Is Havana expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Havana can be cheap or surprisingly pricey depending on how you travel. Staying in casas particulares and eating at cafeterias, a budget traveller spends about US$45 per person a day sharing a room, mid-range about US$115 and comfort about US$360. Hotels, classic-car rides and tourist bars are priced for foreigners, and the unstable exchange rate makes costs hard to predict, so check the latest situation before you go.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$15 | US$35 | US$150 |
| Food & drink | US$15 | US$30 | US$70 |
| Sights & tickets | US$10 | US$30 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$20 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$45 | US$115 | US$360 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Havana day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Cuban coffee at a street window | a few dozen CUP (well under US$1) |
| Pan con lechon (roast pork sandwich) | around US$2-4 in CUP |
| Ropa vieja in a paladar | roughly US$8-15 |
| Lobster main in a paladar | roughly US$15-30 |
| Classic-car tour, 1 hour | about US$40-60 per car |
| Casa particular room in Centro Habana | US$25-45 a night |
| Casa particular in Old Havana | US$40-80 a night |
| Boutique hotel or Hotel Nacional | US$150-400 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is cheap in casas particulares but expensive in state and boutique hotels. Food costs vary hugely: street snacks paid in Cuban pesos cost very little, while well-known paladars charge close to European prices. The tourist extras, such as classic-car tours, cocktails at El Floridita, music shows and Viñales tours, are the main costs. Taxis must always be negotiated, and fuel shortages can push prices up.
When it is cheaper
May to October, the hot and rainy low season, is cheaper for casas and hotels, often roughly 20-30% below winter, except in July and August holidays. Christmas, New Year and the winter months are the busiest.
How to spend less
- Stay in a casa particular with breakfast, the best value and a chance to meet a Cuban family.
- Eat lunch at cafeterias and street windows that price in Cuban pesos.
- Ask for the menu with prices and confirm the currency and exchange rate before ordering.
- Change money at a CADECA or a reliable casa owner, never on the street.
- Share a classic-car tour with other travellers and agree the price and route first.
- Use Viazul buses to Viñales instead of private tours, and stay a night rather than a rushed day trip.
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Common questions
Is Havana expensive?
It depends on your style. Casas particulares and peso-priced food keep costs to about US$45 a day; hotels and tourist bars can cost as much as in Europe.
What money should I bring to Cuba?
Cash in euros or US dollars in clean notes, plus a backup. Rules, rates and card acceptance change often, so check before you go.
How much is a classic-car ride in Havana?
About US$40-60 per car for an hour; agree the price and route before you get in.