The cost of living in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) in 2026 runs about CVE 71,500–92,600 a month (~$730–$945) for a single person living simply, and about CVE 118,500–149,600 (~$1,210–$1,525) for a comfortable single life in central Praia. A couple should plan on roughly CVE 149,000–182,000 (~$1,525–$1,855). These figures use a rate of about CVE 98 per US dollar in early October 2026. The escudo is pegged to the euro at CVE 110.265, so prices stay stable for euro earners while dollar earners see small swings. Rent is the biggest variable. A one-bedroom outside the center of Praia costs around CVE 25,000–28,000 (~$250–$290), while central Praia averages closer to CVE 41,000–57,000 (~$420–$580). Fuel, imported food, and electricity are expensive for an island nation, and local wages are low. Below you’ll find rents, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, taxes, entry rules, and sample budgets.
Quick Answer
- Single person: CVE 71,500–92,600 (~$730–$945) on a lean budget; CVE 118,500–149,600 (~$1,210–$1,525) for a comfortable one in central Praia.
- Couple: CVE 149,000–182,000 (~$1,525–$1,855) a month in a central one-bedroom.
- Family of four: about CVE 178,700–222,900 (~$1,825–$2,275) before international school fees.
- Rent, one-bedroom: CVE 24,600–28,300 (~$250–$290) outside the center; CVE 41,250–56,700 (~$420–$580) in the center.
- Utilities: about CVE 14,400–17,900 (~$145–$180) a month for an 85 m² apartment; internet adds about CVE 5,100–5,200 (~$52–$53).
- Fuel: gasoline CVE 197.20 a liter (~$2.01) from October 1, 2026.
- Typical local take-home pay: about CVE 30,000–32,500 (~$305–$330) a month.
Exchange Rate, Inflation, and the Economy in 2026
Three facts shape what Cape Verde costs you this year.
The currency peg. The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is fixed to the euro at 1 EUR = CVE 110.265. That means a euro budget buys the same amount every month. Against the US dollar, the escudo moves with the euro. At the euro-dollar rate on October 2, 2026, one US dollar bought about CVE 98. All USD figures in this guide use CVE 98 per dollar and are rounded.
Inflation. The World Bank’s Cabo Verde overview reports average inflation of 2.3% in 2025 and expects price pressures to rise in 2026 because of volatile global commodity prices. The IMF’s country page projects consumer prices rising about 2.2% in 2026. Fuel is the exception: the regulator ARME raised maximum fuel prices on September 30, 2026, and the government says it absorbed about 70% of the latest butane gas increase.
The economy. Cape Verde has about 527,000 people spread over nine inhabited islands. The World Bank says the economy grew 6.3% in 2025 and should grow about 4.8% in 2026. Tourism accounts for roughly a quarter of GDP, and money sent home by Cape Verdeans abroad is another major support. Extreme poverty fell to 9.5% in 2025, but many households still live on modest incomes.
Cape Verde is not a cheap country by West African standards. Almost everything except fish, some produce, and local services is imported, and island shipping adds to the price.
Cost of Living by Island and City
Cape Verde has no single price level. Where you live matters as much as how you live. Data are thin, so treat the figures below as rough guides. The rent numbers are crowd-sourced averages based on a small number of reports (seven contributors for Praia over the past year), and listings vary widely.
| Location | 1-Bed, Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | 3-Bed, Center | 3-Bed, Outside Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia (Santiago) | CVE 56,700 (~$580) | CVE 28,300 (~$290) | CVE 88,750 (~$905) | CVE 46,700 (~$475) |
| Mindelo (São Vicente) | — | — | CVE 35,000 (~$355) | CVE 25,000 (~$255) |
| Cape Verde average | CVE 41,250 (~$420) | CVE 24,600 (~$250) | CVE 57,500 (~$585) | CVE 32,500 (~$330) |
Mindelo’s figures come from only two contributors, so they are a very rough guide. No reliable averages exist for Sal or Boa Vista.
What each main area is like for your budget:
- Praia is the capital and the most practical base for work, banks, government offices, schools, and the main hospital. Central neighborhoods such as Plateau, Prainha, and Palmarejo cost the most.
- Mindelo on São Vicente is the cultural capital, with a port, a second major hospital, and generally lower rents than central Praia.
- Sal (Santa Maria) and Boa Vista are the resort islands. Rents and restaurant prices are pushed up by tourism and short-term rentals, and many groceries arrive from other islands, so they cost more.
- Smaller islands such as Santo Antão, Fogo, and Maio are quieter and cheaper for housing, but have fewer services, less frequent transport, and limited healthcare.
Housing: Renting in Cape Verde
What to Expect From Rentals
Most long-term rentals are found through local contacts, real estate agents, and social media groups rather than big listing portals. Expect to pay a deposit, often one or two months’ rent, plus the first month in advance. Furnished apartments aimed at foreigners and tourists cost more than local unfurnished units.
