🇨🇻 Cost of Living: Cabo Verde vs Sao Tome and Principe — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Cabo Verde
CapitalPraia
Population491,233
Area4,033 km² (1,557 sq mi)
LanguagesPortuguese
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (Esc)
TimezoneUTC-01:00
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$11,195 (2024)
Inflation Rate1.1% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$290 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend25.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.3% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Cabo Verde is generally cheaper than Sao Tome and Principe, with an overall cost of living that is around 15-20% lower.
Quick Facts
Cabo Verde GDP per Capita (PPP)6,944
Sao Tome and Principe GDP per Capita (PPP)3,963
Cabo Verde Inflation Rate1.5%
Sao Tome and Principe Inflation Rate5.5%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Cabo Verde
Overview: Cabo Verde vs Sao Tome and Principe
Cabo Verde and Sao Tome and Principe are two island nations located off the coast of West Africa, with distinct economic contexts and cost of living profiles. Cabo Verde has a more diversified economy, with a strong focus on tourism, remittances, and foreign investment, which has contributed to its higher GDP per capita. In contrast, Sao Tome and Principe has a smaller economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, which has resulted in a lower GDP per capita. The cost of living in Cabo Verde is generally lower, with prices for accommodation, food, and transportation being more affordable.
The economic context of the two countries also plays a significant role in determining their cost of living. Cabo Verde has a more stable economy, with a lower inflation rate and a stronger currency, which has helped to keep prices under control. In contrast, Sao Tome and Principe has experienced higher inflation rates, which has led to increased prices for goods and services. Overall, Cabo Verde is around 15-20% cheaper than Sao Tome and Principe, making it a more attractive option for expats, tourists, and investors looking for affordable living costs.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Cabo Verde (USD)
Sao Tome and Principe (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
400
550
27% cheaper
1BR Apartment (Outside)
250
350
29% cheaper
3BR Apartment (City Center)
700
900
22% cheaper
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Cabo Verde (USD)
Sao Tome and Principe (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
10
15
33% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)
300
400
25% cheaper
Beer (500ml)
2
3
33% cheaper
Coffee
1.50
2.50
40% cheaper
Transport Comparison
Item
Cabo Verde (USD)
Sao Tome and Principe (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
20
30
33% cheaper
Taxi (per km)
1
1.50
33% cheaper
Fuel (per liter)
1.20
1.50
20% cheaper
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Cabo Verde (USD)
Sao Tome and Principe (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
100
150
33% cheaper
Internet (60 Mbps)
30
40
25% cheaper
Mobile Plan
20
30
33% cheaper
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Cabo Verde (USD)
Sao Tome and Principe (USD)
Savings
Budget
800
1,200
33%
Mid-Range
1,200
1,800
33%
Comfortable
2,000
3,000
33%
Where Each Country Wins
Cabo Verde is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices being 20-30% lower
Food and dining, with meal prices being 30-40% lower
Transportation, with taxi fares and fuel prices being 20-30% lower
Utilities and internet, with costs being 25-33% lower
Sao Tome and Principe is cheaper for:
Fresh produce, with prices being 10-20% lower
Local handicrafts, with prices being 10-20% lower
Outdoor activities, with prices being 10-20% lower
Traditional festivals and events, with prices being 10-20% lower
Bottom Line
Cabo Verde offers better value for expats, tourists, and investors looking for affordable living costs, with a more stable economy and lower prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. However, Sao Tome and Principe has its own unique charm and attractions, with a more laid-back atmosphere and a stronger sense of community. For students and retirees, Cabo Verde may be a more attractive option, with lower living costs and a more developed infrastructure. Ultimately, the choice between Cabo Verde and Sao Tome and Principe depends on individual preferences and priorities, but overall, Cabo Verde is the more affordable option.