Cabo Verde digital nomads cost of living

This comprehensive guide breaks down the cost of living for digital nomads in Cabo Verde, moving from national averages and bureaucratic costs to island-specific financial realities. While the archipelago is generally more affordable than Western Europe or North America, costs vary drastically depending on whether you choose a tourist hub or a local cultural center.

1. General Overview: The Economics of the "No Stress" Lifestyle

Cabo Verde offers a compelling financial proposition for digital nomads: a lower cost of living combined with a high quality of life, set against a backdrop of political stability and year-round sunshine. However, because it is an island nation heavily reliant on imports, it is not as cheap as Southeast Asian hubs like Bali or Thailand.

Currency and Banking The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). It is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR ≈ 110.265 CVE,.

• Payment Culture: While high-end hotels accept Visa/Mastercard, the economy largely runs on cash and the local vinti4 debit card system. International cards work at ATMs to withdraw Escudos, but carrying cash is essential for daily life.
• Opening an Account: To pay local bills (like internet or utilities) seamlessly, opening a local bank account (e.g., at Banco Comercial do Atlântico) is recommended for long-term stays,.

The Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Working Program) The entry cost for digital nomads is incredibly low compared to global standards.

• Visa Fees: The processing fee is approximately €20, plus a €34 airport security fee payable upon arrival.
• Income Requirements: To qualify, you must prove a minimum average bank balance over the last six months of €1,500 for individuals or €2,700 for families,.
• Tax Benefit: A major financial incentive is that remote workers under this program are exempt from income tax on earnings generated outside of Cabo Verde,.

Utilities and Infrastructure Costs

• Electricity: This is one of the highest expenses in Cabo Verde. Electricity costs can be around $0.35 per kWh, which is significantly higher than in many developed nations,. Nomads should budget €50–€100+ per month for utilities, especially if running air conditioning,.
• Internet: While fiber optics are available in urban centers, the average fixed broadband speed hovers around 17 Mbps nationwide. A fiber package (up to 40-100 Mbps in cities) costs roughly €40–€60 per month,. As of late 2024, Starlink is operational, offering a high-speed alternative for remote locations, though hardware costs are around $373 with a monthly subscription of roughly $48.
• Mobile Data: 1GB of mobile data costs approximately $5.46, but packages are available. Providers like Unitel T+ and CV Móvel offer monthly plans,.

Healthcare and Insurance The public healthcare system is basic, and medical evacuation to Portugal or the Canary Islands is often required for serious issues.

• Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering medical evacuation is mandatory for the visa. Expect to budget €100–€200 per month for a robust international plan.

Cost of living  - Island-by-Island Breakdown

Santiago (Praia)

The Capital City: Business, Culture, and Urban Living

Santiago is the economic engine of the country. For nomads, it offers the most "city-like" experience with the best infrastructure, but costs can fluctuate based on neighborhood.

• Accommodation:

  • Rent in Praia is moderate. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $400–$600 (approx. €370–€550) per month,.
  • Upscale neighborhoods like Palmarejo or Plateau are preferred by expats for safety and amenities but command higher rents.
  • Coworking: Dedicated spaces like Prime Coworking and Workin' CV are available. A monthly pass for a hot desk ranges from €100 to €150, while a dedicated desk is around €145,.

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Groceries: Because Santiago has agricultural interiors, local produce (bananas, papayas, vegetables) is more abundant and cheaper here than on the desert islands. However, imported goods remain pricey,.
  • Dining: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $5–$7, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot is about $35–$45.
  • Transport: Taxis are affordable (€2–€4 for city trips). The island is large, so exploring requires "alugueres" (shared vans) which are very cheap (approx. €5 for cross-island trips).

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: A comfortable nomad lifestyle in Praia ranges from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on air-conditioning usage and dining habits.

São Vicente (Mindelo)

The Cultural Hub: Music, Arts, and Cosmopolitan Vibes

Mindelo is often cited as the cultural capital, offering a vibrant lifestyle that is slightly more affordable than the tourist-heavy Sal.

• Accommodation:

  • Rents are reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $300–$450 per month. Outside the center, it can drop to $200–$300.
  • Coworking: Prime Coworking has a branch here, and places like The Don Paco Hotel offer coworking packages starting around €140/month,.

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Dining: Mindelo has a thriving café culture. A cappuccino costs about $1.70, and a budget meal is $4–$6. Fresh fish is abundant and cheap at the local markets.
  • Entertainment: The nightlife is a major draw, with live music in bars essentially free or requiring a minimal consumption fee.

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: You can live well in Mindelo for $1,000–$1,500. It offers perhaps the best value for money regarding quality of life and cultural immersion.

Sal (Santa Maria)

The Tourist Hub: Sun, Sand, and European Prices

Sal is the most developed island for tourism, meaning it has the best amenities but also the highest prices ("Tourist Tax"). Virtually everything except fish is imported.

