Prices vary more than you might think
Renting a car in Cape Verde costs, on average, between 2,800 and 12,000 CVE per day (roughly 25-110 €). That wide range comes down to four factors worth understanding before you book: car category, island, duration and season.
This guide has indicative 2026 figures, compares the main islands, and explains where companies typically make margin — so you know where to negotiate and save.
Prices by category (2026 national average)
| Category | Examples | Per day (CVE) | Per day (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto | 2,800 – 4,500 | 25 – 41 € |
| Compact | Hyundai Accent, Renault Clio | 4,000 – 6,500 | 36 – 59 € |
| Sedan / automatic | Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Elantra | 5,000 – 7,500 | 45 – 68 € |
| SUV / 4x4 | Suzuki Jimny, Hyundai Tucson | 6,500 – 10,000 | 59 – 91 € |
| 7-seat van | Kia Carnival, Hyundai H1 | 7,500 – 12,000 | 68 – 110 € |
Values are for 3-7 day rentals. Longer stays mean lower daily rates; 1-day rentals are slightly higher.
Variation by island
The island where you pick up has a direct impact:
- Santiago (Praia): most competitive. Most agencies, widest supply, sharpest prices.
- Sal (Santa Maria): slightly pricier due to tourist demand. +10-15% vs Santiago.
- São Vicente (Mindelo): similar to Santiago. Good availability.
- Boa Vista: 4x4 dominates, average prices 15-25% higher due to the fleet profile.
Cars don't move between islands — each island is a separate market. See the fleet by island.
High vs low season
Seasonal swing can be 30% or more:
- High: Dec-Feb (European winter), Jul-Aug (school holidays). Top of the table.
- Shoulder: Mar-May, Oct-Nov. Good value, pleasant weather.
- Low: Jun, Sep. Bottom of the table. Some rainfall risk on certain islands.
Booking 4+ weeks ahead in high season is essential — cars sell out.
What is (and isn't) included
The advertised price is typically the daily car rate. Your final bill also includes:
Usually included:
- Unlimited mileage
- Basic insurance (third-party)
- Roadside assistance (on each company's hours)
- VAT / taxes
Usually NOT included (add-ons):
- Full insurance / CDW — +1,500-3,500 CVE/day
- Additional driver — free at some, 500-1,000 CVE/day at others
- Child seat — 500-800 CVE/day
- GPS — 300-500 CVE/day (not needed with Google Maps)
- Out-of-hours delivery — 2,000-5,000 CVE (flat)
- Fuel: return at same level
Fees and risks to know
A few practices to watch for:
- Deposit held on card: 30,000-100,000 CVE by category. Not charged — held. Released 2-10 days after return.
- High excess on basic insurance (in case of claim): up to 1,500 € depending on company. CDW drops this sharply.
- Fuel fee if you return with less fuel: some charge pump price + 30%.
- Airport fee — included at most, but some smaller agencies charge separately (1,500-3,000 CVE).
A worked example
Typical case: couple, 7 days in Santiago, economy car, May (shoulder season).
- Base rental: 4,000 CVE/day × 7 = 28,000 CVE
- Weekly discount (10%): -2,800 CVE
- Full insurance / CDW: 2,000 × 7 = 14,000 CVE
- Total: 39,200 CVE (~355 €)
Same package in Sal in January (high season): ~50,000 CVE (~455 €).
How to save 20-30%
- Book early — 3-4 weeks out in high season
- Weekly rate — for 5+ days, don't book by day
- Skip unused add-ons — GPS, redundant insurance (check your Gold/Platinum card)
- See it on Elos — prices from several local rental companies, with the total before you book
- Watch fuel — return at the same level
- Shoulder season — Mar-May and Oct are the sweet spot
FAQ
Can I pay in euros? On Elos, what you pay online is in escudos, and your card's bank converts it. At the counter, each company decides whether it takes euros, at its own rate (usually worse than the official one): escudos or a card work out better.
Is full insurance worth it? For stays over 3 days or rougher roads (Santiago interior, Boa Vista), yes. For 1-2 days in urban areas, basic + a credit card with rental cover can be enough.
Do prices differ between companies for the same car? Yes, from one company to another. On Elos you see each island's rental companies on one page, with the total price before you book.
Ready to book? See prices in Santiago, Sal, São Vicente and Boa Vista.
