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Cost of Living in São Tomé and Príncipe

7 cities covered · Currency: STN (Db) · Capital: São Tomé

Single person, monthlyDb8,718 ($387)
Couple, monthlyDb15,485 ($688)
Family of four, monthlyDb20,039 ($891)
Average net salaryDb5,963 ($265)

Average Prices in São Tomé and Príncipe

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantDb93.02 ($4.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeDb372 ($16.54)per meal
CappuccinoDb27.90 ($1.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Db2,108 ($93.70)per month
Monthly public transport passDb341 ($15.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentDb899 ($39.96)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Db260 ($11.58)per month
Fitness club membershipDb260 ($11.58)per month
Cinema ticketDb68.21 ($3.03)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreDb3,618 ($161)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreDb2,517 ($112)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreDb7,550 ($336)per month

Major Cities in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé

Água Grande · pop. 65,468

Neves

Lembá · pop. 10,068

Santana

Cantagalo · pop. 7,496

São João dos Angolares

Caué · pop. 6,636

Trindade

Mé-Zóchi · pop. 6,636

Guadalupe

Lobata · pop. 1,734

Santo António

Príncipe · pop. 1,300

Cheapest Cities in São Tomé and Príncipe

NevesSantanaSão João dos AngolaresTrindadeGuadalupeSanto AntónioSão ToméFull ranking →

City Comparisons in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé vs Neves

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé vs Santana

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in São Tomé and Príncipe

Neves vs São João dos Angolares

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in São Tomé and Príncipe

Santana vs São João dos Angolares

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in São Tomé and Príncipe

Cost of Living by City Size in São Tomé and Príncipe

Living costs in São Tomé and Príncipe vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of Db8,718 ($387) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in São Tomé and Príncipe is Db8,718 ($387), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly Db20,039 ($891) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Neves ranks among the most affordable cities in São Tomé and Príncipe with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The estimated average net salary in São Tomé and Príncipe is Db5,963 ($265) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for São Tomé and Príncipe derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.