Santa Maria, Cabo Verde
Santa Maria is a major city in Cabo Verde with a population of 30,000.
Below Average vs Cabo Verde Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Santa Maria vs Cabo Verde Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Esc 360,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 30,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 280/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 68°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Esc14,000,000
- 1BR Rent: Esc35000/mo
Cost of Living
Santa Maria's cost of living index is 85 (Cabo Verde average = 100).
| Category | Santa Maria | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Esc14,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Esc35000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Esc43,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Esc9,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Maria:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Esc3000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Esc15 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Esc1000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Esc2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Esc6015 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Santa Maria scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Santa Maria has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88°F | 68°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 83°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 86°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Santa Maria faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions in the Sahel.
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Atlantic island with tsunami risk.
Coastal and flash flooding.
Wildfire risk in dry season.
Volcanic terrain with landslides.
Dust storms from the Sahara.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Portuguese-influenced education system.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Maria, Cabo Verde?
The cost of living index in Santa Maria is 85, which is Lower the Cabo Verde national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Maria?
The median home price in Santa Maria is Esc14,000,000. The housing index is 92.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Maria is approximately Esc35000/mo.
Does Santa Maria, Sal have income tax?
Santa Maria is in Sal, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.