Skyline of Sao Tome
Cost of Living: 100 80,000

Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome is a major city in Sao Tome and Principe with a population of 80,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Sao Tome and Principe Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income Db 60,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Sao Tome vs Sao Tome and Principe Average

Cost of Living
Sao Tome: 100
Sao Tome and Principe Avg: 100
Housing Index
Sao Tome: 110
Sao Tome and Principe Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Db 60,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 80,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 250/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 70°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: Db2,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: Db5000/mo

Cost of Living

Sao Tome's cost of living index is 100 (Sao Tome and Principe average = 100).

CategorySao TomeNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceDb2,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)Db5000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Db6,250/mo
Price per Sq FtDb1,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Db
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Db

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sao Tome:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityDb500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)Db28Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterDb200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Db500Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesDb1228Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Sao Tome scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
Db5000
Sunny Days
250
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
84°F / 70°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
80,000
Internet Speed
10 Mbps

Climate

Sao Tome has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January90°F70°F2.5"
April69°F85°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F88°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Sao Tome faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 15%
  • 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 Trimester — 1st (Sep-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Mar), 3rd (Apr-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Portuguese-influenced education system.

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 Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe?

The cost of living index in Sao Tome is 100, which is Lower the Sao Tome and Principe national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Sao Tome?

The median home price in Sao Tome is Db2,000,000. The housing index is 110.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sao Tome is approximately Db5000/mo.

Does Sao Tome, Agua Grande have income tax?

Sao Tome is in Agua Grande, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Sao Tome?

Sao Tome enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.