Sao Tome and Principe🌍

At a Glance

How Sao Tome and Principe compares across key indices

Quality of Life131Safety76Healthcare50Affordability60ClimateClean Air55

Cost of Living

60 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

76/100

Healthcare

50/100

Quality of Life

131/200

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Sao Tome and Principe

Cost of Living

60

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

45

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

60

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

63

100 = NYC dining

Safety & Crime

Low Risk

How safe residents feel in Sao Tome and Principe - based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

76/100

Crime Index

13/100

Lower is better

Walking Safety

Daytime100
Nighttime100

0 point drop from day to night

Cities in Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe has 1 city with Freedom Abroad estimates. São Tomé has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,341. São Tomé leads on safety, scoring 78/100. São Tomé ranks highest for quality of life at 134/200.

💸Most Affordable

São Tomé

$1,341/mo

Safest

São Tomé

78/100

Best Quality of Life

São Tomé

134/200

Best Healthcare

São Tomé

51/100

City filter
Featured
Curated and popular cities first.
1 of 1 shown
CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
São Tomé$1,34178/100134/20051/10050

Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.

Compare Cities Side by Side

Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Sao Tome and Principe

Healthcare50Safety76Quality of Life131
Expat InsuranceRecommended Partner

Don't skip health insurance

Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.

A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR

Environment

Moderate

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Sao Tome and Principe

Pollution Index

55/100

Lower is better

PM2.5

27.3ug/m3

Unhealthy for sensitive

Environmental Quality

Air Quality100/100

Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Sao Tome and Principe, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Sao Tome and Principe?

Sao Tome and Principe has a cost of living index of 60 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,341 in São Tomé.

Is Sao Tome and Principe safe for expats?

Sao Tome and Principe has a safety index of 76/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, São Tomé scores highest on safety at 78/100.

What is the best city in Sao Tome and Principe for expats and digital nomads?

São Tomé ranks highest for quality of life in Sao Tome and Principe, scoring 134/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $1,341/mo for a single person.

How good is healthcare in Sao Tome and Principe?

Sao Tome and Principe scores 50/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it adequate by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.

Is Sao Tome and Principe cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Sao Tome and Principe's cost of living is roughly 40% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 55% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Sao Tome and Principe

Expat InsuranceRecommended Partner

Don't skip health insurance

Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.

A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR

Set Up International Banking

Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.

Get Connected

eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet - sorted before you land.

Book Your First Accommodation

Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.

Find Flights

Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.

Flight Deals

Follow Sao Tome and Principe

Get new Sao Tome and Principe articles by email

Future guides and articles for Sao Tome and Principe will land in your inbox.

Cost of living, safety, school, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates or verified public records modeled from open sources. Data sources

Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.

Learn about our mission