Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Permanent sunshine, a “no stress” atmosphere, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of West Africa… Cape Verde is increasingly attracting expatriates, retirees, and remote workers. But beyond the beaches and colorful villages lies a very practical question: what is the real cost of living in Cape Verde, and under what conditions can an expatriate live comfortably there?
This number corresponds to the main islands of Cape Verde for which cost-of-living data is analyzed: Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, Santiago, Santo Antão and Fogo, with Praia as the capital.
Understanding the General Price Level
Before diving into the details, it’s important to position Cape Verde relative to other countries where expatriates often settle.
On average, the cost of living for a single person is estimated at around $973 per month including housing, and about $2,100 for a family of four. Excluding rent, it’s around $489 for a single person and $1,389 for a family of four.
In international comparison, several indicators provide a good idea of the price scale.
| Indicator | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Global cost of living rank | 98th out of 197 countries |
| Cost vs. global average | ~1.17 times cheaper than the global average |
| Difference vs. USA (excluding rent) | –37.6% |
| Difference vs. USA (including rent) | –51.4% |
| Rent vs. USA | –79.3% |
| Difference vs. Portugal (including rent) | Portugal ~33% more expensive |
| Difference vs. France (including rent) | France ~46% more expensive |
In other words, Cape Verde is overall cheaper than Western Europe and North America, mainly due to significantly lower rents. But this favorable picture hides two essential realities for expatriates:
The average net salary is low, between $211 and $400 per month, which is often insufficient to meet the real cost of living. Furthermore, living conditions vary considerably from island to island, with a marked contrast between tourist centers like Santa Maria (Sal) or Sal Rei (Boa Vista) and more locally-oriented towns like Praia, Mindelo, or Santo Antão.
For an expatriate living on foreign income (pension, remote salary, savings, or business), Cape Verde can be affordable or even advantageous. For someone relying on a local salary, it’s a different story.
Praia, the Capital, as a Reference Point
Praia, on the island of Santiago, often serves as a basis for comparison. The city has about 150,000 inhabitants, a warm and dry climate year-round, and concentrates institutions, services, the university, hospitals, as well as some service sector jobs.
According to aggregated data, an expatriate in Praia can expect the following order of magnitude for their budget, covering expense categories like housing, food, and transportation.
| Profile | Estimated Monthly Cost (with rent) |
|---|---|
| Single person | ~$835 to $1,466 |
| Couple | ~$2,111 |
| Family of four | ~$1,897 to $3,026 |
| Digital nomad | ~$1,881 |
| Expatriate (average profile) | ~$1,173 |
| Local (average profile) | ~$686 |
These ranges reflect two lifestyles: a “budget” mode starting at about $745 per month including rent for a single person, and a “comfortable / high-end” level which can climb towards $3,000 or more.
Rent and Housing: The Major Variable in the Equation
The housing category is the one that creates the biggest differences between profiles, as well as between islands.
Praia and Major “Local” Cities
In Praia, rents remain modest compared to Europe or North America, especially if you stay in fairly central neighborhoods and accept a local standard of comfort.
Average figures for the capital are as follows:
| Type of Housing (Praia) | Average Monthly Rent (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom 40 m² city center | ~$419 (30,000–60,000 CVE) |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom 40 m² outside center | ~$295 |
| 3-Bedroom 80–85 m² city center | ~$758 (35,000–110,000 CVE) |
| 3-Bedroom 80–85 m² outside center | ~$463 |
| 85 m² furnished in expensive area (Praia or equivalent) | ~96,631 CVE |
| 85 m² furnished in “normal” area | ~69,119 CVE |
In other more “local” towns:
Overview of rent ranges for apartments or houses in different cities and islands of Cape Verde.
A 1-bedroom in the city center costs about $300–450 per month. On the outskirts, prices are around $200–300.
Rents on the island of Fogo are generally between $250 and $400 per month.
On this island, rents can be more affordable, between $150 and $300 per month.
Unfurnished houses are sometimes available for rent for $170–220 per month.
On this type of island, an expatriate who adopts a local lifestyle, renting unfurnished and acquiring furnishings gradually, can significantly reduce expenses.
Tourist Islands: Sal and Boa Vista
On the beach islands, frequented by European tour operators, rents are in a different category, especially if one demands “European” standards or resort-style comfort with a pool.
