Cost of Living in Sao Tome And Principe - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $836 (excluding rent), and $1,021 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,066 (excluding rent), and $2,623 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.91 STN 420

$11.37 STN 240

$28.44 STN 600

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$43.3 STN 914

$29.37 STN 620

$58.7 STN 1,240

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.12 STN 214

$8.33 STN 176

$11.9 STN 251

Cappuccino

$1.97 STN 41.53

$1.13 STN 23.85

$2.53 STN 53.5

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.93 STN 40.76

$1.68 STN 35.39

$2.35 STN 49.55

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 STN 21.76

$0.89 STN 18.74

$1.18 STN 24.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.63 STN 34.31

$0.57 STN 12.06

$2.28 STN 48.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.82 STN 38.36

$1.35 STN 28.51

$2.02 STN 42.67

Milk (1 liter)

$1.33 STN 27.98

$0.91 STN 19.28

$1.71 STN 36.06

White Bread (500g)

$1.57 STN 33.13

$0.66 STN 13.86

$2.23 STN 46.99

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.91 STN 40.31

$1.09 STN 22.91

$2.91 STN 61.3

Eggs

$4.52 STN 95.4

$2.36 STN 49.81

$5.36 STN 113

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.16 STN 425

$17.49 STN 369

$23.32 STN 492

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.47 STN 432

$17.55 STN 370

$23.41 STN 494

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.72 STN 522

$12.39 STN 261

$28.51 STN 602

Apples (1kg)

$4.62 STN 97.4

$3.46 STN 73

$5.77 STN 122

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 STN 24.87

Oranges (1kg)

$4.13 STN 87.1

$3.54 STN 74.6

$4.72 STN 99.5

Tomato (1kg)

$3.44 STN 72.5

$2.86 STN 60.4

$4.01 STN 84.7

Potato (1kg)

$2.59 STN 54.6

$2.3 STN 48.46

$2.87 STN 60.6

Onion (1kg)

$1.99 STN 42.03

$1.14 STN 24.02

$2.84 STN 59.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.66 STN 13.89

$0.55 STN 11.68

$0.77 STN 16.31

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.97 STN 41.51

$0.36 STN 7.53

$3.54 STN 74.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.28 STN 48.14

Wine (Bottle)

$6.97 STN 147

$4.65 STN 98.1

$9.3 STN 196

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.22 STN 25.76

$1.13 STN 23.91

$1.42 STN 29.88

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 STN 28.13

$0.95 STN 19.97

$1.65 STN 34.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.23 STN 25.85

$1.05 STN 22.1

$1.39 STN 29.4

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.94 STN 294

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.65 STN 34.74

$1.37 STN 28.92

$1.86 STN 39.32

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.9K STN 482.6K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$28.27 STN 596

$21.93 STN 463

$34.62 STN 730

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73 STN 1,541

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.65 STN 794

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.85 STN 609

Cinema Ticket

$20.94 STN 442

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$19.17 STN 405

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$269 STN 5,672

$115 STN 2,431

$346 STN 7,292

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$190 STN 4,016

$105 STN 2,213

$233 STN 4,918

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$670 STN 14.1K

$466 STN 9,835

$874 STN 18.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$527 STN 11.1K

$351 STN 7,410

$702 STN 14.8K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$139 STN 2,929

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$450 STN 9,490

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.38

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Cost of Living in Sao Tome And Principe - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Sao Tome And Principe varies by lifestyle, but many find it reasonable if you focus on local goods and simple comforts. Local produce and seafood can keep daily meals affordable, while imported items and Western brands push the bill higher - especially in tourist pockets. Housing can be affordable outside the main hubs, and longer leases often offer better value; public transport or bicycles reduce ongoing costs. For a first stay, plan around local routines, test internet access, and stay flexible with weekly groceries and meals. Tip: start with a simple monthly budget that prioritizes local essentials.

Daily life centers on a relaxed tempo with easy access to markets and beaches. Housing search focuses on central neighborhoods for convenience, with a range from compact apartments to small houses; expect some negotiation and checks for water, electricity, and internet stability. Food comes from vibrant markets and seaside eateries: fresh fruit, fish, cassava, and greens can keep meals economical when you cook at home. Transport options include short taxi hops, shared minibuses, and bike rides; coworking spaces exist, but internet reliability can vary by location. Sao Tome And Principe living cost leans toward affordability for local purchases, with imports lifting bills in certain areas. Tip: test connectivity and have a backup plan for power.

Quality of life rises when you balance simple routines with practical planning. Use a budgeting framework that separates housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and discretionary expenses, then reassess monthly. Expect seasonality in produce and travel options, so adapt menus and trips accordingly. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts offer quick access to services and coworking, while coastal or rural areas deliver steadier pace and often lower rents. Smart saving comes from cooking at home, buying locally, and choosing accommodations with reliable power and water. Tip: keep a small emergency fund and rotate through a few neighborhood bases to reduce long-term costs.