Equatorial Guinea vs São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe costs roughly 19% less than Equatorial Guinea. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately 19% less expensive than Equatorial Guinea based on cost of living including rent. This makes São Tomé and Príncipe a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
São Tomé and Príncipe has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 64.8, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: São Tomé and Príncipe is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Equatorial Guinea
There is no digital nomad or retirement visa here, and a 25% top income tax rate makes this a poor FIRE play by default. Only oil-sector contractors or missionaries with employer-sponsored paperwork should look past that, since rent outside the center runs just $223.59/mo. With an Ease of Access Score of 3/10 and an overall score of 33.8/100, this is not a self-directed relocation destination.
$1,589/mo
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São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé
About São Tomé and Príncipe
This microstate suits off-grid remote workers who can tolerate spotty internet and near-zero English support. A single person lives on $719/month excluding rent, with a city-center 1BR at just $270. There is no digital nomad visa and no retirement visa, so anyone staying long-term is working outside a defined legal framework, a real liability given the progressive income tax rate that reaches 25%.
$2,011/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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| Metric | Equatorial Guinea | São Tomé and Príncipe |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | N/A |
| Quality of Life Index | 59.1 | 76.5 +17.4 |
| Healthcare Index | 28.9 | 48.7 +19.8 |
| Safety Index | 42.7 | 64.8 +22.1 |
| Cost of Living Index | 38 | 32 +6.0 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,014.7 | $719 +295.7 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,451.4 | $1,970 +1,481.4 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $395.92 | $270 +125.92 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $223.59 | $187 +36.59 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $496.68 +106.32 | $603 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $320.25 +148.75 | $469 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 8 Mbps +8.0 | 0 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
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