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Cost of Living in Popondetta

Popondetta, Northern, PG · Population 65,000

▼ -6% vs PG average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$644
Couple, monthly$1,161
Family of four, monthly$1,518

Estimated Prices in Popondetta

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.30per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$25.20per meal
Cappuccino$1.89each
Monthly groceries (single person)$143per month
Monthly public transport pass$23.10per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$60.90per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$17.64per month
Fitness club membership$17.64per month
Cinema ticket$4.62each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$322per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$224per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$672per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Popondetta 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.

Compare Popondetta

Popondetta vs AlotauPopondetta vs Port MoresbyPopondetta vs LaePopondetta vs MendiPopondetta vs ArawaPopondetta vs Mount Hagen

Nearby Cities

Port Moresby

143 km away · National Capital

Amau

145 km away · Central

Wau

230 km away · Morobe

Bulolo

247 km away · Morobe

Lae

264 km away · Morobe

Kerema

285 km away · Gulf

Alotau

296 km away · Milne Bay

Kimbe

415 km away · West New Britain

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

Mendi

Southern Highlands · pop. 56,055

$644 / mo

Living in Popondetta

Popondetta 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 Popondetta 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Popondetta expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $644 per month in Popondetta including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for PG.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Popondetta?
A net salary of around $837 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Popondetta with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Popondetta is $900.
How much is rent in Popondetta?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $322 per month in the city centre and $224 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $672.
Is Popondetta cheaper than PG on average?
Yes — Popondetta is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the PG average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Popondetta?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $143 in Popondetta. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $6 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Popondetta compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Popondetta is estimated at $23. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Popondetta are estimates based on PG national averages adjusted for city size (population 65,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.