Cost of Living: Cape Verde vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Cape Verde and United States.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Cape Verde is 81.0% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 93.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $19 in Cape Verde for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 93.9%

Cape Verde is 93.9% cheaper

Childcare 87.1%

Cape Verde is 87.1% cheaper

Rent Per Month 79.7%

Cape Verde is 79.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 81.0%

Cape Verde is 81.0% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +21.7%
  • Clothing And Shoes +3.7%

Is Cape Verde cheaper than United States?

Yes, Cape Verde is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Cape Verde are 81.0% lower than in United States.

Where Cape Verde is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 93.9% cheaper
  • Childcare 87.1% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 79.7% cheaper

Where Cape Verde is more expensive:

  • Transportation 21.7% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 3.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Cape Verde: 5.16 $ United States: 20.00 $
74.2% cheaper in Cape Verde

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Cape Verde: 442.64 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
74.7% cheaper in Cape Verde

Monthly public transport pass

Cape Verde: 29.73 $ United States: 65.00 $
54.3% cheaper in Cape Verde

1 liter of milk

Cape Verde: 1.39 $ United States: 1.06 $
31.1% more expensive in Cape Verde

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Cape Verde is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 81.0% on living expenses by choosing Cape Verde over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

81.0%

Cape Verde is 81.0% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

40.7%

Cape Verde is 40.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

32.8%

Cape Verde is 32.8% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

51.0%

Cape Verde is 51.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

21.7%

Cape Verde is 21.7% more expensive than United States in this category

Household Utilities

35.9%

Cape Verde is 35.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

37.0%

Cape Verde is 37.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

41.5%

Cape Verde is 41.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

87.1%

Cape Verde is 87.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

3.7%

Cape Verde is 3.7% more expensive than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

79.7%

Cape Verde is 79.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

71.1%

Cape Verde is 71.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

93.9%

Cape Verde is 93.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Cape Verde United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.16 $ 20.00 $ 74.2%
Cape Verde is 74.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 51.18 $ 75.00 $ 31.8%
Cape Verde is 31.8% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 8.26 $ 11.50 $ 28.2%
Cape Verde is 28.2% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.90 $ 5.24 $ 63.7%
Cape Verde is 63.7% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.99 $ 2.56 $ 22.3%
Cape Verde is 22.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.14 $ 2.09 $ 45.5%
Cape Verde is 45.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.08 $ 2.23 $ 51.6%
Cape Verde is 51.6% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.25 $ 4.38 $ 48.6%
Cape Verde is 48.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.39 $ 1.06 $ 31.1%
Cape Verde is 31.1% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.76 $ 3.63 $ 51.5%
Cape Verde is 51.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.76 $ 4.61 $ 61.8%
Cape Verde is 61.8% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.34 $ 4.29 $ 45.5%
Cape Verde is 45.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.74 $ 12.93 $ 1.5%
Cape Verde is 1.5% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.26 $ 12.20 $ 32.3%
Cape Verde is 32.3% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 19.81 $ 10.78 $ 83.8%
Cape Verde is 83.8% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 2.71 $ 5.28 $ 48.7%
Cape Verde is 48.7% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.26 $ 1.68 $ 34.5%
Cape Verde is 34.5% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.74 $ 4.50 $ 39.1%
Cape Verde is 39.1% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.53 $ 4.91 $ 28.1%
Cape Verde is 28.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.45 $ 2.94 $ 50.7%
Cape Verde is 50.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.69 $ 3.08 $ 45.1%
Cape Verde is 45.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.36 $ 2.20 $ 38.2%
Cape Verde is 38.2% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 29.73 $ 65.00 $ 54.3%
Cape Verde is 54.3% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.90 $ 10.00 $ 51.0%
Cape Verde is 51.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.91 $ 2.50 $ 63.6%
Cape Verde is 63.6% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.81 $ 3.75 $ 51.7%
Cape Verde is 51.7% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.32 $ 1.74 $ 33.3%
Cape Verde is 33.3% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.32 $ 30.00 $ 65.6%
Cape Verde is 65.6% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.52 $ 0.93 $ 63.4%
Cape Verde is 63.4% more expensive
New Economy Car 29,422.21 $ 30,000.00 $ 1.9%
Cape Verde is 1.9% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 38,713.43 $ 25,982.09 $ 49.0%
Cape Verde is 49.0% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 133.63 $ 208.61 $ 35.9%
Cape Verde is 35.9% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.53 $ 57.38 $ 52.0%
Cape Verde is 52.0% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 53.73 $ 71.66 $ 25.0%
Cape Verde is 25.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 34.07 $ 46.22 $ 26.3%
Cape Verde is 26.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.60 $ 21.94 $ 60.8%
Cape Verde is 60.8% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.68 $ 14.44 $ 60.7%
Cape Verde is 60.7% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 161.31 $ 1,372.78 $ 88.2%
Cape Verde is 88.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 2,918.13 $ 22,512.19 $ 87.0%
Cape Verde is 87.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 58.21 $ 52.18 $ 11.6%
Cape Verde is 11.6% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 30.97 $ 42.56 $ 27.2%
Cape Verde is 27.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 82.59 $ 89.93 $ 8.2%
Cape Verde is 8.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 137.65 $ 113.60 $ 21.2%
Cape Verde is 21.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 442.64 $ 1,746.65 $ 74.7%
Cape Verde is 74.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 246.48 $ 1,440.62 $ 82.9%
Cape Verde is 82.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 555.39 $ 2,896.11 $ 80.8%
Cape Verde is 80.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 477.94 $ 2,403.74 $ 80.1%
Cape Verde is 80.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 986.72 $ 3,233.83 $ 69.5%
Cape Verde is 69.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 730.69 $ 2,715.21 $ 73.1%
Cape Verde is 73.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 258.09 $ 4,329.01 $ 94.0%
Cape Verde is 94.0% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 7.67 6.51 17.8%
Cape Verde is 17.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Cape Verde to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Cape Verde and United States goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Cape Verde vs United States

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Cape Verde

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.