Moving to Ecuador from Samoa

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Samoa to Ecuador? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Samoa to Ecuador, and you’d need to navigate life in Spanish. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right. Expect a noticeable climate shift — Quito averages 71°F vs 86°F in Apia, making it significantly cooler.

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to Ecuador

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Ecuador compared to Samoa.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

WS
6.2
EC
27.0
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

WS
9.6
EC
23.4

Samoa performs better than Ecuador across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

WS
$474
EC
$1,238
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

WS
5.5
EC
23.1

Ecuador generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Samoa leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

WS
34.0
EC
23.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

WS
1.6t
EC
2.6t

Samoa generally does better on environment, though Ecuador leads in air pollution deaths.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

WS
0.8
EC
15.0
Internet access The World Factbook, 2021

share of households with internet

WS
78.0%
EC
76.0%

Samoa generally does better on infrastructure, though Ecuador leads in broadband per 100 people.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

WS
9.8%
EC
3.4%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

WS
$6,000
EC
$14,300

Samoa generally does better on employment & economy, though Ecuador leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

WS
75.2 yrs
EC
77.5 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

WS
17.0
EC
18.1

Samoa generally does better on family life, though Ecuador leads in life expectancy.

Data: Ministry of Revenue, Samoa, The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

What's the Climate Like?

Monthly averages — select a city to compare.

Apia Rain: 116.7 in/yr (2965 mm)
86° / 74°F

Avg. annual high / low

Quito Rain: 43.2 in/yr (1098 mm)
71° / 50°F

Avg. annual high / low

Months Apia Quito
Jan–Mar 87°/75°F (31°/24°C) 70°/50°F (21°/10°C)
Apr–Jun 87°/74°F (30°/23°C) 70°/50°F (21°/10°C)
Jul–Sep 85°/73°F (30°/23°C) 72°/49°F (22°/9°C)
Oct–Dec 87°/74°F (30°/24°C) 70°/49°F (21°/10°C)
View all months
Month Apia Quito
Jan 87°/75°F (30.4°/23.9°C) 70°/50°F (21.2°/9.8°C)
Feb 87°/76°F (30.6°/24.2°C) 70°/50°F (21.0°/10.1°C)
Mar 87°/75°F (30.6°/24.0°C) 69°/50°F (20.8°/10.1°C)
Apr 87°/75°F (30.7°/23.8°C) 70°/50°F (20.9°/10.2°C)
May 87°/74°F (30.4°/23.4°C) 70°/50°F (21.0°/10.1°C)
Jun 86°/74°F (30.0°/23.2°C) 70°/50°F (21.1°/9.8°C)
Jul 85°/73°F (29.5°/22.6°C) 71°/49°F (21.5°/9.4°C)
Aug 85°/73°F (29.6°/22.8°C) 72°/49°F (22.2°/9.6°C)
Sep 86°/74°F (29.9°/23.1°C) 72°/49°F (22.3°/9.4°C)
Oct 86°/74°F (30.1°/23.4°C) 71°/49°F (21.8°/9.5°C)
Nov 87°/74°F (30.3°/23.6°C) 70°/49°F (21.3°/9.6°C)
Dec 87°/75°F (30.5°/23.8°C) 70°/49°F (21.3°/9.7°C)

Data: Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología - INAMHI Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología - INAMHI

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Samoa and Ecuador. To live, work, or study long-term in Ecuador, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Ecuador's immigration authority.

Samoa passport

Samoa passport holder visiting Ecuador

Visa Free
Samoa passport holders can enter Ecuador without a visa.
Ecuador passport

Ecuador passport holder visiting Samoa

Visa on Arrival
Ecuador passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Samoa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Ecuador?

Connectivity is usually fine (Ecuador: 15.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Ecuador offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Ecuador safe for expats?

Samoa performs better than Ecuador across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Ecuador is 27.0 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.2 in Samoa.

How is healthcare in Ecuador compared to Samoa?

Ecuador generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Samoa leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 23.1 doctors per 10,000 people in Ecuador, compared to 5.5 in Samoa. Ecuador scores 77 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Samoa: 55).

What's the weather like in Ecuador compared to Samoa?

The average high temperature in Quito is 71°F, compared to 86°F in Apia. Quito receives around 43.2 in of rainfall per year, while Apia gets 116.7 in.

What language do they speak in Ecuador?

The official language in Ecuador is Spanish. In Samoa, the official languages are English and Samoan.

Share this

At a Glance

WS EC
Population 206,179 17,289,554
Currency Samoan Tala (WST) United States Dollar ($)
Languages English, Samoan Spanish
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +685 +593
Time zones 1 2
Emergency number 911