Before you sign, check:
- Water supply. Much of the country’s water comes from desalination. Ask whether the building has a storage tank and how often supply is interrupted.
- What the rent includes. Some furnished rentals include water, electricity, or internet. Unfurnished ones usually do not.
- Internet options. Speeds and coverage vary by building and island. Test before you commit if you work online.
- Noise and security. Visit the street at night. Bars, dogs, and generators can be loud, and petty theft is a concern in parts of Praia.
Short Stays First
Many newcomers book a furnished short stay for the first month or two, then look for a local lease once they know the neighborhoods. Short stays cost more per month, especially on Sal and Boa Vista during the European winter high season.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Electricity is the costly utility. Most of Cape Verde’s power comes from imported diesel and fuel oil, so bills follow world fuel prices. Water is also expensive because much of it is desalinated.
Crowd-sourced averages for an 85 m² apartment:
| Item | Monthly Cost (CVE) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (national average) | 14,400 | $147 |
| Electricity, water, garbage (Praia) | 17,875 | $182 |
| Home internet (60+ Mbps) | 5,070–5,230 | $52–$53 |
| Mobile plan with data | 1,640–1,800 | $17–$18 |
| Butane gas cylinder (12.5 kg), from October 1, 2026 | 1,868 | $19 |
Air conditioning drives the biggest bills. A small apartment run with fans and careful use can come in well below these averages. Cooking gas is sold in cylinders. Electricity and water supplied to homes carry a reduced 8% VAT rate instead of the standard 15%.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
Local fish, bananas, papaya, corn, beans, and some vegetables are reasonably priced. Imported items, including most dairy, cheese, cereals, packaged foods, and wine, cost about what they cost in Europe or more. A single person who cooks most meals spends about CVE 18,000–25,000 a month (~$185–$255).
Average grocery prices in October 2026, from crowd-sourced data:
| Item | Typical Cost (CVE) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 141 | $1.44 |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 154 | $1.57 |
| Rice (1 lb) | 84 | $0.86 |
| Eggs (12) | 235 | $2.40 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | 378 | $3.86 |
| Beef (1 lb) | 823 | $8.40 |
| Cheese (1 lb) | 597 | $6.10 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 171 | $1.74 |
| Bottled water (1.5 liter) | 121 | $1.24 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | 800 | $8.17 |
Many residents buy bottled or filtered water for drinking, which adds a few thousand escudos a month for a household.
Eating out is affordable at local spots and pricier in tourist areas:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about CVE 500–550 (~$5–$5.60)
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about CVE 5,250 (~$54)
- Fast-food combo meal: about CVE 940 (~$9.60)
- Cappuccino: about CVE 236 (~$2.40)
- Local beer (pint, at a bar): about CVE 295 (~$3)
A daily prato do dia (plate of the day) at a local restaurant is the cheapest way to eat out. Beachfront restaurants in Santa Maria on Sal can charge two or three times as much for a similar meal.
Transportation and Getting Around
Getting around a single island is cheap. Moving between islands is not.
- City buses (Praia, Mindelo): about CVE 90 (~$0.90) per ride; a monthly pass costs about CVE 2,900–3,000 (~$30).
- Aluguers (shared minibuses): the main way to travel between towns on each island. Fares depend on distance and are paid in cash.
- Taxis: the meter or flag fare starts around CVE 175–200 (~$2). Agree on the price before longer trips.
- Fuel: national broadcaster RTC reported new maximum prices from October 1, 2026: gasoline CVE 197.20 per liter (~$2.01, or about $7.60 per US gallon) and regular diesel CVE 190.30 per liter.
- Inter-island travel: ferries and domestic flights connect the islands. Schedules can be irregular and prices add up, so budget for them if you plan regular trips.
Owning a car makes sense mainly on Santiago or if you live outside town. Imported cars are expensive, and fuel costs more than in most of Europe.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs
The main public hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo. Smaller islands have health centers but limited specialist care. The US State Department’s Cabo Verde page notes that most hospitals and doctors expect cash payment and that options for medical evacuation between islands are limited.
What this means for your budget:
- Social security (INPS): employees pay 8.5% of gross pay and employers 16%. Contributors and their families get access to the national health system at subsidized rates.
- Private insurance: foreigners without local employment usually carry international health insurance. Choose a plan that includes medical evacuation to Portugal or elsewhere in Europe, since serious cases are often treated abroad.
- Cash costs: keep an emergency fund for clinic visits, tests, and prescriptions, which you may need to pay upfront.
- Medication: pharmacies stock common medicines, but brand availability varies. Bring a supply of any regular prescription and a copy of the prescription.
