Cost of Living in Cape Verde - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $531 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 $1,227 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.24 CVE 505
$2.63 CVE 253
$11.54 CVE 1,112
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$50.9 CVE 4,898
$30.78 CVE 2,965
$157 CVE 15.1K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.43 CVE 812
$4.75 CVE 457
$11.63 CVE 1,120
Cappuccino
$1.97 CVE 189
$0.75 CVE 72.0
$4.61 CVE 444
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 CVE 188
$1.02 CVE 98.2
$3.05 CVE 294
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12 CVE 108
$1.03 CVE 98.8
$1.53 CVE 148
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.36 CVE 323
$2.35 CVE 226
$5.32 CVE 512
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25 CVE 217
$1.92 CVE 185
$3.21 CVE 309
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.36 CVE 131
$1.12 CVE 107
$1.47 CVE 142
White Bread (500g)
$1.82 CVE 175
$1.07 CVE 103
$3.20 CVE 309
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.74 CVE 167
$1.02 CVE 98.7
$3.68 CVE 354
Eggs
$2.40 CVE 232
$1.79 CVE 172
$3.18 CVE 307
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.85 CVE 1,238
$6.25 CVE 602
$41.66 CVE 4,012
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.39 CVE 808
$4.04 CVE 389
$9.43 CVE 908
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.95 CVE 1,921
$7.81 CVE 752
$24.97 CVE 2,405
Apples (1kg)
$2.83 CVE 273
$2.15 CVE 207
$4.30 CVE 414
Banana (1kg)
$2.26 CVE 218
$2.06 CVE 199
$4.12 CVE 397
Oranges (1kg)
$2.82 CVE 271
$1.38 CVE 133
$7.98 CVE 769
Tomato (1kg)
$3.52 CVE 339
$1.65 CVE 159
$4.13 CVE 397
Potato (1kg)
$1.44 CVE 139
$0.83 CVE 79.8
$1.85 CVE 179
Onion (1kg)
$1.68 CVE 162
$1.24 CVE 120
$2.06 CVE 198
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.35 CVE 130
$1.03 CVE 99.0
$2.05 CVE 197
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 CVE 103
$0.62 CVE 59.6
$1.54 CVE 149
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.94 CVE 476
$4.68 CVE 451
$5.20 CVE 501
Wine (Bottle)
$8.46 CVE 814
$7.40 CVE 713
$9.52 CVE 917
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.11 CVE 204
$1.60 CVE 154
$3.21 CVE 309
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.88 CVE 181
$1.14 CVE 110
$2.07 CVE 199
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.95 CVE 91.9
$0.46 CVE 44.45
$1.08 CVE 104
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.93 CVE 2,883
$28.66 CVE 2,761
$31.19 CVE 3,004
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.79 CVE 172
$1.53 CVE 148
$2.04 CVE 197
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.19 CVE 211
$1.46 CVE 141
$2.92 CVE 281
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.31 CVE 993
$10.31 CVE 993
$20.61 CVE 1,985
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52 CVE 146
$1.38 CVE 133
$1.96 CVE 189
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.6K CVE 2.9M
$28.0K CVE 2.7M
$31.2K CVE 3.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.8K CVE 3.8M
$37.2K CVE 3.6M
$42.5K CVE 4.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$137 CVE 13.2K
$63.5 CVE 6,119
$212 CVE 20.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.60 CVE 2,659
$12.42 CVE 1,196
$31.06 CVE 2,991
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.5 CVE 5,248
$52.4 CVE 5,051
$59.8 CVE 5,758
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.10 CVE 3,284
$25.83 CVE 2,488
$46.49 CVE 4,478
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.79 CVE 847
$5.27 CVE 508
$10.54 CVE 1,016
Cinema Ticket
$5.60 CVE 540
$5.10 CVE 491
$6.12 CVE 590
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$164 CVE 15.8K
$105 CVE 10.1K
$210 CVE 20.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,981 CVE 287.2K
$1,139 CVE 109.7K
$5,274 CVE 508.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.9 CVE 5,773
$31.91 CVE 3,073
$88.0 CVE 8,473
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.99 CVE 3,081
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.4 CVE 8,037
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$139 CVE 13.4K
$104 CVE 10.0K
$187 CVE 18.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$455 CVE 43.8K
$318 CVE 30.6K
$636 CVE 61.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$247 CVE 23.8K
$186 CVE 17.9K
$399 CVE 38.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$553 CVE 53.2K
$329 CVE 31.7K
$1,133 CVE 109.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$479 CVE 46.2K
$259 CVE 24.9K
$828 CVE 79.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$974 CVE 93.8K
$666 CVE 64.2K
$1,281 CVE 123.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$691 CVE 66.5K
$352 CVE 33.9K
$1,029 CVE 99.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$276 CVE 26.6K
-
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: June 16, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary in Cape Verde is $235 – below average monthly costs of $531. 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 ($531) is 60% below the global median of $1,333.

Average rent ($163) is 74% below the global median of $624.

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
$411 $416 $1,212 $1,492
20.04
47.26
3
127832
62 $860 $1,223 $1,827 $2,595
158.23
63.51
4
-
51 $663 $1,018 $1,525 $2,050
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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