Cost of Living in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe · Africa
$850
Monthly Cost
avg/person
35
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
45
Quality of Life
Below Average
60
Safety Index
Moderate
0.1M
Population
STN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $10 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $350/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $820/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $460/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $680/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $280 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 14% |
View Cost of Living in São Tomé and Príncipe
Cost of Living in São Tomé — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately $850 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), São Tomé has a cost index of 35, making it around 65% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in São Tomé costs around $200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $350/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $820/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
São Tomé scores 45/100 on the quality of life index and 60/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in São Tomé is approximately $280/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is STN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in São Tomé
The average monthly salary in São Tomé is approximately $280. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $850, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in São Tomé
Healthcare quality in São Tomé is rated 38/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in São Tomé
São Tomé has a quality of life score of 45/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in São Tomé
Students living in São Tomé should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in São Tomé
Expats moving to São Tomé often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately $850 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 35 compared with New York City (100).
Living in São Tomé
Living in São Tomé offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 35 and a quality of life score of 45/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $280 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, São Tomé provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in São Tomé and Príncipe and around the world.
Key Facts About São Tomé
- Average Monthly Cost: $850
- Cost Index: 35
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $280
- Quality of Life: 45/100
- Safety Score: 60/100
- Country: São Tomé and Príncipe
- Currency: STN
Is São Tomé Expensive?
São Tomé has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does São Tomé compare to other cities?
São Tomé is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.1M. At a cost index of 35 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how São Tomé stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in São Tomé?
The average cost of living in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately $850 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 35 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in São Tomé?
Rent in São Tomé varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for São Tomé alongside other cities worldwide.
Is São Tomé expensive to live in?
São Tomé has a cost index of 35 compared to New York City (100). At 35, São Tomé is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $850.
What is the quality of life in São Tomé?
São Tomé has a quality of life index of 45/100 and a safety index of 60/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in São Tomé compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare São Tomé with any city worldwide. São Tomé's cost index is 35 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in São Tomé?
Many residents live comfortably in São Tomé with a monthly budget of around $850 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is São Tomé good for expats?
São Tomé is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in São Tomé?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $850 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in São Tomé.
Is São Tomé cheaper than New York?
Yes, São Tomé has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in São Tomé?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in São Tomé.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in São Tomé
Cheapest Ways to Live in São Tomé
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in São Tomé typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $200/month compared to $350/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Is São Tomé Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 45/100, São Tomé is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 35 relative to New York City, São Tomé remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living São Tomé and Príncipe has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
São Tomé Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in São Tomé", "São Tomé monthly expenses 2026", and "is São Tomé affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $850, a safety score of 60/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, São Tomé offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to São Tomé and Príncipe.
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