🇼🇸 Cost of Living: Samoa vs American Samoa — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameIndependent State of Samoa
CapitalApia
Population205,557
Area2,842 km² (1,097 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, Samoan
CurrencySamoan tālā (T)
TimezoneUTC+13:00
RegionOceania / Polynesia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$8,737 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.2% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$293 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend13.4% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)5.5% (2024)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Samoa is generally cheaper than American Samoa, with an overall cost of living difference of around 20-30% in favor of Samoa.
Quick Facts
Samoa GDP per Capita (PPP)6,370
American Samoa GDP per Capita (PPP)11,200
Samoa Inflation Rate2.5%
American Samoa Inflation Rate3.5%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Samoa
Overview: Samoa vs American Samoa
The cost of living in Samoa and American Samoa varies significantly, with Samoa being the more affordable option. Samoa's lower cost of living is due to its lower labor costs, lower transportation costs, and a more developed local economy. In contrast, American Samoa has a higher cost of living due to its proximity to the United States and its reliance on imported goods. Overall, Samoa offers a more affordable lifestyle, with lower prices for housing, food, and transportation.
The economic context of the two countries also plays a significant role in their cost of living. Samoa has a growing economy, with a strong focus on tourism and agriculture, while American Samoa's economy is more dependent on the United States. This dependence on the US economy means that American Samoa is more vulnerable to external economic shocks, which can drive up prices and reduce the overall standard of living. In contrast, Samoa's more diversified economy makes it more resilient to external economic pressures.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Samoa (USD)
American Samoa (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
400
600
33% cheaper in Samoa
1BR Apartment (Outside)
250
400
37% cheaper in Samoa
3BR Apartment (City Center)
700
1,200
42% cheaper in Samoa
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Samoa (USD)
American Samoa (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
10
15
33% cheaper in Samoa
Groceries (monthly)
300
500
40% cheaper in Samoa
Beer (500ml)
3
5
40% cheaper in Samoa
Coffee
2
3
33% cheaper in Samoa
Transport Comparison
Item
Samoa (USD)
American Samoa (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
20
30
33% cheaper in Samoa
Taxi (per km)
1
2
50% cheaper in Samoa
Fuel (per liter)
1.20
1.50
20% cheaper in Samoa
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Samoa (USD)
American Samoa (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
100
150
33% cheaper in Samoa
Internet (60 Mbps)
30
50
40% cheaper in Samoa
Mobile Plan
20
30
33% cheaper in Samoa
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Samoa (USD)
American Samoa (USD)
Savings
Budget
800
1,200
33% savings in Samoa
Mid-Range
1,200
1,800
33% savings in Samoa
Comfortable
2,000
3,000
33% savings in Samoa
Where Each Country Wins
Samoa is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices up to 42% lower than in American Samoa
Food and dining, with meal prices up to 40% lower than in American Samoa
Transportation, with fuel prices up to 20% lower than in American Samoa
Utilities and internet, with prices up to 40% lower than in American Samoa
American Samoa is cheaper for:
Some imported goods, which may be cheaper due to American Samoa's proximity to the US
Certain electronics and appliances, which may be more widely available in American Samoa
Travel to the US, with more frequent flights and potentially lower prices
Access to certain US-based services and amenities, such as healthcare and education
Bottom Line
For expats, students, and retirees, Samoa offers a more affordable lifestyle with lower prices for housing, food, and transportation. However, American Samoa may be a better option for those who prioritize access to US-based services and amenities, or for those who need to travel frequently to the US. For families, Samoa's lower cost of living and more developed local economy make it an attractive option, while American Samoa's higher cost of living may be offset by its higher standard of living and access to US-based education and healthcare. Ultimately, the choice between Samoa and American Samoa will depend on individual priorities and lifestyle needs.