may imagine—they acknowledge the benefits of stable electricity, available food, and formal employment with labor rights.
Luis Enrique encapsulates his experience with a poignant message to his followers: "Emigrating isn't easy, but when you have a family waiting for you, you find the strength to keep going."
Understanding Cuban Migration Dynamics
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans emigrating to Brazil?
Cubans in Brazil often work jobs below their qualifications, face the pressure of sending remittances back home, and must balance personal survival with supporting their families in Cuba.
How do Cuban immigrants benefit from living in Brazil despite the challenges?
Despite the hurdles, Cubans in Brazil benefit from stable electricity, available food supplies, and access to formal employment with labor rights, which are significant improvements over conditions in Cuba.
What financial strategies do Cuban immigrants in Brazil use to support their families?
Many Cuban immigrants, like Luis Enrique, save money through employer-provided meals and budget carefully to send a portion of their earnings back to their families in Cuba, despite modest incomes.