Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Samoa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Samoa, you need to earn at least $56,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,737, which means the typical resident is $11,303 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 223

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$981	$3,270	$39,240	$-5,497
1 Bedroom	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	+$1,783
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,401	$4,670	$56,040	+$11,303
3 Bedroom	$1,709	$5,697	$68,360	+$23,623
4 Bedroom	$2,102	$7,007	$84,080	+$39,343

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Samoa's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,737

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$56,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$11,303

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Samoa

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Samoa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,118

Studio

$981/mo

1 BR

$1,163/mo

2 BR

$1,401/mo

3 BR

$1,709/mo

4 BR

$2,102/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Samoa.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Samoa's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Samoa

Samoa's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,401/month requires $56,040/year — about $11,303 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Samoa, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($981–$1,163/month) unless your income exceeds $56,040. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $701/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Samoa is approximately $84,060. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Samoa, California.

With a total population of 223, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 79 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $56,040 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

Active civilian employees in Samoa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Samoa

What salary do I need to live in Samoa, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Samoa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $56,040. The median household income in Samoa is $44,737.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Samoa on $44,737?

The affordability verdict for Samoa is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.6%, meaning there's a $11,303 income gap.

What is the average rent in Samoa compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Samoa is $1,163/month. With a median household income of $44,737, residents spend approximately 37.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Samoa?

A studio in Samoa rents for approximately $981/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $39,240 to afford this.

Is Samoa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $11,303 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Samoa is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $56,040 to the local median household income.

How Samoa Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements