Cost of Living in Cape Verde - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $527 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

A couple spends around $879 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

A family of three spends around $1,230 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.10 CVE 492
$2.56 CVE 246
$11.23 CVE 1,083
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.7 CVE 4,986
$31.29 CVE 3,018
$160 CVE 15.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.13 CVE 784
$4.57 CVE 441
$11.21 CVE 1,081
Cappuccino
$1.96 CVE 189
$0.74 CVE 71.8
$4.59 CVE 442
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 CVE 189
$1.02 CVE 98.6
$3.06 CVE 295
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17 CVE 113
$1.07 CVE 103
$1.60 CVE 155
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.36 CVE 324
$2.35 CVE 227
$5.33 CVE 514
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.14 CVE 207
$1.83 CVE 177
$3.06 CVE 295
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.37 CVE 132
$1.12 CVE 108
$1.48 CVE 143
White Bread (500g)
$1.83 CVE 177
$1.08 CVE 104
$3.23 CVE 312
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.80 CVE 174
$1.06 CVE 102
$3.81 CVE 368
Eggs
$2.31 CVE 222
$1.71 CVE 165
$3.06 CVE 295
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.10 CVE 1,263
$6.37 CVE 614
$42.44 CVE 4,094
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.14 CVE 785
$3.92 CVE 378
$9.15 CVE 883
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$20.28 CVE 1,956
$7.93 CVE 765
$25.38 CVE 2,448
Apples (1kg)
$2.68 CVE 258
$2.04 CVE 196
$4.07 CVE 393
Banana (1kg)
$2.33 CVE 225
$2.13 CVE 205
$4.26 CVE 410
Oranges (1kg)
$2.82 CVE 272
$1.39 CVE 134
$8.00 CVE 772
Tomato (1kg)
$3.49 CVE 337
$1.63 CVE 157
$4.09 CVE 394
Potato (1kg)
$1.49 CVE 143
$0.85 CVE 82.4
$1.91 CVE 185
Onion (1kg)
$1.70 CVE 164
$1.25 CVE 121
$2.08 CVE 200
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.41 CVE 136
$1.08 CVE 104
$2.14 CVE 207
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.06 CVE 102
$0.61 CVE 59.0
$1.53 CVE 147
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.98 CVE 481
$4.72 CVE 456
$5.24 CVE 506
Wine (Bottle)
$8.42 CVE 812
$6.32 CVE 610
$9.49 CVE 915
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 CVE 195
$1.53 CVE 148
$3.07 CVE 296
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85 CVE 179
$1.12 CVE 108
$2.04 CVE 197
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.90 CVE 87.1
$0.44 CVE 42.15
$1.02 CVE 98.4
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.47 CVE 2,939
$29.19 CVE 2,815
$31.76 CVE 3,063
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.81 CVE 175
$1.56 CVE 150
$2.07 CVE 200
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.12 CVE 205
$1.42 CVE 137
$2.83 CVE 273
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.64 CVE 1,026
$10.64 CVE 1,026
$21.28 CVE 2,052
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52 CVE 147
$1.39 CVE 134
$1.97 CVE 190
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.4K CVE 2.8M
$27.8K CVE 2.7M
$30.9K CVE 3.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.2K CVE 3.8M
$36.6K CVE 3.5M
$41.8K CVE 4.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$136 CVE 13.1K
$62.9 CVE 6,067
$210 CVE 20.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.27 CVE 2,727
$12.72 CVE 1,227
$31.81 CVE 3,068
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.4 CVE 5,151
$51.4 CVE 4,958
$58.6 CVE 5,653
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.59 CVE 3,336
$26.20 CVE 2,527
$47.16 CVE 4,549
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.68 CVE 837
$5.20 CVE 502
$10.41 CVE 1,004
Cinema Ticket
$5.86 CVE 565
$5.33 CVE 514
$6.40 CVE 617
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$162 CVE 15.6K
$103 CVE 9,975
$207 CVE 19.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,997 CVE 289.0K
$1,145 CVE 110.4K
$5,301 CVE 511.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.6 CVE 5,750
$31.73 CVE 3,061
$87.5 CVE 8,439
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.79 CVE 2,969
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.1 CVE 8,010
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$140 CVE 13.5K
$105 CVE 10.1K
$189 CVE 18.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$455 CVE 43.9K
$319 CVE 30.7K
$637 CVE 61.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$250 CVE 24.1K
$188 CVE 18.2K
$404 CVE 39.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$567 CVE 54.7K
$338 CVE 32.6K
$1,162 CVE 112.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$482 CVE 46.5K
$260 CVE 25.1K
$833 CVE 80.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,134 CVE 109.4K
$670 CVE 64.6K
$1,443 CVE 139.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$798 CVE 77.0K
$344 CVE 33.2K
$1,040 CVE 100.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$330 CVE 31.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.67
4.5
9

