Cost of Living in Cape Verde - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $528 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

A couple spends around $877 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

A family of three spends around $1,226 per month with rent on average in Cape Verde.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.16 CVE 503
$2.59 CVE 252
$11.36 CVE 1,106
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.7 CVE 5,034
$31.31 CVE 3,047
$160 CVE 15.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.47 CVE 825
$4.77 CVE 464
$11.68 CVE 1,137
Cappuccino
$1.96 CVE 191
$0.75 CVE 72.6
$4.60 CVE 448
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03 CVE 197
$1.06 CVE 103
$3.17 CVE 308
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.13 CVE 110
$1.03 CVE 100
$1.54 CVE 150
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.35 CVE 326
$2.34 CVE 228
$5.31 CVE 517
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.18 CVE 212
$1.86 CVE 181
$3.11 CVE 303
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.38 CVE 134
$1.13 CVE 110
$1.50 CVE 146
White Bread (500g)
$1.80 CVE 176
$1.06 CVE 104
$3.18 CVE 310
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.76 CVE 171
$1.04 CVE 101
$3.73 CVE 363
Eggs
$2.34 CVE 228
$1.74 CVE 169
$3.10 CVE 302
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.87 CVE 1,253
$6.26 CVE 609
$41.72 CVE 4,060
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.12 CVE 790
$3.91 CVE 381
$9.13 CVE 888
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.74 CVE 1,921
$7.72 CVE 752
$24.71 CVE 2,405
Apples (1kg)
$2.72 CVE 265
$2.07 CVE 201
$4.14 CVE 403
Banana (1kg)
$2.22 CVE 216
$2.03 CVE 197
$4.06 CVE 395
Oranges (1kg)
$2.74 CVE 267
$1.35 CVE 131
$7.77 CVE 756
Tomato (1kg)
$3.51 CVE 341
$1.64 CVE 160
$4.11 CVE 400
Potato (1kg)
$1.50 CVE 146
$0.86 CVE 84.1
$1.93 CVE 188
Onion (1kg)
$1.68 CVE 163
$1.24 CVE 120
$2.05 CVE 200
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.35 CVE 132
$1.03 CVE 100
$2.05 CVE 200
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 CVE 104
$0.62 CVE 60.1
$1.54 CVE 150
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.08 CVE 495
$4.82 CVE 469
$5.35 CVE 521
Wine (Bottle)
$8.04 CVE 782
$6.02 CVE 586
$9.04 CVE 880
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 CVE 197
$1.53 CVE 149
$3.07 CVE 299
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.87 CVE 182
$1.13 CVE 110
$2.06 CVE 200
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.96 CVE 93.5
$0.46 CVE 45.22
$1.08 CVE 106
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.95 CVE 2,915
$28.69 CVE 2,792
$31.21 CVE 3,038
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.80 CVE 175
$1.54 CVE 150
$2.06 CVE 200
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.19 CVE 213
$1.46 CVE 142
$2.91 CVE 284
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.37 CVE 1,009
$10.37 CVE 1,009
$20.74 CVE 2,018
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.51 CVE 147
$1.38 CVE 134
$1.95 CVE 190
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.7K CVE 2.9M
$28.2K CVE 2.7M
$31.3K CVE 3.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.4K CVE 3.8M
$36.7K CVE 3.6M
$42.0K CVE 4.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$138 CVE 13.4K
$63.8 CVE 6,207
$213 CVE 20.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.28 CVE 2,753
$12.73 CVE 1,239
$31.82 CVE 3,097
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.8 CVE 5,235
$51.8 CVE 5,038
$59.0 CVE 5,744
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.43 CVE 3,351
$26.08 CVE 2,538
$46.94 CVE 4,569
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.82 CVE 858
$5.29 CVE 515
$10.58 CVE 1,030
Cinema Ticket
$5.73 CVE 558
$5.21 CVE 507
$6.26 CVE 609
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$163 CVE 15.8K
$104 CVE 10.1K
$208 CVE 20.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,940 CVE 286.1K
$1,123 CVE 109.3K
$5,200 CVE 506.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.0 CVE 5,644
$30.87 CVE 3,005
$85.1 CVE 8,284
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.34 CVE 3,050
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.2 CVE 8,093
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$141 CVE 13.7K
$106 CVE 10.3K
$191 CVE 18.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$446 CVE 43.4K
$312 CVE 30.4K
$624 CVE 60.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$253 CVE 24.6K
$191 CVE 18.6K
$409 CVE 39.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$561 CVE 54.6K
$334 CVE 32.5K
$1,149 CVE 111.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$478 CVE 46.5K
$258 CVE 25.1K
$825 CVE 80.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,136 CVE 110.5K
$671 CVE 65.3K
$1,445 CVE 140.7K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$790 CVE 76.9K
$341 CVE 33.2K
$1,030 CVE 100.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$333 CVE 32.5K
-
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 23, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary in Cape Verde is $288 – below average monthly costs of $528. 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 ($528) is 61% below the global median of $1,339.

Average rent ($160) is 75% below the global median of $628.

Dining out ($28.00) is 43% below the global median of $49.00.

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
$458 $423 $1,398 $1,465
20.04
47.26
3
127832
62 $802 $1,212 $1,885 $2,630
158.23
63.51
4
-
51 $655 $1,004 $1,666 $2,034
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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