Cost of Living in Cape Verde - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $529 per month with rent on average across Cape Verde.

A couple spends around $868 per month with rent on average across Cape Verde.

A family of three spends around $1,206 per month with rent on average across Cape Verde.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.08 CVE 477
$2.54 CVE 239
$11.17 CVE 1,050
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$52.4 CVE 4,925
$31.73 CVE 2,981
$162 CVE 15.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.51 CVE 800
$4.79 CVE 450
$11.74 CVE 1,103
Cappuccino
$1.91 CVE 179
$0.73 CVE 68.2
$4.47 CVE 420
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.99 CVE 187
$1.04 CVE 97.6
$3.11 CVE 292
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12 CVE 106
$1.03 CVE 96.5
$1.54 CVE 144
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.25 CVE 305
$2.27 CVE 214
$5.15 CVE 484
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.14 CVE 201
$1.83 CVE 172
$3.06 CVE 287
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.37 CVE 129
$1.13 CVE 106
$1.49 CVE 140
White Bread (500g)
$1.75 CVE 165
$1.03 CVE 97.2
$3.09 CVE 291
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.80 CVE 169
$1.06 CVE 99.9
$3.82 CVE 359
Eggs
$2.41 CVE 226
$1.79 CVE 168
$3.19 CVE 300
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.01 CVE 1,222
$6.33 CVE 595
$42.16 CVE 3,961
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.24 CVE 774
$3.97 CVE 373
$9.26 CVE 870
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$20.27 CVE 1,904
$7.93 CVE 745
$25.37 CVE 2,384
Apples (1kg)
$2.72 CVE 255
$2.07 CVE 194
$4.13 CVE 388
Banana (1kg)
$2.23 CVE 210
$2.04 CVE 192
$4.08 CVE 383
Oranges (1kg)
$2.82 CVE 265
$1.38 CVE 130
$7.98 CVE 750
Tomato (1kg)
$3.51 CVE 330
$1.64 CVE 154
$4.11 CVE 386
Potato (1kg)
$1.50 CVE 141
$0.86 CVE 81.1
$1.93 CVE 181
Onion (1kg)
$1.69 CVE 159
$1.25 CVE 117
$2.07 CVE 194
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.40 CVE 131
$1.06 CVE 99.8
$2.11 CVE 199
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 CVE 101
$0.62 CVE 58.1
$1.54 CVE 145
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.02 CVE 472
$4.76 CVE 447
$5.28 CVE 497
Wine (Bottle)
$8.31 CVE 781
$7.28 CVE 684
$9.35 CVE 878
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.11 CVE 198
$1.60 CVE 151
$3.20 CVE 301
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 CVE 184
$1.18 CVE 111
$2.15 CVE 202
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.90 CVE 84.2
$0.43 CVE 40.76
$1.01 CVE 95.1
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.25 CVE 2,842
$28.97 CVE 2,722
$31.53 CVE 2,962
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.81 CVE 170
$1.55 CVE 146
$2.07 CVE 194
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.10 CVE 197
$1.40 CVE 132
$2.79 CVE 262
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.65 CVE 1,001
$10.65 CVE 1,001
$21.30 CVE 2,001
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52 CVE 143
$1.38 CVE 130
$1.97 CVE 185
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.4K CVE 2.8M
$27.8K CVE 2.6M
$30.9K CVE 2.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.0K CVE 3.7M
$36.4K CVE 3.4M
$41.6K CVE 3.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$136 CVE 12.8K
$63.0 CVE 5,918
$210 CVE 19.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.54 CVE 2,587
$12.39 CVE 1,164
$30.98 CVE 2,911
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.2 CVE 5,190
$53.2 CVE 4,996
$60.6 CVE 5,696
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$35.21 CVE 3,308
$26.67 CVE 2,506
$48.01 CVE 4,511
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.96 CVE 842
$5.37 CVE 505
$10.75 CVE 1,010
Cinema Ticket
$5.85 CVE 549
$5.32 CVE 500
$6.39 CVE 600
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$161 CVE 15.1K
$103 CVE 9,691
$206 CVE 19.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,938 CVE 276.1K
$1,123 CVE 105.5K
$5,198 CVE 488.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$60.1 CVE 5,649
$32.00 CVE 3,007
$88.2 CVE 8,291
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.96 CVE 3,003
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.4 CVE 7,831
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$139 CVE 13.1K
$104 CVE 9,794
$188 CVE 17.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$450 CVE 42.3K
$315 CVE 29.6K
$630 CVE 59.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$246 CVE 23.1K
$186 CVE 17.4K
$398 CVE 37.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$553 CVE 52.0K
$329 CVE 30.9K
$1,133 CVE 106.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$488 CVE 45.9K
$264 CVE 24.8K
$844 CVE 79.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,005 CVE 94.4K
$688 CVE 64.6K
$1,323 CVE 124.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$689 CVE 64.8K
$351 CVE 33.0K
$1,028 CVE 96.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$287 CVE 27.0K
-
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: May 5, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary across Cape Verde is $242 – below average monthly costs of $529. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.

Groceries average around $181 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $28.00.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($529) is 61% below the global median of $1,350.

Average rent ($160) is 75% below the global median of $630.

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
Lowest
Highest
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
$446 $423 $1,171 $1,498
20.04
47.26
3
127832
62 $839 $1,224 $2,111 $2,539
158.23
63.51
4
-
51 $635 $997 $1,500 $1,992
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 $1,000 per month?
Absolutely – in smaller cities across Cape Verde, $1,000 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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