Retire in Cabo Verde on €550 a month

Imagine swapping your early morning alarm and supermarket queues for slow walks on the sand and the sound of the sea.

For more and more retirees, that’s not just a daydream — it’s daily life in Cabo Verde, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa where the weather is warm, the beaches are endless, and your pension stretches a whole lot further than it does in Spain or the UK.

Why Cabo Verde is the perfect low-cost retirement destination in the sun

Cabo Verde isn’t on everyone’s radar, but maybe it should be. It’s made up of ten islands, each with its own flavour, but Sal and Boa Vista are the ones that tend to steal the show. Think white sand, turquoise water, and that relaxed island rhythm that makes you forget what day it is.

You don’t need to be rich to enjoy it, either. The average monthly salary in Cabo Verde is under €300 — so if you’re retiring on even a modest pension, you’ll be more than comfortable. In fact, many expats say they live quite happily on around €550 a month. And that’s not scraping by — that’s renting a house, eating out, taking taxis, and still having money left over.

Cost of living in Cabo Verde for European retirees

To give you an idea: a three-bedroom house by the beach? Around €350–€400 a month. A full food shop? Often under €100. A coffee on a terrace or a fresh fish dinner? Maybe €2–€3. Even getting around is cheap — a short taxi ride costs less than a London coffee.

And because you’re not spending hundreds on heating, groceries or bills like you might be in Europe, it’s easier to relax and enjoy the things that actually matter — the sunshine, the sea, and a much simpler way of life.

How to retire in Cabo Verde: residency, lifestyle and expat tips

Moving somewhere new can feel daunting, but Cabo Verde makes it surprisingly easy. Tourists don’t need a visa for stays under 30 days, and if you’re planning to settle for longer (like most retirees do), the process is pretty straightforward — especially if you’ve got a regular pension income.

It’s a small country, but it’s well set up for visitors. You’ll find decent healthcare options, solid infrastructure, and even a growing community of expats from across Europe. There’s a charm to it all — a kind of relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Should you retire in Cabo Verde? Here’s why it might be the perfect choice

we’ve all daydreamed about packing a bag and disappearing somewhere warmer. But if you’ve reached retirement and you’re ready for a new chapter, this might be more than just a fantasy.

Sun every day, no rush, no stress, and a budget that actually works? That’s not bad for €550 a month. And while it might not be for everyone, Cabo Verde could be just the escape you didn’t know you needed — until now.

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