On Sal (Santa Maria) and Boa Vista (Sal Rei), observed averages are of this order:
| Island / Area | Typical Monthly Rent for a 1-Bedroom |
|---|---|
| Santa Maria (Sal) | €500–1,000 (well-located studio or 1-bedroom) |
| Sal Rei (Boa Vista) | €350–600 |
| Standard tourist apartment (Sal/Boa Vista) | €500–1,500 depending on standard |
| Semi-furnished with a private owner | from €300 |
At these price levels, a couple or family choosing a “tourist residence” type accommodation can easily exceed an overall budget of $1,500 to $2,000 per month, even without extravagances.
Real Estate Purchase and Returns for an Investor
For those considering buying rather than renting, purchase prices remain much lower than in many European destinations.
The average prices per square meter are around:
| Location | Average Purchase Price (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Apartment city center (Praia) | ~$1,148–$1,154 |
| House / apartment in suburbs | ~$939–$941 |
For an investor, these levels are attractive, especially since Cape Verde offers an investment residence program (“Green Card”) starting at €80,000 or €120,000 depending on the area (below or above the average GDP per capita). But one must keep in mind the high energy and water costs, especially in tourist areas supplied by private desalination plants.
Utilities and Services: Electricity, a Sensitive Item
Electricity is one of the highest costs in the country, which often surprises newcomers. The price per kWh regularly hovers around $0.30–$0.40, with official residential rates around 17 CVE/kWh beyond 40 kWh monthly. For an expatriate used to air conditioning or energy-hungry appliances, the bill quickly adds up.
Typical data:
| Expense Item (monthly) | Order of Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Electricity + water + garbage, 85 m² apartment | $100–150 (≈ 6,000–20,000 CVE) |
| “Utilities” bill for 85 m² (average) | ~12,939 CVE |
| Utilities for small studio (≈45 m²) | ~13,471 CVE |
| Unlimited Internet 50–60 Mbps | ~$45–70 (≈ 5,000–6,250 CVE) |
| Mobile plan with calls + ≥10 GB | 2,300–2,700 CVE (~$24–100) |
Several operators (CV Móvel, Unitel T+) and providers like Alou offer fixed Internet plans. In major cities, you can find triple play packages (Internet + phone + TV) between €40 and €80 per month, and fiber offers (40–100 Mbps) for €40–60.
Realistic monthly budget for utility bills for an expatriate household accustomed to comfort, which can exceed €200 with regular air conditioning use.
Eating in Cape Verde: Cheap… If You Eat Local
The food category is more nuanced. Two factors weigh heavily:
1. The country imports a large part of what it consumes.
2. Some nearly desert islands (Sal, Boa Vista) depend almost entirely on shipments arriving by boat.
In practice, the key to controlling your food budget is to distinguish between local products and imported products.
Prices of Some Everyday Products
Aggregated data provide a fairly representative basic basket:
| Product (supermarket) | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| 1 L whole milk | 136 CVE (~$1.39) |
| White bread 0.5 kg | 155–172 CVE (~$1.52) |
| 1 kg rice | ~161–205 CVE (~$2.05) |
| 12 eggs | ~226–238 CVE (~$2.46) |
| 1 kg chicken (fillet) | ~749 CVE (~$9.15) |
| 1 kg beef (rump steak) | ~1,801 CVE (~$17.4) |
| 1 kg apples | ~286 CVE (~$3.92) |
| 1 kg bananas | ~$2.79 |
| 1 kg tomatoes | ~$4.14 |
| 1.5 L bottled water | ~111 CVE (~$0.89) |
| Local beer 0.5 L (supermarket) | ~182 CVE (~$1.81–2.5) |
| Bottle of mid-range wine | ~800–1,195 CVE (~$9.14) |
In the long term, a couple who cooks most of their meals can plan on $200 to $400 in monthly groceries, with a lower budget on agricultural islands (Santiago, Santo Antão, Fogo, São Nicolau) and higher on Sal or Boa Vista.
Prices for local fruits and vegetables drop considerably during their harvest season. On islands like Santo Antão, Fogo, or inland Santiago, markets are full of fresh produce at very attractive prices. In contrast, on islands like Sal or Boa Vista, products like milk, yogurt, vegetables, and fruit (except for fish) are often nearly as expensive, if not more so, than in Europe.
