Cost of Living in Papua New Guinea

If you've ever considered moving to Papua New Guinea, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Papua New Guinea?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Papua New Guinea and whether the reported $4238 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $250.84.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Papua New Guinea
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

8.75 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

44.44 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.47 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.1 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

5.08 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.85 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.07 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.99 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.86 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.53 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.55 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.75 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

5.81 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.63 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

7.9 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.35 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.54 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.84 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.75 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.86 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.7 $

Lettuce (1 head)

3.49 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.15 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

11.29 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.48 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.23 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

7.05 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.56 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

38.03 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.23 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.69 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

14.11 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.21 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

33863.27 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23281.56 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

88.73 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.4 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

423.29 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

59.97 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

22.58 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

9.17 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

343.06 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4548.02 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

33.86 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

33.24 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

67.26 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

87.48 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2727.87 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

772.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2539.74 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

940.65 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

7126.7 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

18342.6 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

250.84 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

15.17 %

Papua New Guinea

How Safe Is Papua New Guinea for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Papua New Guinea

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Though this country is known for its friendly people, Papua New Guinea is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime, especially in the major cities. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Transportation is not very safe or reliable in Papua New Guinea. If you don't opt for driving, travel in company vehicles, hotel transport or reputable taxis which are definitely a safer alternative to Public Motor Vehicles. Avoid public transport as it is known for not being reliable and is also targeted by criminal groups.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As far as petty theft goes, you can expect bag snatching, car-jacking, and pickpocketing in major tourist areas. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. You should be extremely careful when handling your valuables even in the villages that are considered to be safer.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since it is located in the tropical region and along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, Papua New Guinea is susceptible to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, flood, cyclone, landslides, and tsunamis.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime is, unfortunately, more common in this country than petty theft. Armed robberies, road blocking performed by armed troupes that later rob you, and gangs on roadways that steal your belongings and even rape women are all known occurrences in this country, so be extremely vigilant.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Papua New Guinea's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in any country, there's a risk of getting scammed and especially in poverty-ridden ones, such as Papua New Guinea. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Papua New Guinea isn't the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do go and visit, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

All countries need a visa in order to enter Papua New Guinea, but the procedure is relatively easy: all tourists can get a visa-free of charge on arrival, and business travelers have to pay a fee in cash only upon receiving their visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Papua New Guinean kina is the official currency in Papua New Guinea. ATMs are most common in cities, and if the ATM machine is broken, just go inside and you will probably get a cash advance against your credit card over the counter.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in Papua New Guineas is tropical with temperatures at the coastline ranging around 28°C, the inland and mountain areas around 26°C, and the higher mountain regions around 23°C. There is a high degree of humidity in this country, ranging somewhere between 70 and 90 percent.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Jacksons International Airport, otherwise known as Port Moresby Airport, is the biggest and busiest airport of this country. It is located about 8 km outside Port Moresby.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Papua New Guinea, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Papua New Guinea with other countries

Cost of living in countries