Cape Verde flagCost of Living Guide · Cape Verde

Cost of Living Guide in Cape Verde

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Cape Verde is an affordable destination within Africa, though slightly more expensive than the continental average due to higher consumer prices offset by lower rents. As an island nation, costs reflect import dependency, but overall expenses remain modest compared to developed countries, making it attractive for budget-conscious expats and digital nomads.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$491–$741 USD per month for a single person living like a local: modest housing in suburban areas ($135–$180), local food and groceries ($80–$120), public transport ($15–$20), utilities ($40–$50), and minimal discretionary spending.
Comfortable
$1,034–$1,534 USD per month for a single expat: decent 1-bedroom apartment in or near city center ($300–$410), mix of local and imported groceries ($150–$200), occasional dining out ($100–$150), utilities and internet ($60–$80), transport ($30–$50), and entertainment ($100–$150).
Family of four
$2,461–$3,111 USD per month for a family of four on an expat lifestyle: spacious 2–3 bedroom apartment ($500–$700), international groceries and dining ($400–$600), utilities and internet ($120–$150), transport including occasional taxi/car rental ($80–$120), international school fees (if applicable, $200–$500 separately), and activities ($150–$250).

Cape Verde offers excellent value for expats and digital nomads, being about 12% more expensive overall than the Africa average but with notably cheaper rent (24% below regional average). The island's stable quality of life (index: 108.5), affordable housing, and reliable internet make it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking an island lifestyle at modest cost.

Economic & Living Costs in Cape Verde
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

400-1100 CVE
Avg: 750 CVE
+11.1% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

3000-15332.34 CVE
Avg: 9166.17 CVE
+28.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

500-1106.08 CVE
Avg: 803.04 CVE
1.5% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

221.22-500 CVE
Avg: 360.61 CVE
-0.7% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

30000-60000 CVE
Avg: 45000 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

18000-35000 CVE
Avg: 26500 CVE
-8.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

34032.25-110000 CVE
Avg: 72016.12 CVE
-21.1% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

25000-80000 CVE
Avg: 52500 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

43-100 CVE
Avg: 71.5 CVE
-4.7% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

700-1000 CVE
Avg: 850 CVE
+32.3% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

3000 CVE
Avg: 1500 CVE

Gasoline (1L)

127.3-160 CVE
Avg: 143.65 CVE
-11.3% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

6000-20000 CVE
Avg: 13000 CVE
-0.5% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

5000-6250 CVE
Avg: 5625 CVE
+5.1% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

1000-3000 CVE
Avg: 2000 CVE
-4.8% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

130-145 CVE
Avg: 137.5 CVE
+7.8% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

100-300 CVE
Avg: 200 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

168-300 CVE
Avg: 234 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

600-4000 CVE
Avg: 2300 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

2000-3000 CVE
Avg: 2500 CVE
-28.6% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

300-1000 CVE
Avg: 650 CVE
-13.3% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

500-600 CVE
Avg: 550 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

10000-20000 CVE
Avg: 15000 CVE
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03