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Apia, Samoa
Capital City

Follows Samoa Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$895
Retiree Score
76.0
Safety Index
—
Healthcare
9 facilities

With a population of just 37,708, Apia is hardly the bustling metropolis some may expect. The capital of Samoa is plagued by infrastructure issues, with the city's "haphazard growth" leading to persistent flooding and sewage problems. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Apia lacks a unified administration, instead comprising 45 independent villages.

Still, the tropical climate is consistent year-round, with an average temperature of 26°C. And the city offers a slice of Polynesian culture, from the Bahá'í House of Worship to the Robert Louis Stevenson museum.

Apia may suit those seeking a slower pace and natural beauty, but the practical challenges of daily life could overwhelm the casual visitor.

Can I afford Apia?

$

Apia

You could save

2,105/mo

Savings Rate70%

Monthly Costs

Rent (Samoa Average Adjusted)$350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$545

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
70/100
Retiree Score
(i)
76/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Samoa Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
—
Safety
9
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$47
Meal (Mid-range) $16
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $18
Mobile Plan (mo) $18
Gym (mo) *$20
Cinema Ticket *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) *$140
1BR Outside (mo) *$60
3BR Center (mo) $716
3BR Outside (mo) *$463

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Vailima, Motootua
Best For
aid workers, diplomats, lifestyle seekers

Expat Life Notes

The capital of Samoa, Apia has a small community of NGO workers, diplomats, and business owners. It offers a relaxed Pacific island lifestyle.

Pros

  • ✓ Friendly culture
  • ✓ Safe and peaceful
  • ✓ Beautiful natural surrounds

Cons

  • ✗ Extremely isolated
  • ✗ Limited professional jobs
  • ✗ High cost of imported goods

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
2593 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Jandira, BrazilLiving in Jandira, Brazil offers affordable São Paulo metro access via ViaMobilidade trains. Telecoms run on Vivo. Tight-knit but lacks greenery. For commuters Três Lagoas, BrazilLiving in Três Lagoas, Brazil offers a low-cost, balanced lifestyle with southern Brazilian culture. Ideal for expats seeking affordability and simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Apia

Click any question to expand the answer.

Apia has a population of approximately 37,708 people.

The nearest airport to Apia is APW, approximately 28km away.

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