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

Name: Sao Tome And Principe
Address: ST

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $937 (excluding rent), and $1,043 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,340 (excluding rent), and $2,586 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.26 STN 428

$11.58 STN 244

$28.95 STN 611

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$42.42 STN 896

$28.77 STN 607

$57.6 STN 1,215

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.72 STN 205

$8.01 STN 169

$11.43 STN 241

Cappuccino

$2.00 STN 42.32

$1.15 STN 24.30

$2.58 STN 54.5

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

$1.88 STN 39.70

$1.63 STN 34.48

$2.29 STN 48.27

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.00 STN 21.09

$0.86 STN 18.17

$1.15 STN 24.22

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.68 STN 35.54

$0.59 STN 12.49

$2.36 STN 49.75

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.92 STN 40.51

$1.43 STN 30.11

$2.13 STN 45.06

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 STN 29.18

$0.95 STN 20.10

$1.78 STN 37.61

White Bread (500g)

$1.51 STN 31.79

$0.63 STN 13.30

$2.14 STN 45.09

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.95 STN 41.17

$1.11 STN 23.40

$2.97 STN 62.6

Eggs

$4.57 STN 96.4

$2.38 STN 50.3

$5.41 STN 114

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.73 STN 416

$17.11 STN 361

$22.82 STN 482

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$19.87 STN 419

$17.04 STN 360

$22.72 STN 480

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.83 STN 524

$12.44 STN 263

$28.64 STN 605

Apples (1kg)

$4.52 STN 95.3

$3.38 STN 71.5

$5.65 STN 119

Banana (1kg)

$1.19 STN 25.18

Oranges (1kg)

$4.16 STN 87.8

$3.56 STN 75.2

$4.76 STN 100

Tomato (1kg)

$3.55 STN 74.9

$2.96 STN 62.4

$4.14 STN 87.5

Potato (1kg)

$2.67 STN 56.3

$2.37 STN 50.1

$2.97 STN 62.6

Onion (1kg)

$2.08 STN 43.86

$1.19 STN 25.06

$2.96 STN 62.4

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.70 STN 14.88

$0.59 STN 12.51

$0.83 STN 17.46

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 STN 40.38

$0.35 STN 7.32

$3.44 STN 72.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.37 STN 50.0

Wine (Bottle)

$8.19 STN 173

$7.10 STN 150

$9.27 STN 196

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.23 STN 26.03

$1.14 STN 24.16

$1.43 STN 30.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 STN 27.20

$0.91 STN 19.31

$1.59 STN 33.63

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.26 STN 26.66

$1.08 STN 22.79

$1.44 STN 30.32

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$14.05 STN 297

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.65 STN 34.80

$1.37 STN 28.96

$1.87 STN 39.38

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

$23.2K STN 489.3K

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

$28.83 STN 609

$22.36 STN 472

$35.31 STN 745

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.5 STN 1,510

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.30 STN 766

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.51 STN 602

Cinema Ticket

$20.86 STN 440

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$18.60 STN 393

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$272 STN 5,748

$117 STN 2,463

$350 STN 7,390

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$188 STN 3,971

$104 STN 2,188

$230 STN 4,863

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$667 STN 14.1K

$464 STN 9,795

$870 STN 18.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$526 STN 11.1K

$350 STN 7,396

$701 STN 14.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,888 STN 39.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,208 STN 25.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$450 STN 9,489

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 19, 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	-		$199	$206	$683	$648	223.11	10.05
2	Sao Tome	53300	54	$850	$1,081	$2,138	$2,595	74.67	9.97

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.