Africa · budget destination

Cost of living in Cape Verde for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Cape Verde — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Praia.

Monthly budget

$1,000–1,500

One person, all-in, in Praia

Rent (1-bed)

$400–750

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Budget

under ~$1,500/mo

What to know

What makes Cape Verde stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Cape Verde

Stable, safe island nation off the West African coast with year-round sunshine, steady trade winds for kitesurfing, and a growing remote-work community particularly on Sal and São Vicente.

Watch out for

Everything imported costs more; island life means limited choice of goods; healthcare beyond basic level requires flying to mainland Portugal; connectivity varies by island.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Africa

All 13 in Africa →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Egypt	$700–1,100	Budget
Kenya	$1,100–1,700	Budget
Mauritius	$2,000–2,900	Moderate
Morocco	$900–1,500	Budget
Namibia	$1,500–2,200	Moderate
Nigeria	$1,500–2,500	Moderate

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Cape Verde1 current route, each with its official source Healthcare in Cape Verde for expatsPublic + private mix system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in Cape VerdeRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Cape Verde without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

Moving to Cape Verde?

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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