Samoa: cost of living

What is the inflation rate in Samoa?

Samoa's consumer price index was 3.6% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, and 0.2% higher than in July, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' consumer price index for August 2026. Average annual inflation, over the past twelve months, was 1.2%.

Transport added 2.3 percentage points to the yearly rise, as petrol rose 18.1%, diesel 25.2%, taxi fares 30.5% and bus fares 31.3%. Government house rent rose 25.0%. The 1.2% average is smoother, while the 3.6% shows the latest change.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: consumer price index, August 2026 (PDF)

Are food prices rising in Samoa?

Food and non-alcoholic drinks added 0.6 percentage points to Samoa's 3.6% annual rise in consumer prices to August 2026, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' consumer price index for August 2026. Cucumber rose 41.1%, turkey wings 25.0%, potatoes 20.8%, mutton flaps 17.8% and onions 13.6%.

Local produce moved the other way: the overall price level at local markets was 2% lower than in August 2025, according to the bureau's local market survey for August 2026, and the average price of bananas fell 5% over the year as supply rose 23%.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: CPI, August 2026 (PDF) · Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Local Market Survey, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the VAT rate in Samoa?

Samoa's value added goods and services tax (VAGST) is 15%, added to the price of most goods and services and most imports, according to the Ministry of Revenue's Inland Revenue services page.

A business must register for VAGST if its annual turnover is more than SAT $130,000, or is expected to pass that in the next twelve months. Registered businesses file returns every two months. The same page says withholding tax on contract payments is 10% for resident contractors and 15% for non-resident contractors.

Official sources: Ministry of Revenue: Inland Revenue services

How fast are prices rising in Samoa?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Samoa at 2.2% in 2025. The peak was 11.6% in 2008 and the low -1.6% in 2020. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.2%; Samoa is 12th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 104th of 165.

How much do people in Samoa spend?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Samoa was $3,480 in 2025. Since 2009 it has ranged from $2,746 (2012) to $3,689 (2024). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $3,794, and Samoa placed 8th highest of 12. Worldwide: 71st of 124.

What is the poverty rate in Samoa?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2018, is 21.9%. In 2008 the figure was 26.9%. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 9.8%, and Samoa placed 1st highest of 6. Worldwide: 34th of 67.

How many people in Samoa go hungry?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 18.2%. No year since 2017 has been lower. East Asia & Pacific median: 15.4%; Samoa is 7th highest of 17. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 70th highest.