Key Cost of Living Data
Apia 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $400 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $260 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $4 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $312 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $60 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
56%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Samoa
Avg net salary
$718
Food basket /mo
$182
Avg rent /mo
$400
Internet speed
2 Mbps
Safety index
3.2
HDI
0.702
Life expectancy
71.2 yrs
Purchasing power
19.4
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $400 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $260 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $400 | Samoa (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $4 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $12 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $312 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | $182 | Samoa (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $60 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Apia, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($400/mo) absorbs approximately 56% of the average net salary ($718/mo). Housing is a dominant budget item.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Samoa
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Samoa for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
Planning a move to Apia?
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Apia · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Apia cost of living
Is Apia good for digital nomads on a budget?
Apia is one of the more affordable cities for digital nomads, with a CoL Index of 50.0 (roughly 50% below New York City). A comfortable remote-work lifestyle — including a private apartment, fast internet, and regular dining out — typically costs $500–$700/month, making it highly competitive on a USD or EUR income.
What is the cheapest area to live in Apia?
Outside the city centre, a 1-bedroom apartment in Apia averages $260/month, compared to $400/month in central areas. Outer districts and emerging neighbourhoods can be even cheaper — local expat forums are the best source for current listings.
How does Apia compare to other affordable cities?
With a CoL Index of 50.0, Apia sits comfortably in the affordable tier (below 60 on the NYC=100 scale). It compares favourably with similar budget destinations in the region, offering a good balance of infrastructure and low cost that appeals to long-stay travellers and expats alike.
Is Apia, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Samoa?
As the capital of Samoa, Apia tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 50.0 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Samoa are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Apia?
The average net monthly salary in Apia is approximately $718, equivalent to around $8,616/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Apia
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.