• Accommodation:

  • This is the most expensive island. A one-bedroom apartment in Santa Maria typically costs €500–€1,000 per month. High-end beachfront units can go much higher,.
  • Coworking: GoHub in Santa Maria offers premium desks for around €250/month, while cafes like Ocean Café offer day passes for around €10,.

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Groceries: Because Sal is a desert, all fruit, vegetables, and dairy are imported, often making grocery shopping as expensive as in Europe,.
  • Dining: Tourist-oriented restaurants charge European prices (€15–€20 for a main course). Local "prato do dia" (dish of the day) options are available for €4–€6 if you step away from the main tourist drag.
  • Water: Tap water is desalinated and costly.

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: Expect to spend $1,500–$2,000+ per month. It is the price you pay for world-class beaches and English-speaking convenience.

Santo Antão

The Hiker's Paradise

This island has no airport, so it has avoided mass tourism. It is affordable but requires a more rustic lifestyle.

• Accommodation:
  • There are no dedicated coworking spaces, so you will likely work from your accommodation. Rents for guesthouses or local apartments are low, often €20–€50 per night for short stays, with negotiable monthly rates likely falling between €300–€500.
  • Casa das Ilhas offers a coliving-style experience in the mountains.
• Logistics Cost:
  • You must factor in the ferry from São Vicente, which costs about €30 for a return trip.
• Food:
  • As the "garden of Cape Verde," local fruit and vegetables are abundant, fresh, and cheap here.
• Estimated Monthly Budget: €800 – €1,200.

Boa Vista (Sal Rei)

The Desert Island: Dunes, Quiet, and Imports

Similar to Sal, Boa Vista is a beach destination, but it is quieter and slightly less developed. Costs are driven by the need to import almost everything.

• Accommodation:

  • Rents are slightly lower than Sal but still higher than the mainland islands. A one-bedroom apartment ranges from €350 to €600 per month,.
  • Coworking: GoHub also has a branch in Sal Rei, with monthly passes around €190 (Standard) to €250 (Premium).

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Consumables: High reliance on imports means grocery bills are high. Fresh produce can be scarce and expensive.
  • Utilities: Water and electricity are particularly expensive here due to desalination dependence.
  • Activities: Whale watching and quad biking are popular but priced for tourists.

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: Budget similarly to Sal, perhaps slightly less on rent but equal on food: $1,400–$1,800 per month.

São Nicolau

The Off-Grid Retreat: Nature, Hiking, and Low Costs

For the nomad who wants to disconnect and save money, São Nicolau offers a raw, authentic experience. It is not a tourist hub, which keeps prices low but logistics difficult.

• Accommodation:

  • Finding rentals online is hard; you often need to be on the ground. Rents are very low, often €150–€300 per month for a local house.
  • Coworking: There are no dedicated coworking spaces. You will rely on your accommodation's Wi-Fi or 4G.

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Cost: This is an agricultural island, so local fruit, vegetables, and fish are incredibly cheap. However, imported luxuries (cheese, wine, electronics) are hard to find or expensive.
  • Transport: Car rentals are available (approx. €65/day), but local "alugueres" are very cheap (€1–€3).

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: A frugal nomad could live here for $600–$900 per month, provided they live like a local and do not require imported luxuries. Starlink is highly recommended here due to unreliable local internet.

Fogo (São Filipe)

The Volcano Island: Agriculture, Wine, and Views

Fogo offers a unique blend of colonial charm in São Filipe and rugged adventure near the volcano. It is an agricultural hub, which helps with food costs.

• Accommodation:

  • Rent in São Filipe is affordable, ranging from €250 to €400 per month for decent lodgings.
  • Coworking: The GoHub Fogo Innovation Lab in São Filipe offers fiber internet and workspaces. Day passes are around €15, and monthly options are likely available upon request.

• Food and Lifestyle:

  • Local Produce: Fogo produces its own wine, coffee, fruit, and cheese. These items are high quality and affordable locally, unlike on Sal or Boa Vista where they are imported.
  • Dining: Local meals are very affordable (€5–€10).

• Total Monthly Budget Estimate: Similar to São Vicente, a budget of $800–$1,200 provides a comfortable lifestyle with high-quality local food and unique excursions.

Summary : Monthly Budget Estimates for Nomads

Sal

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €1,500 – €2,000+

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €500 – €1,000

Boa Vista

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €1,400 – €1,800

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €350 – €600

Santiago

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €1,200 – €1,800

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €370 – €550

São Vicente

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €1,000 – €1,500

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €300 – €450

Fogo

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €800 – €1,200

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €250 – €400

São Nicolau

• Estimated Monthly Cost (Single): €600 – €900

• Rent (1-Bedroom): €150 – €300