Cost Of Living For a Family in Samoa 2025

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Samoa

Average monthly spending for families in Samoa

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: WST
1,300 3,700 24,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $1,300 $8,700

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Samoa?

Families in Samoa spend around 3,700 WST per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,300 WST or as high as 24,000 WST. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Samoa


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Samoa

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

2.5 WST 4.9 WST 8.2 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.8 $3

Restaurant meal for one

8.2 WST 12 WST 25 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.4 $8.9

Fine dining meal for one

16 WST 25 WST 98 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.9 $36

Cappuccino or latte

2 WST 3.3 WST 4.9 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.74 $1.2 $1.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

1.6 WST 2 WST 2.5 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.71 $0.89

12 eggs

1.2 WST 1.6 WST 2.5 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.59 $0.89

Fresh whole chicken

2.8 WST 3.6 WST 5.1 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.3 $1.9

Pack of beef

3.3 WST 4.9 WST 9.8 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.6

Medium bag of rice

1.3 WST 1.8 WST 2.6 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.65 $0.93

Bag of tomatos

0.49 WST 0.65 WST 1.2 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.24 $0.44

Bag of apples

0.88 WST 1.1 WST 1.9 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.42 $0.68
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Samoa


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2 WST 2.5 WST 4.9 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.74 $0.89 $1.8

Average car full tank

12 WST 16 WST 33 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $12

Average car 1-day rental

12 WST 16 WST 25 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $8.9

Average car price

6,100 WST 12,000 WST 16,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,200 $4,400 $5,900

Bus ticket one way

0.41 WST 0.61 WST 1.2 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.22 $0.44

Car Service

16 WST 25 WST 49 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.9 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Samoa


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

65 WST 180 WST 1,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $67 $430

Internet and cable

12 WST 25 WST 33 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $8.9 $12

Mobile phone charges

9.8 WST 16 WST 49 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5.9 $18

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

6.1 WST 8.2 WST 12 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.4

One month gym membership

20 WST 25 WST 49 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $8.9 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Samoa


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

14 WST 20 WST 31 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.4 $11

Woman dress

14 WST 19 WST 61 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.8 $22

Woman shoes

13 WST 18 WST 41 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.3 $15

Men's shoes

11 WST 14 WST 27 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $4.9 $9.9

Men suit

12 WST 15 WST 82 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.6 $30

Regular t-shirt

6.1 WST 8.2 WST 25 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $8.9
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Samoa


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

200 WST 310 WST 820 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $110 $300

1-bedroom apartment

310 WST 490 WST 1,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $180 $440

2-bedroom apartment

410 WST 610 WST 1,600 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $590

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

41,000 WST 61,000 WST 120,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $22,000 $44,000

1-bedroom apartment

49,000 WST 82,000 WST 310,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $30,000 $110,000

2-bedroom apartment

82,000 WST 250,000 WST 490,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $89,000 $180,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Samoa


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

250 WST 310 WST 410 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $110 $150

Double Bed

160 WST 250 WST 310 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $89 $110

Single Bed

140 WST 190 WST 250 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $68 $89

Living Room

270 WST 350 WST 1,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99 $130 $440

Dining Table

120 WST 160 WST 310 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$44 $59 $110

Sofa or Couch

160 WST 220 WST 490 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $81 $180
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Samoa


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

160 WST 250 WST 490 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $89 $180

Fridge or Freezer

140 WST 220 WST 310 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $81 $110

Washing Machine

190 WST 270 WST 490 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68 $99 $180

Stove or Cooker

180 WST 220 WST 310 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $81 $110

Mobile Phone

200 WST 250 WST 350 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $89 $130

Laptop or Computer

220 WST 270 WST 490 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $99 $180
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Samoa

Family expenditure to income ratio in Samoa

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Samoa

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

89%

82% to 99%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Samoa spend around 89% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 82% of their income while some as high as 99%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Samoa

How do families spend their money in Samoa?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$150   410 WST
AVERAGE$430   1,200 WST
HIGH$2,800   7,700 WST
Per Month

Families in Samoa typically spend from 22% to 37% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,200 WST with expenditure ranging from 410 WST to 7,700 WST. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$23   65 WST
AVERAGE$67   180 WST
HIGH$430   1,200 WST
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Samoa ranges from 3% to 8% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 180 WST with 65 WST and 1,200 WST being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$47   130 WST
AVERAGE$130   370 WST
HIGH$870   2,400 WST
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 130 WST to 2,400 WST in a month on commuting with 370 WST being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 7%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$84   230 WST
AVERAGE$240   660 WST
HIGH$1,600   4,300 WST
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Samoa is 660 WST. The cost of groceries can range between 230 WST to 4,300 WST. Families spend on average about 21% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$42   120 WST
AVERAGE$130   370 WST
HIGH$700   1,900 WST
Per Month

Families in Samoa allocate 7% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 120 WST to 1,900 WST with 370 WST being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$23   65 WST
AVERAGE$67   180 WST
HIGH$430   1,200 WST
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 65 WST to 1,200 WST with 180 WST being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$66   180 WST
AVERAGE$190   520 WST
HIGH$1,200   3,400 WST
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 13% of the monthly expenditure of families with 6% and 21% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 520 WST per month with 180 WST being the minimum spent amount and 3,400 WST being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$37   100 WST
AVERAGE$110   290 WST
HIGH$700   1,900 WST
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Samoa

What percentage of families in Samoa are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
52%
Not Saving
48%

Almost 52% of surveyed families in Samoa said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 48% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Samoa

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

420 WST
$150
1,200 WST
$440
7,900 WST
$2,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 9% to 28% of their monthly income to their savings, with 16% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 1,200 WST with 420 WST and 7,900 WST being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Samoa

Saving Challenges in Samoa

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Samoa. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Samoa

Typical saving choices for families in Samoa

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Samoa

Affordable living in Samoa

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Samoa?


