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

Name: Sao Tome And Principe
Address: ST

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $966 (excluding rent), and $1,022 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,221 (excluding rent), and $2,614 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.50 STN 433

$11.71 STN 247

$29.29 STN 618

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$41.91 STN 885

$28.42 STN 600

$56.9 STN 1,200

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.10 STN 213

$8.31 STN 176

$11.88 STN 251

Cappuccino

$2.07 STN 43.62

$1.19 STN 25.05

$2.66 STN 56.2

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

$1.91 STN 40.34

$1.66 STN 35.03

$2.32 STN 49.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.98 STN 20.72

$0.85 STN 17.85

$1.13 STN 23.80

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.64 STN 34.55

$0.58 STN 12.14

$2.29 STN 48.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.91 STN 40.30

$1.42 STN 29.96

$2.12 STN 44.83

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 STN 29.05

$0.95 STN 20.01

$1.77 STN 37.44

White Bread (500g)

$1.50 STN 31.63

$0.63 STN 13.23

$2.12 STN 44.86

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.87 STN 39.56

$1.07 STN 22.49

$2.85 STN 60.2

Eggs

$4.60 STN 97.2

$2.40 STN 50.8

$5.46 STN 115

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.86 STN 419

$17.23 STN 364

$22.98 STN 485

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.36 STN 430

$17.45 STN 368

$23.27 STN 491

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.91 STN 526

$12.49 STN 264

$28.74 STN 607

Apples (1kg)

$4.71 STN 99.3

$3.53 STN 74.4

$5.88 STN 124

Banana (1kg)

$1.19 STN 25.18

Oranges (1kg)

$4.06 STN 85.8

$3.48 STN 73.5

$4.64 STN 98.1

Tomato (1kg)

$3.50 STN 73.8

$2.91 STN 61.5

$4.08 STN 86.2

Potato (1kg)

$2.64 STN 55.7

$2.34 STN 49.45

$2.93 STN 61.9

Onion (1kg)

$1.99 STN 41.94

$1.14 STN 23.96

$2.83 STN 59.7

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.71 STN 15.03

$0.60 STN 12.63

$0.84 STN 17.64

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.90 STN 40.20

$0.35 STN 7.29

$3.42 STN 72.3

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.27 STN 47.96

Wine (Bottle)

$8.13 STN 172

$7.06 STN 149

$9.22 STN 195

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.22 STN 25.81

$1.13 STN 23.95

$1.42 STN 29.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.27 STN 26.83

$0.90 STN 19.05

$1.57 STN 33.18

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.22 STN 25.72

$1.04 STN 21.98

$1.39 STN 29.24

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.84 STN 292

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.69 STN 35.58

$1.40 STN 29.62

$1.91 STN 40.27

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

$22.9K STN 483.1K

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

$28.27 STN 597

$21.93 STN 463

$34.62 STN 731

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.3 STN 1,485

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.58 STN 793

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$29.27 STN 618

Cinema Ticket

$21.02 STN 444

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$18.83 STN 397

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$273 STN 5,772

$117 STN 2,473

$352 STN 7,421

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)

$664 STN 14.0K

$462 STN 9,758

$867 STN 18.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$526 STN 11.1K

$351 STN 7,408

$702 STN 14.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,936 STN 40.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,184 STN 25.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$452 STN 9,551

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.38

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

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.