How does Cuba compare to the rest of the Carib. in terms of cost for dining out, excursions, etc?

I don't know about the rest of the caribbean, but Cuba was inexpensive, in my opinion.

Do you remember any specifics please? Much appreciated. Thanks!

Much of our trip was prepaid (this was a University course). We spent two weeks traveling around the country. Complete cost was US 2000. dollars. It included all lodging, guide and driver, travel within the country by bus and plane, entry fees, excurions and most food. The things that did cost were: a privately owned restaurant meal, (US 20 great meal--well worth it), the tourist restaurants that are famous and popular ( sandwich and drink US 10), (bottled water US 1) jazz clubs (US 5 plus drinks US 4-5) Hope this helps.

It does I think. $20.00 then seems like a high end price if I understand you correctly.

Yes it may seem high, but it did include the drink and dessert as well. I was just very happy to have a meal which tasted so delightful. It really was the best meal we had on the entire trip. Most of the hotel food and even some state owned restaurants served dishes lacking in distinctive flavors, so this private restaurant was a jewel. Can't remember the name of it, but it's listed in Fodors.

Wow! Drink and dessert as well. That is really cheap for the Carib. Entrees alone in St. Thomas were about that.

Kathleen, I was under the impression that US citizens could not travel to Cuba except under certain very limited circumstances. You refer to cost in US dollars. How was it that you were able to travel to Cuba?

Ok, should have read further. never mind, Kathleen, I see your further explanation in another thread