Schools and Childcare
- Public schools teach in Portuguese and are low cost. Quality and class sizes vary.
- Private preschool: about CVE 14,200 (~$145) a month on average, based on crowd-sourced averages.
- International or private primary school: about CVE 304,000 (~$3,100) a year per child on average. Options are few and concentrated in Praia and, to a lesser degree, Mindelo and Sal.
Families who want English-language schooling should confirm places before moving, since spaces are limited.
Taxes: VAT and Income Tax
- VAT (IVA): the standard rate is 15%. A reduced 8% rate applies to household electricity and water, and some basic foods such as meat, fish, and milk are zero-rated, according to PwC’s Cabo Verde tax summary.
- Personal income tax (IRPS): residents are taxed on worldwide income and non-residents only on income from Cape Verde. Under the progressive rate table, income up to CVE 960,000 a year (~$9,800) is taxed at 16.5%, income from CVE 960,000 to 1.8 million (~$18,375) at 23.1%, and income above that at 27.5%. Net income up to CVE 220,000 a year (~$2,245) is exempt.
- Social security: 8.5% from employees and 16% from employers, as noted above.
Remote workers and retirees with foreign income should get advice on residency and double taxation before staying long term.
Visas and Entry Costs
Citizens of the EU, most other European countries, the United States, Canada, and Brazil can enter Cape Verde without a visa for short stays. Every visa-exempt visitor must pre-register on the government’s EASE portal, ideally at least five days before arrival, and pay the airport security fee (TSA), widely reported as CVE 3,400 (~$35). You can also pay at the airport, but the line is slower. The EASE site notes that nationals of some countries need an entry visa from January 1, 2026, so check your nationality before booking.
The US State Department lists single-entry visas valid for 90 days and multiple-entry visas valid for five years. Allowed stay lengths for visa-free visitors differ by nationality, so confirm yours with the nearest Cabo Verde embassy.
Long stays. Cape Verde runs a Remote Working Program for digital nomads and offers residence permits for retirees, investors, and workers. Requirements and fees change, so confirm the current rules with the official program site or an embassy. Plan for proof of income or savings, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and certified translations into Portuguese.
Safety and Practical Tips
The US State Department rates Cabo Verde at Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions”) but advises extra care in Praia, where it applies Level 2 guidance because of crime. Petty theft, muggings, and occasional armed robbery occur, mostly at night. Practical habits help:
- Take taxis after dark in Praia rather than walking alone.
- Keep phones and cash out of sight on beaches and in markets.
- Respect strong ocean currents. Drownings happen on several popular beaches.
- Learn some Portuguese or Kriolu. English is common only in tourist areas.
One-Time Setup Costs
- Flights and baggage: often the largest single cost, especially from North America.
- Airport security fee: about CVE 3,400 (~$35) per arrival for visa-exempt travelers.
- Rental deposit: commonly one to two months’ rent, plus the first month in advance.
- Furnishing: furniture and appliances are mostly imported and expensive. Renting furnished is usually cheaper for the first year.
- Residence paperwork: translations, notarized documents, criminal record certificates, and permit fees.
- Health insurance with evacuation cover: pay before you arrive.
- SIM card and internet installation: small, but budget a few thousand escudos.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets combine the averages above with typical spending. Lean budgets assume a one-bedroom outside the center; comfortable and couple budgets assume central Praia. Family figures assume a three-bedroom outside the center and one child in private preschool. All amounts are in escudos.
| Expense | Single, Lean | Single, Comfortable | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 24,600–28,300 | 41,250–56,700 | 41,250–56,700 | 32,500–46,700 |
| Utilities | 8,000–14,400 | 14,400–17,900 | 17,900 | 20,000–25,000 |
| Internet + mobile | 6,900 | 6,900–7,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| Groceries + drinking water | 18,000–22,000 | 25,000 | 40,000–45,000 | 60,000–70,000 |
| Eating out + leisure | 6,000–10,000 | 15,000–20,000 | 20,000–25,000 | 10,000–15,000 |
| Transport | 3,000 | 6,000–8,000 | 8,000–10,000 | 15,000–20,000 |
| Preschool (one child) | — | — | — | 14,200 |
| Health costs, personal care, misc. | 5,000–8,000 | 10,000–15,000 | 15,000–20,000 | 20,000–25,000 |
| Total (CVE) | 71,500–92,600 | 118,550–149,600 | 149,150–181,600 | 178,700–222,900 |
| Total (USD) | $730–$945 | $1,210–$1,525 | $1,525–$1,855 | $1,825–$2,275 |
These totals do not include international health insurance premiums, which depend on age and coverage, or inter-island travel. International school would add about CVE 25,300 (~$260) a month per child.
