Top expat cities

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé

#1 Top 5 cities

São Tomé is the capital and the country's only broadly practical base for a longer foreign stay.

Country overview

Population

53 300

Year-round temperatures

Day: 28°C až 31°C

Night: 22°C až 24°C

Climate

Equatorial island climate with year-round warmth, high humidity, and regular rain.

Distance to the sea

0 km

Social atmosphere

6/10

Costs

Housing cost 8/10
Food cost 4/10

Business friendliness

3/10

Safety

7/10

Crime is generally low, but pickpocketing and occasional burglaries occur; avoid isolated beaches and remote areas alone, especially after dark.

Natural disaster resilience

5/10

Heavy rain can cause urban flooding, landslides, and road disruption; coastal exposure and climate change increase long-term risk.

Other scores

Other scores

Internet availability 5/10
Internet speed 4/10
Internet stability 3/10
Electricity stability 3/10

Community types

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Teachers
  • Long-term expats
  • Couples

Largest nationality groups

  • 🇵🇹Portuguese
  • 🇧🇷Brazilians
  • 🇫🇷French

Pros / Cons

Pros

  • +Pleasant atmosphere
  • +Beaches and sea
  • +Good for long-term stay

Cons

  • −Smaller expat scene
  • −Fewer work opportunities
  • −Higher prices