Discover Samoa, a pristine Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific where ancient culture thrives alongside stunning natural beauty. From the iconic To-Sua Ocean Trench to cascading waterfalls and white-sand beaches, this independent island nation offers authentic cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Local currency: Samoan Tala (WST) - also called the Samoan Dollar. 1 USD ≈ 2.70 WST (2024).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Samoa.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $20-30/night (dorm at Dave Parker Eco Lodge or Apia Central Hostel)
- Budget
- $35-65/night (beach fales at Lalomanu or Salamumu)
- Midrange
- $80-160/night (Amanaki Hotel, Pasefika Inn, Coconuts Beach Club)
- Luxury
- $280-750/night (Sinalei Reef Resort, Seabreeze, Taumeasina)
Food
- Street
- $3-6 (market stall breakfast, roadside BBQ)
- Local
- $8-15 (Fugalei Market meal, local restaurant)
- Midrange
- $20-35 (Kokobanana, Giordano's Pizzeria, Nourish Cafe)
- Fine
- $50-100+ (Paddles Restaurant, Bistro Tatau, resort dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $2-15 WST (timber bus routes across Upolu)
- Taxi
- $10-20 WST (short Apia trips, agree fare before travel)
- Airport
- $60-70 WST taxi to Apia or $5-10 WST local bus
- Daytrip
- $20-30 USD (organized day tour add-on)
Activities
- Museum
- $5-15 (Samoa Museum $5, RLS Museum $15)
- Sites
- $5-20 (To-Sua Ocean Trench $20, village entry fees $5-10)
- Tour
- $40-80 (organized day tours)
- Excursion
- $80-150 (dive trips, Savai'i full-day tour)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Samoa costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$280-420 USD/week (beach fale accommodation, market and local restaurant meals, local buses, self-guided activities)
Midrange traveller
$700-1050 USD/week (guesthouse or mid-range hotel, mix of restaurants and local eating, occasional taxis and rental car day, paid attractions)
Luxury traveller
$1750-5000+ USD/week (luxury resort accommodation, fine dining, private tours, spa treatments, car hire)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Beach fales at Lalomanu include meals (usually breakfast and dinner) making them excellent all-in-one budget options at $35-65 per night
Cook your own food using produce from Fugalei Market - bananas, taro, breadfruit, papayas, and vegetables are extremely cheap and nutritious
Take local timber buses instead of taxis - buses run along main routes for $2-15 WST versus $60-80 WST for rental car equivalents
Visit To-Sua Ocean Trench on a Tuesday-Thursday when admission is the same but crowds are far smaller
Self-cater for lunch using market produce and save restaurant budgets for dinner at one quality local restaurant
Ferry to Savai'i at $10 WST is much cheaper than domestic flights at $50-80 USD - choose the ferry for a scenic budget option
Many resorts offer day visitor rates for pools and facilities cheaper than overnight stays - enjoy resort amenities at a fraction of the cost
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Papapapaitai Falls Viewpoint
Spectacular 100-meter waterfall viewpoint from the roadside on the Cross Island Road with free parking and no entry fee. Most impressive after heavy rain.
Cape Mulinuu Peninsula Walk
Historic government peninsula walk around Apia Harbour past Parliament House, independence monuments, and ceremonial buildings. Free access to the grounds.
Apia Waterfront Walk
Scenic walk along Beach Road and the Apia harbour waterfront past colonial buildings, Flea Market, and harbor views. Best at sunset.
Faleolo Beach Snorkeling
Surprisingly rich reef snorkeling accessible from shore near the international airport. Bring your own gear for a completely free experience.
Village Sunday Church Services
With permission from the village fono (council), attending a Samoan church service (most start 8-9 AM) offers extraordinary choral singing in gorgeous village churches.
Fugalei Market Exploration
Free to walk through Apia's main produce market sampling complimentary fruits offered by vendors and watching the commerce of daily Samoan life.
Apia Flea Market Browse
Browse the handicraft stalls near the wharf without obligation to buy. Friendly vendors enjoy showing their siapo cloth, weavings, and carved items.
Apia Night Market (Browsing)
Friday and Saturday evening market on the waterfront is free to enter and browse. Buy food if you wish but the experience of watching local community life is itself worthwhile.
Mulinuu Harbour Views
Watch Samoan fishing boats and inter-island ferries from the harbour area near the fish market. The natural backdrop of volcanic hills and Pacific Ocean creates excellent photography.
Beach Road Sunset Walk
The walk along Beach Road at golden hour is one of Samoa's finest free pleasures - harbour reflections, colonial architecture, and colorful evening sky make it unmissable.