Eating Out: From the “Prato do Dia” to Tourist Restaurants
Regarding restaurants, the gaps are just as marked between local cuisine and tourist establishments.
Some benchmarks:
| Type of Meal | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Meal in a small local restaurant | ~500 CVE ($5–7) per person |
| Simple lunch menu (business district) | ~696 CVE (~$6.7) |
| McDonald’s meal or equivalent fast-food | ~450–650 CVE ($5.5–6) |
| Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | ~5,000 CVE ($35–45) |
| Local draft beer (0.5 L, bar) | ~280–330 CVE ($2–2.5) |
| Cappuccino | ~199 CVE ($1.5–1.8) |
In very touristy areas (Santa Maria, Sal Rei), a main course in a “tourist” restaurant easily climbs to €15–20 per plate, while the “prato do dia” (dish of the day) in a local eatery remains at €4–6.
An expatriate who cooks at home, frequents local markets, and reserves tourist restaurants for special occasions can keep a very reasonable monthly food bill. In contrast, a family wanting to maintain their European diet, based on imported products, will see their budget explode.
Getting Around: Cheap Transportation, Expensive Fuel
As the archipelago is dispersed, mobility comes at a cost. One must distinguish between daily travel on an island and inter-island trips.
In Cities and on the Islands
On a daily basis, public and shared transport remain cheap.
| Mode of Transport (local) | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Urban bus ticket (Praia/Santiago) | ~44–100 CVE ($0.7–1) |
| Monthly transport pass | ~2,685–2,752 CVE (~$29–30) |
| Taxi ride (in town, daytime) | ~100–250 CVE depending on distance |
| Taxi starting meter (official rate) | 80–150 CVE, but often negotiated |
| 8 km taxi ride | ~$13 |
| Aluguer (shared minibus, long trip) | A few € ($1–5 depending on distance) |
| Gasoline, 1 liter | ~145 CVE (~$1.5–1.6) |
The “alugueres” – shared minibuses or pickup trucks – form the backbone of transport on the islands: inexpensive, they connect towns, villages, and beaches. They generally leave when full, which requires a little patience, but the cost remains unbeatable.
Gasoline, however, is expensive: about $1.5–1.6 per liter, more than in many European or North American countries. Renting a car for a day runs around €50–70 depending on the island and type of vehicle (4×4 recommended on some islands like Boa Vista, Santo Antão, or parts of São Nicolau).
Inter-Island Travel
To change islands, there are two main options: plane or ferry.
Domestic flights in Cape Verde, operated by airlines like BestFly Cabo Verde, cost about €50 per one-way trip. However, prices increase significantly for multi-destination travel or during high season. An air pass is available for passengers arriving with the national airline, but the savings are limited.
Ferries are cheaper but slower and subject to delays, especially during windy and rough seas. A round trip São Vicente – Santo Antão costs about €30. Some overnight trips between more distant islands only run a few times a week.
For an expatriate who doesn’t change islands every other day, this budget line remains modest, but it weighs on digital nomads who want to “island-hop” regularly.
Healthcare: Affordable Care but Supplement with Insurance
The Cape Verdean healthcare system mixes public facilities and private clinics. Global indicators are rather good (life expectancy around 75–76 years, low infant mortality compared to the region), but the offer remains limited and unequal between islands.
Cost of Routine Care
For simple medical procedures, fees remain relatively modest, particularly in the private sector which attracts the majority of expatriates.
| Service | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Short private consultation | ~2,528 CVE (€25–30) |
| Visit to a general practitioner | ~$25–28 |
| Box of antibiotics | ~1,038 CVE |
| Cold medicine (1 week) | ~335 CVE (~$3.4) |
| Simple men’s haircut | ~250 CVE (~$2.5) |
Basic medications are available in most pharmacies, but for chronic or specific treatments, it is recommended to arrive with prescriptions and a sufficient supply, as stock shortages are not uncommon.
Health Insurance: An Item Not to Overlook
The real cost for an expatriate is not so much in the daily consultation but in covering the risk of serious issues: hospitalization, surgery, medical evacuation to Portugal or the Canary Islands.
Estimate of the average monthly cost of international health insurance for an adult, depending on age, coverage, and deductibles.