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary in Cape Verde is $286 – below average monthly costs of $527. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.

Groceries average around $180 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $28.00.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($527) is 61% below the global median of $1,336.

Average rent ($161) is 74% below the global median of $631.

Dining out ($28.00) is 42% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($12.00) is 64% below the global median of $33.00.

By City in Cape Verde
Rank
City
Population
Living Index
Solo costs
(no rent) / month
Solo costs
(with rent) / month
Family of 3 costs
(no rent) / month
Family of 3 costs
(with rent) / month
Mobile download speed
(Mbps)
Internet download speed
(Mbps)
1
-
68.01
57.4
2
70000
$395 $423 $1,081 $1,486
20.04
47.26
3
127832
62 $839 $1,217 $1,889 $2,626
158.23
63.51
4
-
51 $595 $997 $1,370 $2,038
226.77
65.99
5
-
-
-
Cape Verde Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Cape Verde - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Cape Verde stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Cape Verde typically feels approachable for essentials, with variation by island and lifestyle. You can find inexpensive local meals and straightforward housing options, while imported goods and some services may run higher. Housing ranges from modest apartments near town centers to quieter options with sea views; timing matters as seasonal demand shifts. Public transport and ride-hailing can keep costs reasonable, but trips between islands require planning. Overall value grows when you mix local shopping, shared workspaces, and flexible housing. Tip: Start with a trial month in a couple of neighborhoods to feel the pulse and budget accordingly.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food, transport, and errands on the islands?
Cape Verde living cost varies by locale and habit, so plan around what you value most. In daily life, you should start your housing search near neighborhoods that balance walkability with calm streets; look for options with good ventilation and natural light. Food options range from lively markets with fresh produce to simple local eateries where you can stretch a budget. Transport is practical: buses and shared taxis cover main routes, while ferries connect the islands. For errands, expect slower rhythms in some areas but reliable basic services. Tip: Build a simple weekly routine that prioritizes essential spots and flexible days for market visits.
What budgeting strategies and neighborhood considerations help you maximize quality of life and plan around seasonality?
To maximize quality of life in Cape Verde, adopt a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, daily meals, transport, and activities; track what you truly use. Seasonality matters for tourism spikes and energy usage, so plan purchases and major purchases in quieter periods. Neighborhood fit depends on pace and access: consider coastal towns for sea access or inland areas for tranquility. Use local price benchmarks and test before committing long term; try coworking spaces and local clubs to build a network. Tip: Build a practical monthly plan that balances housing, food, and exploration while leaving room for seasonal changes.
Is Cape Verde expensive compared to other countries?
Cape Verde is affordable by global standards, though costs vary a lot by region. Smaller cities and rural areas are genuinely cheap, while capitals and tourist spots are pricier – but still below international averages for similar quality.
Is rent expensive in Cape Verde?
Rent in Cape Verde varies a lot – Praia has the highest prices, and the gap between capital and provincial rents can be 50% or more. Choosing which city to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.
Can you live in Cape Verde on $800 per month?
Absolutely – in smaller cities across Cape Verde, $800 covers rent and daily expenses with room to spare for eating out, entertainment, and saving. Even mid-sized cities work at this budget level.

Cape Verde vs other spots: cost of living compared

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