Yes
57%
No
43%

Around 57% of surveyed families think that living in Samoa is affordable with proper budgeting while 43% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Samoa

Low-cost alternatives in Samoa

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the families living in Samoa have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families of Samoa whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes54%

No46%


Based on the survey, 46% of the families living in Samoa said that they don't have an emergency fund while 54% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Samoa

Financial Literacy in Samoa

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy52%


We asked family guardians and parents in Samoa whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 48% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 52% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of Samoa have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 45% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 55% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance45%

Easily manages finances55%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Samoa

Financial goals of families in Samoa

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Samoa, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction38%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 38% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Samoa

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Samoa


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the families in Samoa have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Samoa

Debt-to-income ratio in Samoa

Debt to income ratio

30%

22% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of a family's monthly income in Samoa goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%15%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Samoa pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Samoa

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan18%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan40%

10% of debtors in Samoa confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 18% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Samoa.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Samoa

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families of Samoa how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Samoa

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Samoa

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Samoa

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

200 WST 310 WST 820 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $110 $300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

310 WST 490 WST 1,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $180 $440

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

410 WST 610 WST 1,600 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $590

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

490 WST 820 WST 2,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $300 $810

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

980 WST 2,500 WST 4,900 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $890 $1,800

Townhouse monthly rent cost

820 WST 1,200 WST 3,500 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $440 $1,300

House monthly rent cost

980 WST 2,500 WST 4,900 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $890 $1,800

Villa monthly rent cost

1,200 WST 3,100 WST 4,900 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $1,100 $1,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Samoa ranges between 200 WST and 820 WST, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 310 WST to 1,200 WST. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 410 WST and 1,600 WST per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 490 WST to 2,200 WST. The average rent of a townhouse in Samoa is around 1,200 WST while house rental costs can be as high as 2,500 WST per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,200 WST to 4,900 WST per month.



Apartment and house prices in Samoa

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

41,000 WST 61,000 WST 120,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $22,000 $44,000

1-bedroom apartment price

49,000 WST 82,000 WST 310,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $30,000 $110,000

2-bedroom apartment price

82,000 WST 250,000 WST 490,000 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $89,000 $180,000

3-bedroom apartment price

270,000 WST 410,000 WST 1.2M WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $150,000 $440,000

Townhouse price

350,000 WST 820,000 WST 3.1M WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $300,000 $1.1M

House price

410,000 WST 2.5M WST 3.5M WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $890,000 $1.3M

Villa price

490,000 WST 2.7M WST 4.1M WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $990,000 $1.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Samoa can range from 41,000 WST to 120,000 WST depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 49,000 WST to 310,000 WST. A villa can cost you 2.7M WST on average with prices ranging from 490,000 WST to 4.1M WST.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Samoa will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


35 x100 monthly income 200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Samoa can be x100 to x200 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x100 multiples of the average monthly salary in Samoa.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Samoa is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


3.7 WST 48 WST 480 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Samoa

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Samoa

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

65 WST 180 WST 1,200 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $67 $430

Internet and cable cost

12 WST 25 WST 33 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $8.9 $12

Mobile phone bill and charges

9.8 WST 16 WST 49 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5.9 $18

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 180 WST. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 12 WST to 33 WST with 25 WST being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 16 WST but can range between 9.8 WST and 49 WST depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Samoa is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Samoa

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Samoa

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

2.5 WST 4.9 WST 8.2 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.8 $3

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Samoa is approximatly 4.9 WST with meal cost ranging from 2.5 WST to 8.2 WST. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

8.2 WST 12 WST 25 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.4 $8.9

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 8.2 WST and 25 WST with 12 WST being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Samoa.

Fine dining meal for one price

16 WST 25 WST 98 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.9 $36

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 16 WST to 98 WST with the average cost being 25 WST for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Samoa.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2 WST 3.3 WST 4.9 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.74 $1.2 $1.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Samoa is around 3.3 WST. Price ranges between 2 WST and 4.9 WST depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1.6 WST 2 WST 2.5 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.71 $0.89

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Samoa is 2 WST. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 2.5 WST and the minimum being 1.6 WST depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.2 WST 1.6 WST 2.5 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.59 $0.89

A dozen eggs costs around 1.6 WST on average with 1.2 WST and 2.5 WST being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

2.8 WST 3.6 WST 5.1 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.3 $1.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Samoa is between 2.8 WST and 5.1 WST depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 3.6 WST.

Pack of beef price

3.3 WST 4.9 WST 9.8 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.8 $3.6

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 4.9 WST. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.3 WST 1.8 WST 2.6 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.65 $0.93

A bag of rice in Samoa costs around 1.8 WST on average with prices rangeing between 1.3 WST and 2.6 WST depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.49 WST 0.65 WST 1.2 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.24 $0.44

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.49 WST to 1.2 WST. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.88 WST 1.1 WST 1.9 WST
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.42 $0.68

A bag of apples costs 1.1 WST on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Samoa is around 27%. This means that families spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 230 WST to 4,300 WST with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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