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

Name: Sao Tome And Principe
Address: ST

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $951 (excluding rent), and $1,018 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,001 (excluding rent), and $2,605 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.63 STN 429

$11.79 STN 245

$29.47 STN 613

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$42.44 STN 882

$28.78 STN 598

$57.6 STN 1,197

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.90 STN 206

$8.15 STN 169

$11.64 STN 242

Cappuccino

$1.99 STN 41.47

$1.15 STN 23.81

$2.57 STN 53.4

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

$1.87 STN 38.85

$1.62 STN 33.74

$2.27 STN 47.23

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 STN 21.30

$0.88 STN 18.34

$1.18 STN 24.46

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.67 STN 34.69

$0.59 STN 12.19

$2.34 STN 48.56

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.90 STN 39.52

$1.41 STN 29.38

$2.11 STN 43.96

Milk (1 liter)

$1.37 STN 28.58

$0.95 STN 19.69

$1.77 STN 36.84

White Bread (500g)

$1.51 STN 31.42

$0.63 STN 13.14

$2.14 STN 44.56

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.95 STN 40.48

$1.11 STN 23.01

$2.96 STN 61.6

Eggs

$4.57 STN 95.1

$2.39 STN 49.67

$5.42 STN 113

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.85 STN 413

$17.22 STN 358

$22.96 STN 477

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.10 STN 418

$17.23 STN 358

$22.98 STN 478

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.65 STN 512

$12.35 STN 257

$28.43 STN 591

Apples (1kg)

$4.76 STN 98.9

$3.57 STN 74.1

$5.95 STN 124

Banana (1kg)

$1.13 STN 23.46

Oranges (1kg)

$4.17 STN 86.7

$3.57 STN 74.2

$4.76 STN 99.1

Tomato (1kg)

$3.51 STN 73.1

$2.93 STN 60.9

$4.10 STN 85.3

Potato (1kg)

$2.66 STN 55.4

$2.37 STN 49.19

$2.96 STN 61.5

Onion (1kg)

$2.09 STN 43.40

$1.19 STN 24.80

$2.97 STN 61.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.67 STN 13.91

$0.56 STN 11.69

$0.79 STN 16.33

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.89 STN 39.24

$0.34 STN 7.12

$3.39 STN 70.5

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.28 STN 47.35

Wine (Bottle)

$8.12 STN 169

$7.05 STN 147

$9.21 STN 192

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.23 STN 25.52

$1.14 STN 23.68

$1.42 STN 29.60

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.27 STN 26.46

$0.90 STN 18.79

$1.57 STN 32.73

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.22 STN 25.37

$1.04 STN 21.69

$1.39 STN 28.85

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$14.31 STN 297

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.63 STN 33.84

$1.35 STN 28.16

$1.84 STN 38.29

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

$23.5K STN 488.5K

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

$27.85 STN 579

$21.61 STN 449

$34.11 STN 709

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.6 STN 1,509

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.28 STN 775

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$29.45 STN 612

Cinema Ticket

$21.11 STN 439

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$18.72 STN 389

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$265 STN 5,503

$113 STN 2,358

$340 STN 7,075

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$192 STN 3,994

$106 STN 2,201

$235 STN 4,891

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$672 STN 14.0K

$467 STN 9,717

$876 STN 18.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$522 STN 10.9K

$348 STN 7,236

$696 STN 14.5K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,901 STN 39.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,193 STN 24.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$452 STN 9,406

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.38

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

By City in Sao Tome And Principe

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Porto Alegre	-		$235	$203	$718	$652	199.81	12.68
2	Sao Tome	53300	54	$741	$1,084	$2,030	$2,579	83.32	22.37

Sao Tome And Principe Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.