Apia, Samoa
Apia is a major city in Samoa with a population of 40,000.
Overview
Apia is a city in Tuamasaga with a population of 40,000. Apia is a major city in Samoa with a population of 40,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 250 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Samoa Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Apia vs Samoa Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: WS$ 24,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 40,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 74°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: WS$500,000
- 1BR Rent: WS$1500/mo
Cost of Living
Apia's cost of living index is 100 (Samoa average = 100).
| Category | Apia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | WS$500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | WS$1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | WS$1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | WS$333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Apia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | WS$100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | WS$53 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | WS$40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | WS$80 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | WS$273 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Apia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Apia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 94°F | 74°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 89°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 92°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Apia faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by cyclones.
Cyclone-induced floods.
Extreme summer heat.
Volcanic activity in the Samoan Islands.
Pacific islands with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Follows Pacific island calendar.
Demographics
The population of Apia is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Samoa Bureau of Statistics (2016)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Apia, Samoa?
The cost of living index in Apia is 100, which is Lower the Samoa national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Apia?
The median home price in Apia is WS$500,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Apia is approximately WS$1500/mo.
Does Apia, Tuamasaga have income tax?
Apia is in Tuamasaga, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Apia?
Apia enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 74°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.