Lae, Morobe, PG · Population 173,000
▼ -6% vs PG average
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6.30 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $25.20 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $1.89 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $143 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $23.10 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $60.90 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $17.64 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $17.64 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $4.62 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $322 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $224 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $672 | per month |
The estimated average net salary in Lae is $900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $644 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $837 per month.
Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($224) represents about 35% of the total single-person budget.
65 km away · Morobe
75 km away · Morobe
192 km away · Gulf
193 km away · Eastern Highlands
214 km away · Madang
256 km away · Chimbu
264 km away · Northern
279 km away · Jiwaka
Milne Bay · pop. 412,158
$857 / moNational Capital · pop. 317,374
$686 / moNorthern · pop. 65,000
$644 / moSouthern Highlands · pop. 56,055
$644 / moLae is one of the key cities in PG. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $644, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $224 per month.
For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,518 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,161 monthly.
The average estimated net salary in Lae is $900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $837 per month.