CU Income
Dec 27, 2002

By the Numbers

The average monthly salary in Cuba in 2001 was 249 Cuban pesos, or about $10. The following items - some for sale in pesos and some in dollars - would cost the equivalent of 194 Cuban pesos ($8):
_One pound each of pork chops, rice and black beans
_Two pounds of tomatoes
_Three limes
_One head of garlic
_A bar of soap
_A kilo (2.2 pounds) of detergent
_A tube of toothpaste

The work time required to earn enough for that shopping trip would be:
_Entry-level schoolteacher - 1.55 months
_Retiree with pension - 1.55 months
_Physician - 8 days
_Crafts vendor - 5 days
_Nickel mineworker - 5 days
_Meat vendor at farmers market - 3 days
_Nongovernment tire repairman - 2 days
_Private taxi driver - 1.5 days
_Family receiving $100 per month in remittances - 1.5 days
_Private bed-and-breakfast operator - 6 hours