Considering that a medical evacuation can cost between €15,000 and €30,000, this monthly budget is hard to compress if you want to live peacefully in the long term.
Education and Tuition Fees for Families
For expatriate families, the school question completely changes the cost of living equation.
The public system, in Portuguese, is free for primary school (ages 6–12), but involves schooling children in the local language, with resources sometimes limited depending on the island. Therefore, many expatriates prefer private school.
The main cost areas are as follows:
| Type of Institution | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Private daycare / preschool (per month) | ~10,000–20,000 CVE ($79–146) |
| International primary school (per year) | ~108,000–500,000 CVE (≈$3,000) |
| Local private school (Portuguese teaching) | ~$200 per month approximately |
International schools are rare and mostly French-speaking (like the International School Les Alizés in Praia or EIS in Murdeira on Sal). There is not yet a true English-speaking international school covering all of primary and secondary with a full curriculum.
Faced with this limited offer, many expatriates turn to:
– distance learning (CNED or other programs),
– homeschooling, which is not strictly regulated by law but tolerated for foreigners.
For a couple with two children in international school, the annual bill can easily exceed €6,000–10,000, which radically alters the country’s financial appeal.
Lifestyle, Leisure, and “Invisible” Expenses
Beyond the major categories (housing, food, transport, health, school), a series of more discreet costs eventually weigh on an expatriate’s budget.
Available figures give, for example:
| Expense Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Gym membership (month) | ~2,500–3,000 CVE ($26–50) |
| Movie ticket | ~500–600 CVE (~$5–6) |
| Cocktail in a bar / club | ~670 CVE (~$6–7) |
| Simple dinner for two in a pub | ~2,436 CVE |
| Pack of Marlboro cigarettes | ~268–500 CVE ($4–4.5) |
| Pair of brand-name jeans | ~$60 |
| Brand-name sneakers | ~$72–80 |
Outdoor activities – beach, hiking, swimming, exploring villages – generally remain free. But all organized activities (boat trips, diving, excursions) are charged at rates clearly designed for European tourists:
– guided hike: €15–30 per day,
– half-day boat excursion: €40–80,
– scuba dive: €60–100 per outing,
– snorkeling: €20–40.
For an expatriate, the leisure budget can vary considerably. Adopting a “permanent tourist” lifestyle (frequent tourist activities) leads to rapidly multiplying expenses. In contrast, adopting local habits (like going to the beach, walking, enjoying live music in bars, or participating in neighborhood parties) allows for much lower spending.
Massive Differences Between Islands: Choosing Your Location
A common trap for newcomers is to consider the cost of living as homogeneous from one island to another. In reality, the opposite is true: the archipelago functions almost like several separate countries in budgetary terms.
Four Island Profiles, Four Budgets
We can roughly distinguish four categories:
1. Tourist Beach Islands (Sal, Boa Vista)
Real estate prices, groceries, and restaurant prices driven up by hotel complexes and seasonal residents. Heavy reliance on desalination makes water and electricity particularly costly. Imported products (almost everything except fish) are at European prices, or even higher.
– Comfortable monthly budget for a single expat: $1,500–2,000.
– Budget for a couple with good standard housing: often > $2,000.
The islands of Santiago, São Vicente, and Fogo offer a balance between local life and tourism. The availability of local products is greater there, especially on Santiago and Fogo, allowing for a significant reduction in the food budget. Rents are also much lower than on more touristy islands like Sal or Boa Vista.
– Comfortable budget for a single person in Praia or Mindelo: $1,000–1,500.
– Budget for a family of four: often $1,900–3,000 depending on school, housing, leisure.
3. Very Local and Agricultural Islands (Santo Antão, São Nicolau, sometimes Maio)
Few permanent expatriates, very little mass tourism, extremely low housing costs, abundance of local agricultural products. In return, limited choice of restaurants, paid activities, international schools, and advanced healthcare infrastructure.
– Possible budget for a frugal lifestyle: $600–900 per month for a single person.
– Comfortable budget for a couple: €800–1,200.
The so-called “hybrid” islands like Fogo and some parts of Santiago experience mixed development. They combine traditional agricultural activity with the emergence of tourism and the establishment of innovative projects like coworking or coliving spaces. This economic diversification comes with intermediate living costs and a gradual rise in prices in some sectors, illustrating an economic transition.
