Cost of living in Sao Tome

Sao Tome, the capital city of Sao Tome and Principe, offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Sao Tome, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.44 on average, with a range between $10.54 and $26.34.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $42.15, with prices ranging from $26.34 to $52.68.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.96, with a range between $7.38 and $10.54.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.53 to $1.69, imported beer $1.26 to $1.9, cappuccino $1.05 to $2.11, and Coke/Pepsi $1.51 to $2.11.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.84 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.23.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.58 and $1.37, with an average price of $0.93.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.53 to $4.83, averaging $3.86.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $3.16 per kg, while oranges range from $3.16 to $4.21 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $2.11 and $2.63 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.53 to $0.74 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.29.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.26 and $1.72 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares for one hour of waiting are priced at $12.85.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $316.10.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent is $210.73.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $421.47 to $790.25, averaging $605.86.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $316.10 to $632.20, averaging $474.15.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment are not specified in the data provided.
  • InternetInternet services are not specified in the data provided.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 12 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18.44
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$42.15
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.69
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.73
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.58
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.23
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.93
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.86
Local Cheese (1kg)
$18.44
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.81
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.32
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.19
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.11
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$18.44
Apples (1kg)
$3.16
Oranges (1kg)
$3.69
Potato (1kg)
$2.37
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.63
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.11
Tomato (1kg)
$3.16
Banana (1kg)
$1.05
Onion (1kg)
$1.84
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$23.71
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.29
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.49
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.85
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,073.28
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$316.10
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$210.73
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$605.86
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$474.15
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$33.72
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$26.34
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$18.97
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$17.28
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$220.28
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$254.64
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7.38%
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