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

Name: Sao Tome And Principe
Address: ST

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $725 (excluding rent), and $1,039 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,200 (excluding rent), and $2,598 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.88 STN 420

$11.36 STN 240

$28.41 STN 600

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$42.69 STN 902

$28.95 STN 612

$57.9 STN 1,224

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.69 STN 205

$7.98 STN 169

$11.39 STN 241

Cappuccino

$2.03 STN 42.89

$1.17 STN 24.63

$2.61 STN 55.2

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

$1.89 STN 39.90

$1.64 STN 34.65

$2.30 STN 48.51

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 STN 21.78

$0.89 STN 18.76

$1.18 STN 25.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.66 STN 35.14

$0.58 STN 12.35

$2.33 STN 49.20

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.86 STN 39.28

$1.38 STN 29.20

$2.07 STN 43.69

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 STN 29.13

$0.95 STN 20.07

$1.78 STN 37.54

White Bread (500g)

$1.56 STN 33.02

$0.65 STN 13.81

$2.22 STN 46.83

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.86 STN 39.29

$1.06 STN 22.33

$2.83 STN 59.8

Eggs

$4.57 STN 96.6

$2.39 STN 50.4

$5.42 STN 114

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.77 STN 418

$17.15 STN 362

$22.88 STN 483

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.01 STN 423

$17.15 STN 362

$22.88 STN 483

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.96 STN 527

$12.51 STN 264

$28.80 STN 608

Apples (1kg)

$4.77 STN 101

$3.57 STN 75.5

$5.96 STN 126

Banana (1kg)

$1.19 STN 25.14

Oranges (1kg)

$4.08 STN 86.3

$3.50 STN 73.9

$4.67 STN 98.6

Tomato (1kg)

$3.52 STN 74.3

$2.93 STN 61.9

$4.10 STN 86.7

Potato (1kg)

$2.53 STN 53.4

$2.25 STN 47.44

$2.81 STN 59.4

Onion (1kg)

$1.99 STN 42.06

$1.14 STN 24.03

$2.83 STN 59.9

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.70 STN 14.88

$0.59 STN 12.51

$0.83 STN 17.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.95 STN 41.23

$0.35 STN 7.48

$3.51 STN 74.1

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.38 STN 50.2

Wine (Bottle)

$8.32 STN 176

$7.22 STN 152

$9.43 STN 199

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.23 STN 25.96

$1.14 STN 24.09

$1.42 STN 30.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.28 STN 27.14

$0.91 STN 19.27

$1.59 STN 33.57

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.27 STN 26.94

$1.09 STN 23.03

$1.45 STN 30.63

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$14.02 STN 296

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.69 STN 35.63

$1.40 STN 29.66

$1.91 STN 40.33

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

$23.4K STN 493.7K

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

$27.97 STN 591

$21.70 STN 458

$34.26 STN 724

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.4 STN 1,487

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.99 STN 782

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.80 STN 609

Cinema Ticket

$20.93 STN 442

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$19.13 STN 404

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$273 STN 5,774

$117 STN 2,474

$351 STN 7,423

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$190 STN 4,010

$105 STN 2,210

$232 STN 4,911

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$673 STN 14.2K

$468 STN 9,892

$878 STN 18.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$523 STN 11.0K

$349 STN 7,365

$697 STN 14.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,931 STN 40.8K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,180 STN 24.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$459 STN 9,707

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.38

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

Last update: March 2, 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	-		$210	$203	$725	$645	223.11	10.05
2	Sao Tome	53300	54	$881	$1,093	$2,019	$2,620	74.67	9.97

Sao Tome And Principe Median Internet Speeds (Updated January 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.