Skyline of Same
Cost of Living: 65 30,000

Same, Timor-Leste

Same is a major city in Timor-Leste with a population of 30,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Same is a city in Manufahi with a population of 30,000. Same is a major city in Timor-Leste with a population of 30,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 20.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 65

Below Average vs Timor-Leste Avg (100)

Housing Index 70

Affordable

Median Income $ 6,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Same vs Timor-Leste Average

Cost of Living
Same: 65
Timor-Leste Avg: 100
Housing Index
Same: 70
Timor-Leste Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $ 6,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 30,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 68°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: $80,000
  • 1BR Rent: $200/mo

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Cost of Living

Same's cost of living index is 65 (Timor-Leste average = 100).

CategorySameNational AverageDifference
Overall65100-35.0%
Housing70100-30.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$80,000
Median Rent (1BR)$200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$250/mo
Price per Sq Ft$53

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Same:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$20
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)$26Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$10Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$30Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$86Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Same scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 65
Rent
— $200
Sunny Days
— 260
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 86°F / 68°F
Safety
— 4.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 30,000
Internet Speed
— 10 Mbps

Climate

Same has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January88°F68°F2.5"
April71°F83°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F86°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Same faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Flood High Risk

Monsoon floods and coastal flooding.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Coastal areas with tsunami risk.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Forest fires.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Mountainous terrain with landslides.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March/April (1-2 weeks)

Standard academic calendar.

Demographics

The population of Same is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Mambai
16.0%
Other
54.0%
Tetum
30.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
15.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
50.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
97.0%
Other
3.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Direcção-Geral de Estatística (2015)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Same, Timor-Leste?

The cost of living index in Same is 65, which is Lower the Timor-Leste national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Same?

The median home price in Same is $80,000. The housing index is 70.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Same is approximately $200/mo.

Does Same, Manufahi have income tax?

Same is in Manufahi, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Same?

Same enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.