Internet and Remote Work: A Cost to Factor In
For digital nomads, Internet access is a strategic expense. Overall:
– The average speed in Praia is around 12–17 Mbps, with much higher peaks in some fiber spots.
– Coworking spaces exist in Praia (Prime Coworking, Workin’ CV), Mindelo (Prime, coworking packages at Hotel Don Paco), Sal (GoHub), Boa Vista (GoHub Sal Rei) and Fogo (GoHub Fogo Innovation Lab).
– Coworking subscriptions are around €100–150 per month for a hot desk, up to €190–250 for a premium spot on tourist islands.
On more remote islands like São Nicolau or some areas of Santo Antão, expatriates now heavily rely on Starlink, despite an installation cost of around $373 and a subscription of about $48 per month, which adds to the classic Internet budget.
Local Purchasing Power vs. Foreign Income
An essential aspect for understanding the cost of living in Cape Verde is the gap between local salaries and average expenses.
The figures converge: an average net monthly salary is around $211 to $400, while the cost of living for a single person including rent easily exceeds $900. Monthly expenses thus represent about 4.6 times the average salary.
For an expatriate living on foreign income (remote salary, pension, dividends, etc.), the differences in cost of living and exchange rates can translate into significant purchasing power. The main condition is to be willing to adapt to the local standard of living and manage your budget accordingly given these economic differences.
– consume a significant portion of local products,
– live in “mixed” neighborhoods rather than tourist bubbles,
– adjust expectations regarding comfort and services.
For a foreign employee paid at the Cape Verdean level, however, the budget is much tighter and leaves little room for extras (inter-island travel, paid leisure, private school, etc.).
Estimating a Realistic Budget Based on Your Profile
By bringing together all this data, we can outline some typical scenarios, sticking to orders of magnitude.
Single Person in Praia, “Standard Expat” Profile
Imagining a decent 1-bedroom in a mid-range neighborhood, partly local groceries, a few outings, and an Internet subscription:
– Rent + utilities: $450–600
– Food (groceries + some restaurants): $250–350
– Local transport (bus, taxis): $30–60
– Internet + mobile: $50–80
– Leisure, clothing, miscellaneous: $100–200
– International health insurance: €100–150
This yields a total budget in the range of $1,000–1,500, with a component in euros for health insurance.
Remote Working Couple in Mindelo or Praia
By sharing certain expenses, there are real economies of scale:
– 2/3-Bedroom Rent: $500–800
– Utilities: $120–180
– Food: $350–500
– Transport: $40–80
– Fixed Internet + 2 mobiles: $70–120
– Leisure, restaurants, outings: $150–300
– Health insurance (2 adults): €200–300
Estimated overall monthly budget, in dollars, for a very decent comfort level.
Family of Four in Praia with International School
This is the most expensive scenario:
– Comfortable 3-Bedroom Housing: $700–900
– Utilities: $150–200
– Food: $500–700
– Transport (bus, taxis, possibly a small car): $80–150
– Internet, mobiles: $80–120
– Leisure (including children): $150–250
– International schooling (2 children): ~€6,000–10,000 per year (i.e., €500–800 per month per child on average)
– Health insurance for the whole family: €300–500 per month depending on policies
Result: even living “local” on everything else, the total budget can easily exceed €3,000–3,500 per month once you add two international schools and proper health coverage.
A Cheaper Life… If You Accept Living Truly Local
For an expatriate ready to embrace Cape Verdean culture – eating local, frequenting markets, living in a mixed neighborhood, using “alugueres”, forgetting some imported products, and accepting a more restricted consumer offer – Cape Verde can offer an excellent quality of life / cost of living ratio, especially compared to Portugal or France.
Replicating an identical European lifestyle in Mauritius, with high-end housing, imported products, international school, and frequent travel, can prove as expensive as in many Mediterranean destinations, if not more.
The key, ultimately, lies in three simple questions that every candidate for expatriation should ask themselves:
– On which island am I willing to live, and in what type of neighborhood?
– To what extent am I willing to “localize” my daily life (food, transport, leisure)?
– What monthly budget am I prepared to allocate to health and education, if I have children?
The answers to these questions will make the difference between an affordable Cape Verde, even very economical, and a Cape Verde as expensive as a European beach resort – with, admittedly, much more sun and a lot less stress.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
