CostLens
HomeCape Verde › Santa Maria

Cost of Living in Santa Maria

Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde · Population 25,779

▼ -16% vs Cape Verde average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$37,894 ($375)
Couple, monthly$67,174 ($665)
Family of four, monthly$86,795 ($859)

Estimated Prices in Santa Maria

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$409 ($4.05)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$1,636 ($16.20)per meal
Cappuccino$123 ($1.22)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$9,272 ($91.80)per month
Monthly public transport pass$1,500 ($14.85)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$3,954 ($39.15)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$1,145 ($11.34)per month
Fitness club membership$1,145 ($11.34)per month
Cinema ticket$300 ($2.97)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$15,273 ($151)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$10,624 ($105)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$31,873 ($316)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Maria is $36,360 ($360) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $37,894 ($375) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $49,263 ($488) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($10,624 ($105)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Maria

Santa Maria vs PraiaSanta Maria vs LazaretoSanta Maria vs MindeloSanta Maria vs TarrafalSanta Maria vs São FilipeSanta Maria vs Porto Novo

Nearby Cities

Espargos

18 km away · Sal

Sal Rei

47 km away · Boa Vista

Ribeira Brava

149 km away · Ribeira Brava

Tarrafal

155 km away · Tarrafal de São Nicolau

Porto Inglês

166 km away · Maio

Tarrafal

173 km away · Tarrafal

Calheta de São Miguel

173 km away · São Miguel

Pedra Badejo

176 km away · Santa Cruz

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

Mindelo

São Vicente · pop. 70,468

$42,420 ($420) / mo

Living in Santa Maria

Santa Maria is one of the key cities in Cape Verde. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $37,894 ($375), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $10,624 ($105) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $86,795 ($859) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $67,174 ($665) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Maria is $36,360 ($360). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $49,263 ($488) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Maria expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $37,894 ($375) per month in Santa Maria including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Cape Verde.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Maria?
A net salary of around $49,263 ($488) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Maria with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Maria is $36,360 ($360).
How much is rent in Santa Maria?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $15,273 ($151) per month in the city centre and $10,624 ($105) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $31,873 ($316).
Is Santa Maria cheaper than Cape Verde on average?
Yes — Santa Maria is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Cape Verde average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Maria?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $9,272 ($92) in Santa Maria. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $409 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $123 ($1).
How do transport costs in Santa Maria compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Maria is estimated at $1,500 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Maria are estimates based on Cape Verde national averages adjusted for city size (population 25,779). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.