In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for American Samoa - any experiences?
Spent a full month in American Samoa in early 2025 and averaged about $70 per day. That included a rental room in a local family’s home, meals from takeaway joints, and occasional bus trips. Cost of living for tourists in American Samoa is moderate - it’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia, but not Hawaii-level either. Entry to parks and beaches is free, but cultural tours or snorkeling can cost $25-$50. If you're coming from the mainland US, be ready for sticker shock on groceries and gas.
My trip in March 2025 lasted 10 days, and I set aside $100/day and spent about $80 on average. Most guesthouses were between $60-$75, but included breakfast. Lunch and dinner were around $10-$15 each. Travel costs in American Samoa for solo travelers can vary, especially if you opt for some comfort and privacy. I did one day trip to Aunu’u Island that cost around $40 total, including transport and food. Everything’s cash-based, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Overall, safe and peaceful - but not cheap.
I did American Samoa pretty cheaply - camped a bit, stayed in shared dorms, ate from food trucks and markets. Averaged around $55/day. Backpacker budget in American Samoa can be tight but doable if you plan ahead. Buses are super affordable (under $2 for most routes), and portions are big enough to split meals sometimes. There aren’t many hostels, so book early. Flights in and out are expensive, but once you’re there, daily spending can be low if you're not hitting up tourist restaurants or guided trips.
I spent three weeks in American Samoa working remotely from a guesthouse in Tafuna. Daily costs averaged $85, with accommodation taking the biggest chunk - budget rooms were around $60 per night. Meals at local places were $8-12, and public transport was super cheap. A realistic daily budget for American Samoa is $90-100 if you want comfort without luxury. SIM cards and connectivity were decent, and most activities like hiking or beaches were free. Just plan for some splurge days if you want boat rides or guided cultural tours.