Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Apia

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Shared dorm rooms in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, or budget family-run accommodations with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$12-25 per day

Local markets, street food stalls, small family-run eateries, and self-catering with groceries from local shops

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, and occasional shared taxis for longer distances around the island

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free beach access, hiking trails, cultural sites, with occasional paid attractions like waterfalls or cultural shows

Eat at local markets and family-run eateries instead of tourist restaurants for typically 60-80% savings on meals

Use public buses for transportation which cost roughly 80-90% less than private taxis

Stay in accommodations outside the main tourist areas for generally 30-50% lower rates

Visit free natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails rather than paid tours for major activity savings

Shop at local grocery stores and prepare some meals yourself to reduce food costs by 40-70%

Travel during shoulder seasons for accommodation discounts typically ranging 25-40% off peak rates

Book longer stays at guesthouses for weekly discounts usually offering 15-25% savings

Relying solely on taxis for transportation instead of public buses, which typically costs 4-5 times more daily

Eating exclusively at resort restaurants and tourist areas, usually resulting in 100-200% higher food costs

Not researching free activities and beaches, missing opportunities to save $30-80 per day on entertainment

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season, often paying 50-100% premium rates