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Cost of Living in São Tomé

São Tomé, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil · Population 9,972

▼ -16% vs Brazil average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R$2,026 ($375)
Couple, monthlyR$3,591 ($665)
Family of four, monthlyR$4,641 ($859)

Estimated Prices in São Tomé

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR$21.87 ($4.05)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR$87.48 ($16.20)per meal
CappuccinoR$6.56 ($1.22)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R$496 ($91.80)per month
Monthly public transport passR$80.19 ($14.85)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR$211 ($39.15)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R$61.24 ($11.34)per month
Fitness club membershipR$61.24 ($11.34)per month
Cinema ticketR$16.04 ($2.97)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR$817 ($151)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR$568 ($105)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR$1,704 ($316)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in São Tomé is R$3,159 ($585) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R$2,026 ($375) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R$2,634 ($488) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R$568 ($105)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare São Tomé

São Tomé vs São PauloSão Tomé vs Rio de JaneiroSão Tomé vs Belo HorizonteSão Tomé vs FortalezaSão Tomé vs BrasíliaSão Tomé vs Teresina

Nearby Cities

Santa Cruz

29 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

Cerro Corá

31 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

Campo Redondo

32 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

São Paulo do Potengi

36 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

Lajes

36 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

Serra Caiada

43 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

São José do Campestre

55 km away · Rio Grande do Norte

Nova Floresta

55 km away · Paraíba

Other Major Cities in Brazil

São Paulo

São Paulo · pop. 23,086,000

R$3,006 ($557) / mo

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro · pop. 12,592,000

R$2,956 ($547) / mo

Belo Horizonte

Minas Gerais · pop. 5,328,000

R$2,956 ($547) / mo

Fortaleza

Ceará · pop. 4,167,996

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Brasília

Distrito Federal · pop. 2,996,899

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Teresina

Piauí · pop. 2,729,527

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Salvador

Bahia · pop. 2,417,678

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Manaus

Amazonas · pop. 2,303,732

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Living in São Tomé

São Tomé is one of the key cities in Brazil. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R$2,026 ($375), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R$568 ($105) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R$4,641 ($859) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R$3,591 ($665) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in São Tomé is R$3,159 ($585). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R$2,634 ($488) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Tomé expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R$2,026 ($375) per month in São Tomé including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Brazil.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in São Tomé?
A net salary of around R$2,634 ($488) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in São Tomé with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in São Tomé is R$3,159 ($585).
How much is rent in São Tomé?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R$817 ($151) per month in the city centre and R$568 ($105) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R$1,704 ($316).
Is São Tomé cheaper than Brazil on average?
Yes — São Tomé is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Brazil average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in São Tomé?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R$496 ($92) in São Tomé. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R$22 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around R$7 ($1).
How do transport costs in São Tomé compare?
A monthly public transport pass in São Tomé is estimated at R$80 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for São Tomé are estimates based on Brazil national averages adjusted for city size (population 9,972). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.