Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Santa Maria sits on the arid south coast of Sal, Cape Verde, where rain is rare and the ocean stays warm year-round. The town feels like a perpetual summer, with temperatures hovering between 22°C and 27°C and humidity rarely dipping below 70%. It’s a dry, dusty place — expect three rainy days a year, max.

Living in Santa Maria means adapting to island time. The airport is a quick 16 km drive north, but Espargos, the island’s capital, feels worlds away at 20 km. Rent is cheap — $366.75 for a one-bedroom in the city center — but don’t expect luxury. Water shortages are common, and infrastructure can be patchy. This is a place for those who can handle slow internet and occasional power cuts.

Santa Maria works best for expats who want a low-cost beach lifestyle and don’t mind trading convenience for simplicity. It’s not for those who need urban amenities or reliable infrastructure.