Cuba · tool
How much does Havana cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Havana trip before you book anything.
Havana, Cuba travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Stay in a casa particular (private room) or a shared hostel dorm.
Enjoy street food (frituras, empanadas) and meals at local 'paladares' (private restaurants).
Utilize shared taxis ('colectivos') and local buses ('guaguas').
Explore Old Havana on foot, visit free plazas, and enjoy local music.
Small purchases, water, and occasional tips.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Rent a private apartment or stay in a comfortable casa particular with more amenities.
Dine at a mix of popular paladares and mid-range restaurants.
Occasional private taxis for convenience, or longer colectivo rides.
Visit museums (e.g., Museo de la Revolución), enjoy live music venues, take a classic car tour.
Souvenirs, drinks, and moderate tipping.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Stay in boutique hotels or high-end casas with premium services.
Experience fine dining at Havana's top paladares and hotel restaurants.
Private classic car tours, airport transfers, and readily available taxis.
Private guided tours, salsa lessons, theater shows, and exclusive experiences.
Premium cigars, cocktails, generous tipping, and shopping.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Bring more cash (Euros are best for exchange) than you think you'll need, as ATMs are unreliable.
- •Credit card acceptance is very limited; primarily found in larger hotels and some state-run tourist shops.
- •Be aware of the 'CUC' (Cuban Convertible Peso) vs 'CUP' (Cuban Peso) distinction, though CUP is now the sole currency for most transactions.
- •Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, for guides, and drivers. A 10% tip is common.
- •Some imported goods and electronics can be surprisingly expensive due to import costs.
Plan the rest of your Havana trip
Trip budgets elsewhere