Cost of Living in São Tomé and Príncipe 2026 — Rent, Food, Tax & BudgetAll figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN).
Monthly Living Costs in São Tomé and Príncipe
Average prices from our cost dataset, re-checked on a rolling basis:
1BR Rent
per month, city average
3BR Rent
per month, city average
Groceries
per month, single person
Transport
per month, public transit pass
Utilities
per month, basic apartment
Meal Out
typical price per meal
Monthly budget (single person): €518 (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities)
Monthly budget (couple): €621 (shared 1-bedroom rent, two of everything else)
These are national averages — actual costs vary by city and lifestyle.
How Expensive Is São Tomé and Príncipe Overall?
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index (market data; higher = more expensive) | 25.5 |
| Price level index (World Bank, 2024; US = 100) | 56.3 |
Taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe
Headline tax figures that shape your take-home pay:
| Tax | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Effective income tax at €90k gross | 9% |
| Net monthly pay at €90k gross | €6,067 |
| VAT / sales tax | 15% |
| Top personal income-tax rate | 8% |
Worked example: on a €90,000 gross salary, net pay is about €6,067 per month. After rent and essentials (€518), roughly €5,549 per month is left for savings and discretionary spending.
How São Tomé and Príncipe Compares to Its Neighbours
| Country | 1BR Rent | Groceries | Transport | Cost index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé and Príncipe | €320 | €85 | €18 | 25.5 |
| DR Congo | €180 | €65 | €8 | 14.2 |
| Angola | €420 | €95 | €18 | 39.3 |
| Cameroon | €180 | €85 | €25 | 37.1 |
Quality of Life Metrics
Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in São Tomé and Príncipe:
Safety index
Healthcare index
Internet speed
English proficiency
Life expectancy
Expat satisfaction
What It Costs to Get In: Visas & Residence
We track 5 residence and visa routes for São Tomé and Príncipe — see the full São Tomé and Príncipe visa programme list.
Our engine estimates a minimum financial viability of €518 per month to sustain a move to São Tomé and Príncipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is São Tomé and Príncipe expensive?
São Tomé and Príncipe has a cost-of-living index of 25.5 (higher = more expensive). A 1-bedroom apartment averages €320 per month and a single person spends about €518 per month on rent plus essentials.
How much money do I need per month in São Tomé and Príncipe?
About €518 per month covers rent and essentials for a single person (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities). A couple sharing a 1-bedroom apartment needs about €621 per month.
What is the average rent in São Tomé and Príncipe?
A 1-bedroom apartment averages €320 per month and a 3-bedroom apartment averages €550 per month in São Tomé and Príncipe. Prices vary significantly between city centres and smaller towns.
Ready for the next step? See the full São Tomé and Príncipe country profile and the São Tomé and Príncipe emigration guide.
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