Families across Samoa say they continue to struggle with the rising cost of living despite the recent increase in the national minimum wage.
The minimum wage increased from $4.84 an hour in July 2025 to $5.24 an hour earlier this month. However, several low-income families told the Samoa Observer the increase has done little to ease the pressure of meeting everyday expenses.
Many said rising food prices, transport costs and utility bills continue to outpace wage growth, making it difficult to make ends meet.
Maria Solosolo, a mother of five from Vaitele, said most of her family's income is spent on essential expenses.
"Everything is becoming more expensive. Once we pay for food, electricity and transport, there's hardly anything left," she said.
