Cape Verde is a nation of 10 volcanic islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. With beautiful beaches, a Creole culture, and warm year-round climate, Cape Verde has emerged as an appealing island escape. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Cape Verde – from reasons to move there, pros and cons, costs, quality of life, culture and best places to settle.
Why Move to Cape Verde?
There are many compelling reasons to move to Cape Verde, including:
- Laidback island lifestyle on gorgeous beaches with pleasant year-round temperatures around 25°C.
- Lower cost of living, especially housing, food and other basics compared to Europe or North America.
- Welcoming mix of African and Portuguese influences shape a vibrant Creole culture with music, food and art.
- Beautiful volcanic landscapes to explore with hiking, diving, windsurfing and more. Each island has a different vibe.
- Caribbean feel without hurricanes. Situated outside the hurricane belt and cyclone paths.
- Visa free access to the Schengen Area as a member of the EU sphere. Makes visiting Europe convenient.
- Good air connections through the islands and direct flights to America and Europe.
- High level of development, infrastructure, healthcare and governance compared to mainland Africa. Still basic but functional.
- Lack of mass tourism development helps preserve local heritage. An off the beaten path destination.
Living in Cape Verde: Pros and Cons
While Cape Verde has much to love, some downsides exist too:
Pros :
- Laidback island life
- Affordable cost of living
- Pleasant warm climate year-round
- Creole culture with Portuguese flair
- Scenic volcanic islands
- Convenient to visit Europe visa-free
- Safe and stable compared to mainland Africa
Cons :
- Isolation – tiny population on remote islands
- Lack of variety and amenities
- Limited healthcare facilities
- Unreliable infrastructure with water and power cuts
- Low wages and high unemployment
- Can be boring for some – not much nightlife
- High import costs for anything foreign
- Portuguese required for residency and business
- Visa requirements to work or live long-term
Cape Verde appeals most to island-lovers seeking a peaceful escape with stunning scenery. But amenities are still developing.
The Cost of Living in Cape Verde
While rising in recent years, Cape Verde remains highly affordable especially compared to Europe. Typical expenses include:
Housing
- Renting a modern apartment starts around $400 a month.
- Buying an apartment is $70,000+ or house for $150,000+.
Food
- Groceries at markets cost around $150-200 monthly for two.
- Imported goods cost more. Eating out costs $5-15 per meal locally.
Utilities
- Electricity, water, garbage, internet and cable totals around $150-200 per month.
- Reliability is improving but outages occur.
Transportation
- Used cars start around $10,000.
- Gas is $1.20/liter.
- Taxis run $5-10 for average trips.
- Flights connect the islands.
Healthcare
- Public healthcare is free but limited.
- Private clinics cost just $30-60 per visit for expats without insurance.
Education
- Public schools are free but basic.
- Private elementary schools are $2,000-5,000 per year.
Taxes
- Residents pay income tax up to 35%.
- VAT is 15%. Reduced incentives for foreign retirees or investors.
Activities
- Entertainment like dinner out or festivals runs $10-20 per person.
- Water sports rentals around $10/hour.
Quality of Life in Cape Verde
Life quality in Cape Verde is moderate but steadily improving across metrics:
- Cost of Living – Low costs allow disposable income to stretch further, especially compared to Europe. But limited amenities.
- Infrastructure – Modern ports and airports connect the islands. Roads and utilities are functional but power and water cuts still occur. Internet improving.
- Environment – Lack of mass tourism development helps preserve nature and beaches. Though climate change threatening water supply.
- Healthcare – Public healthcare is free but very limited relying on foreign aid. Those needing ongoing care should get insurance. Preventative medicine is not the norm.
- Safety & Security – Low violent crime rates allow relatively safe walking and travel throughout the country. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas. Effective police response.
- Economy & Employment – High unemployment over 15%, especially among youth. Economy relies heavily on tourism. Low wages but income gaps not as drastic.
- Leisure & Culture – Relaxed island life encourages leisure time on beaches, watersports, hiking or enjoying vibrant music and cuisine.
A Beginner’s Guide to Cape Verdean Culture
Cape Verde culture mixes African and Portuguese influences into a unique Creole identity:
- Main languages are Portuguese Creole locally and standard Portuguese – learning basics enhances immersion and opportunities.
- Laidback attitudes prevail. People are welcoming but society remains conservative with traditional gender roles.
- Religion is predominantly Roman Catholic blended with traditional African beliefs. Religious events feature prominently.
- Cuisine features staples like fish, corn, rice, beans along with Portuguese influences.
- Music and dance are integral – morna love songs, energetic funaná, and carnival parades.
- Families are close-knit. Several generations often live together.
- Oral traditions like storytelling and proverbs are prevalent. Handicrafts use natural materials.
- Historical ties with New England – many Cape Verdeans emigrated there as sailors or whalers.
- Isolation developed a unique mixed culture that retained more African heritage than colonies.
Best Places to Live in Cape Verde
Top island destinations include:
- Sal Island – The most developed island focused on tourism. Features long sandy beaches.
- Boa Vista – Laidback island with stunning beaches and sand dunes, ideal for nature lovers.
- São Vicente – Home to the cultural capital Mindelo. Centers around Portuguese heritage, music and art.
- Santiago – Largest island with the capital Praia. Also has mountains, forests and history as the first settlement.
- Fogo – Dramatic volcanic island with breathtaking views from atop the cone-shaped peak.
Each island has a distinct vibe. But all provide the archipelago’s signature Creole culture, natural beauty and an infectiously relaxed way of life.
For an affordable and idyllic island lifestyle off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde delights expats seeking sand, surf and cultural immersion in a tropical paradise.
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