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Cost of Living in Buka

Buka, Bougainville, PG · Population 11,000

▼ -16% vs PG average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$574
Couple, monthly$1,034
Family of four, monthly$1,350

Estimated Prices in Buka

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.67per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$22.68per meal
Cappuccino$1.70each
Monthly groceries (single person)$129per month
Monthly public transport pass$20.79per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$54.81per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.88per month
Fitness club membership$15.88per month
Cinema ticket$4.16each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$282per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$196per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$589per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Buka is $810 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $574 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $747 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($196) represents about 34% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Buka

Buka vs AlotauBuka vs Port MoresbyBuka vs LaeBuka vs PopondettaBuka vs MendiBuka vs Arawa

Nearby Cities

Sohano

3 km away · Bougainville

Arawa

133 km away · Bougainville

Kieta

137 km away · Bougainville

Kokopo

291 km away · East New Britain

Rabaul

309 km away · East New Britain

Hoskins

472 km away · West New Britain

Kimbe

500 km away · West New Britain

Kavieng

534 km away · New Ireland

Other Major Cities in PG

Alotau

Milne Bay · pop. 412,158

$857 / mo

Port Moresby

National Capital · pop. 317,374

$686 / mo

Lae

Morobe · pop. 173,000

$644 / mo

Popondetta

Northern · pop. 65,000

$644 / mo

Mendi

Southern Highlands · pop. 56,055

$644 / mo

Living in Buka

Buka is one of the key cities in PG. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $574, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $196 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,350 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,034 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Buka is $810. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $747 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buka expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $574 per month in Buka including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for PG.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Buka?
A net salary of around $747 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Buka with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Buka is $810.
How much is rent in Buka?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $282 per month in the city centre and $196 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $589.
Is Buka cheaper than PG on average?
Yes — Buka is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the PG average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Buka?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $129 in Buka. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $6 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Buka compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Buka is estimated at $21. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Buka are estimates based on PG national averages adjusted for city size (population 11,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.