Salary vs. costs. Crowd-sourced data put typical local take-home pay at about CVE 30,000–32,500 a month (~$305–$330). That is less than half of even the lean single budget above, which is why many local households share housing, rely on several earners, or receive remittances from relatives abroad. Moving to Cape Verde works best with foreign income, a pension, or a job with an international employer.
Money and Banking
- Cash still matters. Cards work in larger shops, hotels, and many restaurants in Praia, Mindelo, and Sal, but markets, aluguers, and small shops are cash-only.
- ATMs are common in towns and accept most international cards. Your home bank’s foreign withdrawal fees may apply.
- Euros are easy. Because of the peg, euros convert at a predictable rate, and many tourist businesses accept them directly, though often at a rounded rate.
- Local bank accounts usually require a passport, proof of address, and a tax number (NIF). Ask each bank about monthly fees and card options.
- Transfers: compare total costs, including the exchange margin, before sending money from abroad.
Money-Saving Tips
- Live where locals live. Rents outside central Praia and outside Sal’s resort strip are far lower.
- Eat local. Fish, the prato do dia, and market produce cost a fraction of imported foods.
- Watch the air conditioning. It is the fastest way to double an electricity bill.
- Use buses and aluguers for daily travel and save taxis for nights.
- Bring what you can’t buy locally. Electronics, specialty foods, and some medicines are expensive or hard to find.
- Earn or save in euros if possible, since the peg removes exchange-rate risk.
How Cape Verde Compares With Nearby Countries
Cape Verde is more expensive than most of its West African neighbors but cheaper than Portugal, its closest cultural link. Compared with the cost of living in Senegal, the nearest mainland country, Cape Verde has higher prices for imported goods and fuel but a calmer, more tourism-oriented lifestyle. Many residents also compare it with living costs in Portugal, where wages and rents are much higher but healthcare and services are more developed.
Other Portuguese-speaking options in the region include Guinea-Bissau’s cost of living and the island nation covered in our São Tomé and Príncipe expense guide. Both are cheaper in daily costs but offer fewer services. To the northeast, the cost of living in Mauritania is lower for local goods, but services for newcomers are far more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Cape Verde per month?
A single person needs about CVE 71,500–92,600 (~$730–$945) a month on a lean budget, and about CVE 118,500–149,600 (~$1,210–$1,525) for a comfortable life in central Praia. A couple should budget about CVE 149,000–182,000 (~$1,525–$1,855).
How much is rent in Cape Verde?
A one-bedroom apartment costs about CVE 24,600–28,300 (~$250–$290) a month outside the center and about CVE 41,250–56,700 (~$420–$580) in the center, based on crowd-sourced averages. Rents are highest in central Praia and in the resort areas of Sal and Boa Vista.
Is Cape Verde cheap to live in?
It is cheaper than Western Europe or the US, but not cheap for West Africa. Rent and local food are affordable, while electricity, fuel, and imported goods are expensive. Local take-home pay of about CVE 30,000–32,500 a month does not cover a typical foreigner’s budget.
What currency is used in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde uses the escudo (CVE), which is pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = CVE 110.265. In early October 2026, one US dollar was worth about CVE 98. Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Do you need a visa for Cape Verde?
Citizens of the EU, most other European countries, the US, Canada, and Brazil can visit without a visa, but must pre-register on the EASE portal and pay the airport security fee of about CVE 3,400. Some nationalities need an entry visa from January 1, 2026, and long stays require a residence permit or the Remote Working Program.
Is Cape Verde safe to live in?
Generally yes. The US State Department rates Cabo Verde at Level 1, the lowest advisory level, but recommends extra caution in Praia because of street crime. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight.
Conclusion
Cape Verde offers a calm island life at moderate cost, as long as your income comes from outside the country. A single person can live simply on about CVE 72,000–93,000 (~$730–$945) a month, or comfortably in central Praia on about CVE 119,000–150,000 (~$1,210–$1,525). Rent is affordable away from the resort strips, but electricity, fuel, and imported goods cost more than many expect. Choose your island carefully, keep a cash cushion for healthcare and travel, and confirm entry and residence rules before you go.
Sources
- World Bank – Cabo Verde overview
- IMF – Cabo Verde country page
- Bank of Canada – daily exchange rates, October 2, 2026 (euro-dollar cross rate)
- ARME (Agência de Regulação Multissectorial da Economia) – fuel price update, September 30, 2026
- RTC – Jornal da Noite, October 1, 2026 (fuel and butane prices)
- Expresso das Ilhas – fuel price mechanism debate, October 3, 2026
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Cabo Verde personal income tax
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Cabo Verde VAT and social security
- US State Department – Cabo Verde travel information
- Government of Cabo Verde – EASE pre-registration portal
- Numbeo – Cape Verde, Praia, Mindelo (crowd-sourced averages)
