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 Meal - A 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
- Milk - Milk 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 Fares - Taxi 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.
- Internet - Internet 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
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
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
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
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
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
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$17.28
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$220.28
Salaries And Financing
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%
Sao Tome Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Sao Tome offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, particularly in terms of housing and dining.
While restaurant prices can vary, grocery costs remain reasonable, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, although specific utility costs are not detailed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sao Tome provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and transportation options.
Potential residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with reasonable dining and grocery expenses, although they should be prepared for potential variations in utility costs.
Sao Tome