The Cost of Renting a Car in American Samoa: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown

Budget vehicles are a popular category of rental vehicles in American Samoa, though the definition differs significantly from other destinations. Due to American Samoa's frequent flooding and challenging road conditions, not to mention American influence, most rental companies focus on SUVs and pickup trucks rather than compact cars, making budget SUVs the most practical choice for visitors.

As one local operator explains, "it's a really rainy place down here, so it tends to flood a lot. So anything high clearance" is essential for navigating the island safely. This means that what constitutes a "budget" vehicle in American Samoa would be considered mid-range elsewhere.

Cars in a car rental company's "budget" category are likely to be older model SUVs rather than compact sedans. These older models may come with minor issues; perhaps a radio that doesn't work perfectly or air conditioning that's not as strong, but they're typically well-maintained. While it's unlikely that the vehicle will break down, as rental vehicles are maintained to higher standards than personal vehicles, it's worth noting that some companies offer informal roadside assistance.

The Cost of Hiring a Budget SUV

The typical "budget SUV" in American Samoa includes older Toyota RAV4s, Nissan Rogues, and similar compact SUVs from around 2014. Daily rates typically range from US$60-$85.

These budget options, while older, are specifically chosen for their reliability and suitability to local conditions. As one of the operators we talked to noted, "the car is running perfect. It's shipped from off-island. So even though it's old, [it has] high mileage," but remains dependable for island touring.

The Cost of Hiring a Scooter

Also in the budget category are scooters, though they come with significant weather-related limitations. There are 150CC scooters for US$16-$58 per day (depending on the hire period), making them the most economical option.

For rental companies that specialise in budget-friendly options, see our detailed company listings in the 5 Best Car Rentals in Pago Pago & American Samoa, keeping in mind that weekly discounts of 5-15% are commonly available and can significantly reduce your total costs.

SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are overwhelmingly the most popular and practical category of rental vehicles in American Samoa. Beyond the weather-related necessity for high clearance previously discussed, SUVs excel at accessing American Samoa's diverse attractions and remote locations. Some beach access roads, hiking trailheads and cultural sites require navigating unpaved access roads where ground clearance becomes essential.

The SUV market in American Samoa differs from other destinations in that even "compact" SUVs command premium pricing due to their necessity rather than preference. However, this category breakdown helps travellers choose the right size for their group and luggage needs.

Compact SUVs offer the most economical entry point into reliable island transportation, while mid-range and full-size SUVs provide additional space for families, groups, and extended touring with luggage and equipment.

The Cost of Hiring a Compact SUV

Typical compact SUV models available in American Samoa include Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson. These vehicles represent the sweet spot for most travellers - providing essential ground clearance while maintaining reasonable fuel economy and manoeuvrability.

Daily rates for compact SUVs range from approximately US$85-$140 per day, depending on vehicle age and rental company.

The Cost of Hiring a Mid-Range SUV and Pickup Trucks

Larger SUV and pickup truck options provide significantly more passenger and cargo space, making them ideal for families, groups of 4-6 people, or travellers with substantial luggage. In American Samoa's market, pickup trucks often fall into this category due to their versatility and popularity with both locals and tourists (who doesn't love riding in the back?!)

Mid-range and pickup options typically include Toyota Tacoma (2WD and 4WD), Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and larger SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade. Pricing for these vehicles ranges from approximately US$110-$150 per day.

Compare specific SUV rental options and seasonal availability across different companies in our comprehensive rental company listings to find the best match for your travel dates and budget.

Again, the premium vehicle market in American Samoa operates quite differently from other Pacific destinations. Rather than being purely about status or showing off, premium rentals often reflect practical necessities combined with the significant costs of importing quality vehicles to this remote U.S. territory.

The most distinctive aspect of American Samoa's premium market is exemplified by companies like Worldwide Tours & Travel, whose operator explains: "I'm the only one who provides XLE and premium cars on island... I bring them all from Oregon. So I paid 25% tax on all my cars just for it to be here." This import tax reality means that newer, well-equipped vehicles command premium pricing not just for their features, but for the substantial additional costs involved in bringing quality vehicles to American Samoa.

Unlike other destinations where 4WD pickup trucks might be considered overkill for tourist needs, American Samoa's frequent flooding makes these vehicles genuinely useful. However, they still represent the top tier of rental pricing, particularly when equipped with modern amenities and maintained to high standards.

