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

Name: Sao Tome And Principe
Address: ST

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $911 (excluding rent), and $1,053 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,196 (excluding rent), and $2,617 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.94 STN 419

$11.39 STN 239

$28.48 STN 598

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$43.08 STN 905

$29.22 STN 614

$58.4 STN 1,227

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.7 STN 204

$7.98 STN 168

$11.41 STN 240

Cappuccino

$2.08 STN 43.66

$1.19 STN 25.07

$2.68 STN 56.2

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

$1.86 STN 39.13

$1.62 STN 33.98

$2.27 STN 47.58

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 STN 21.63

$0.89 STN 18.63

$1.18 STN 24.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.63 STN 34.26

$0.57 STN 12.04

$2.28 STN 47.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.9 STN 39.92

$1.41 STN 29.67

$2.11 STN 44.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.32 STN 27.62

$0.91 STN 19.03

$1.7 STN 35.6

White Bread (500g)

$1.51 STN 31.63

$0.63 STN 13.23

$2.14 STN 44.85

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.87 STN 39.18

$1.06 STN 22.27

$2.84 STN 59.6

Eggs

$4.41 STN 92.6

$2.3 STN 48.35

$5.22 STN 110

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.27 STN 426

$17.58 STN 369

$23.45 STN 492

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.46 STN 430

$17.54 STN 368

$23.39 STN 491

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$25.05 STN 526

$12.55 STN 264

$28.89 STN 607

Apples (1kg)

$4.65 STN 97.7

$3.49 STN 73.2

$5.82 STN 122

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 STN 24.66

Oranges (1kg)

$4.09 STN 85.9

$3.51 STN 73.6

$4.68 STN 98.2

Tomato (1kg)

$3.49 STN 73.3

$2.91 STN 61.1

$4.07 STN 85.6

Potato (1kg)

$2.63 STN 55.3

$2.34 STN 49.12

$2.93 STN 61.5

Onion (1kg)

$1.98 STN 41.56

$1.13 STN 23.75

$2.82 STN 59.2

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.66 STN 13.77

$0.55 STN 11.57

$0.77 STN 16.16

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.89 STN 39.71

$0.34 STN 7.2

$3.4 STN 71.4

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.29 STN 48.13

Wine (Bottle)

$9.39 STN 197

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.22 STN 25.66

$1.13 STN 23.81

$1.42 STN 29.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 STN 28.03

$0.95 STN 19.9

$1.65 STN 34.67

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.23 STN 25.74

$1.05 STN 22

$1.39 STN 29.27

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.89 STN 292

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.66 STN 34.77

$1.38 STN 28.94

$1.87 STN 39.35

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

$23K STN 483.8K

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

$28 STN 588

$21.72 STN 456

$34.29 STN 720

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.8 STN 1,488

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.52 STN 788

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.92 STN 607

Cinema Ticket

$20.76 STN 436

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$18.84 STN 396

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$269 STN 5,642

$115 STN 2,418

$345 STN 7,254

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$189 STN 3,973

$104 STN 2,189

$232 STN 4,865

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$659 STN 13.8K

$459 STN 9,633

$860 STN 18.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$513 STN 10.8K

$342 STN 7,181

$684 STN 14.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$532 STN 11.2K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.38

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.