Cost of Living in Apia, Samoa
Samoa · Oceania
$1,100
Monthly Cost
avg/person
42
Cost Index
NYC=100
34
Rent Index
NYC=100
56
Quality of Life
Moderate
62
Safety Index
Moderate
0.037M
Population
WST
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $6 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $22 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $2.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $6.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $11 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $120 |
| Mobile Plan | $22 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $50 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $550/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $350/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,250/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $750/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
Cost of Living in Apia — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Apia, Samoa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Apia has a cost index of 42, making it around 58% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Apia costs around $350/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $550/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,250/month. The rent index is 34 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Apia scores 56/100 on the quality of life index and 62/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 70/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Apia is approximately $500/month. With a purchasing power index of 40/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is WST, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Apia
The average monthly salary in Apia is approximately $500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,100, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 40/100.
Healthcare Costs in Apia
Healthcare quality in Apia is rated 52/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Apia
Apia has a quality of life score of 56/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Apia
Students living in Apia should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Apia
Expats moving to Apia often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Apia, Samoa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 42 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Apia
Living in Apia offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 42 and a quality of life score of 56/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Apia provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Samoa and around the world.
Key Facts About Apia
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,100
- Cost Index: 42
- Rent Index: 34
- Average Salary: $500
- Quality of Life: 56/100
- Safety Score: 62/100
- Country: Samoa
- Currency: WST
Is Apia Expensive?
Apia has a cost index of 42 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Apia compare to other cities?
Apia is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.037M. At a cost index of 42 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Apia stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Apia?
The average cost of living in Apia, Samoa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 42 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Apia?
Rent in Apia varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 34 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Apia alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Apia expensive to live in?
Apia has a cost index of 42 compared to New York City (100). At 42, Apia is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,100.
What is the quality of life in Apia?
Apia has a quality of life index of 56/100 and a safety index of 62/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Apia compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Apia with any city worldwide. Apia's cost index is 42 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Apia?
Many residents live comfortably in Apia with a monthly budget of around $1,100 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Apia good for expats?
Apia is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Apia?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,100 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Apia.
Is Apia cheaper than New York?
Yes, Apia has a cost index of 42 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Apia?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Apia.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Apia
Cheapest Ways to Live in Apia
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Apia typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $350/month compared to $550/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Apia, Samoa.
Is Apia Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 40/100 and a quality of life score of 56/100, Apia is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 42 relative to New York City, Apia remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Samoa has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Apia Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Apia", "Apia monthly expenses 2026", and "is Apia affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,100, a safety score of 62/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Apia offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Samoa.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026