The Cost of Hiring Premium SUVs and Pickup Trucks

Premium pickup trucks and SUVs available in American Samoa include newer model Toyota Tacoma (both 2WD and 4WD), Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and premium SUV models with enhanced trim levels. The defining characteristics of "premium" in this market often include vehicle age (typically 3 years or newer), enhanced equipment levels, and superior maintenance standards.

Pricing for premium vehicles ranges from approximately US$125-$150 per day, with the premium largely reflecting vehicle quality and age rather than unnecessary capability.

The minivan and people mover scene in American Samoa, again, presents a stark contrast to other Pacific destinations. Unlike Samoa where these vehicles are available "in abundance," American Samoa's rental market has extremely limited options for larger passenger vehicles.

As one major operator candidly explained to us: "I only have one minivan, so I don't think it's worth putting up. But we mainly do SUVs and trucks, mainly because it's a really rainy place down here, so it tends to flood a lot." This sentiment captures the core challenge - American Samoa's frequent flooding and challenging road conditions make traditional low-clearance vans and people movers impractical for reliable daily use.

The limited availability means that larger groups often need to consider alternative transportation strategies, such as renting multiple SUVs or pickup trucks, or working with local tour operators for group transportation needs.

The Cost of Hiring a Minivan

Minivans (10+ passengers, typically Toyota Hiace models) face availability challenges in American Samoa. The combination of difficult terrain, limited demand, and high import costs makes maintaining these vehicles economically challenging for most rental operators.

When available, minivan daily rates would likely fall in the US$150-$250 range, but finding availability requires significant advance planning.

For rental companies with any van or people mover availability, advance booking through direct contact rather than online systems typically yields the best results, as these vehicles are often not listed in standard inventory due to their limited numbers.

Of course, hiring a vehicle doesn’t just include the daily rate. There are other costs to keep in mind, such as the mandatory cost of fuel. There are also optional extras, such as baby seats and insurance excess reduction.

Note that there will likely be some inclusions in your car rental that are free, such as airport delivery, unlimited miles and roadside assistance.

• Gas/gallon– US$4.09-$4.39
• Pago Pago Port delivery/return – US$40
• Airport delivery – FREE
• Insurance/day – US$10-$20
• Baby seat/day – US$0-$15
• Security deposit – Credit card pre-authorisation or US$100-$500
• Credit card fee – 3-5% of the payment total.

So, how much does it cost to rent a car in American Samoa? In other words, how much should you budget for? Below, we have calculated some approximate prices for renting a car in American Samoa across three different durations.

How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Day in American Samoa?

Mid-range SUV car rental for just one day in American Samoa is approximately US$100-$130 per day.

Additional mandatory costs to take into consideration:

• Fuel tank top-up at the end of your trip – Our experience shows that this roughly comes to US$4 if travelling approximately 35 mi (57 km), such as a trip from Pago Pago to the west side of Tutuila and back again.

Total: Combining all the costs above, you can expect to pay US$104-$134 for your transportation in American Samoa for one day in a compact SUV. This does not include any additional services like credit card fees, insurance, etc.

How Much is it to Hire a Car for Five Days in American Samoa?

Mid-range SUV car rental for five days in American Samoa is approximately US$500-$650 in total.

Additional mandatory costs to take into consideration:

• Fuel tank top-up at the end of your trip – Our experience shows that this roughly comes to US$20 if travelling approximately 175 mi (285 km) over the course of five days, such as making multiple trips around Tutuila.

Total: Combining all the costs above, you can expect to pay US$520-$670 for your transportation in American Samoa for five days in a compact SUV. This does not include any additional services like credit card fees, insurance, etc.

How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Week in American Samoa?

Mid-range SUV car rental for seven days in American Samoa is approximately US$700-$882 in total (bearing in mind there is sometimes a discount for hirely weekly).

Additional mandatory costs to take into consideration:

• Fuel tank top-up at the end of your trip – Our experience shows that this roughly comes to US$28 if travelling approximately 245 mi (399 km) over the course of seven days, such as making several trips around Tutuila.

Total: Combining all the costs above, you can expect to pay US$728–$1,002 for your transportation in American Samoa for seven days in a compact SUV. This does not include any additional services like credit card fees, insurance, etc.