Gabon vs São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe costs roughly 25% less than Gabon, though Gabon has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately 25% less expensive than Gabon 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 Gabon
Gabon is best for FIRE & GeoArbitrage seekers due to its low cost of living, with a COL Index of 40 vs NYC and single monthly costs of $1,035 excluding rent. Rent remains low globally: a 1BR in the city center averages $1,055.79/mo, far below most Western metro prices. The key trade-off is the absence of a retirement or digital nomad visa, making long-term residency difficult.
$909/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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| Metric | Gabon | São Tomé and Príncipe |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | N/A |
| Quality of Life Index | 78.9 +2.4 | 76.5 |
| Healthcare Index | 43.5 | 48.7 +5.2 |
| Safety Index | 46.2 | 64.8 +18.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 40 | 32 +8.0 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,035 | $719 +316 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,884 | $1,970 +1,914 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,055.79 | $270 +785.79 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $439.91 | $187 +252.91 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,140.9 | $603 +1,537.9 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $879.82 | $469 +410.82 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 65.73 Mbps +65.7 | 0 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
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