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Cost of Living in Mindelo

Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde · Population 70,468

▼ -6% vs Cape Verde average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$42,420 ($420)
Couple, monthly$75,296 ($746)
Family of four, monthly$97,384 ($964)

Estimated Prices in Mindelo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$455 ($4.50)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$1,818 ($18.00)per meal
Cappuccino$136 ($1.35)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$10,302 ($102)per month
Monthly public transport pass$1,667 ($16.50)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$4,394 ($43.50)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$1,273 ($12.60)per month
Fitness club membership$1,273 ($12.60)per month
Cinema ticket$333 ($3.30)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$17,423 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$12,120 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$36,360 ($360)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mindelo is $40,400 ($400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $42,420 ($420) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $55,146 ($546) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($12,120 ($120)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mindelo

Mindelo vs PraiaMindelo vs LazaretoMindelo vs TarrafalMindelo vs Santa MariaMindelo vs São FilipeMindelo vs Porto Novo

Nearby Cities

Lazareto

6 km away · São Vicente

Porto Novo

17 km away · Porto Novo

Pombas

28 km away · Paul

Ribeira Grande

33 km away · Ribeira Grande

Ponta do Sol

36 km away · Ribeira Grande

Tarrafal

76 km away · Tarrafal de São Nicolau

Ribeira Brava

80 km away · Ribeira Brava

Espargos

218 km away · Sal

Other Major Cities in Cape Verde

Praia

Praia · pop. 159,050

$56,214 ($557) / mo

Lazareto

São Vicente · pop. 70,468

$42,420 ($420) / mo

Living in Mindelo

Mindelo is one of the key cities in Cape Verde. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $42,420 ($420), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $12,120 ($120) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $97,384 ($964) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $75,296 ($746) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Mindelo is $40,400 ($400). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $55,146 ($546) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mindelo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $42,420 ($420) per month in Mindelo including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Cape Verde.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mindelo?
A net salary of around $55,146 ($546) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mindelo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mindelo is $40,400 ($400).
How much is rent in Mindelo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $17,423 ($173) per month in the city centre and $12,120 ($120) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $36,360 ($360).
Is Mindelo cheaper than Cape Verde on average?
Yes — Mindelo is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Cape Verde average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Mindelo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $10,302 ($102) in Mindelo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $455 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around $136 ($1).
How do transport costs in Mindelo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mindelo is estimated at $1,667 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mindelo are estimates based on Cape Verde national averages adjusted for city size (population 70,468). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.