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Cost of Living in Port Moresby

Port Moresby, National Capital, PG · Population 317,374

▲ +0% vs PG average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$686
Couple, monthly$1,238
Family of four, monthly$1,619

Estimated Prices in Port Moresby

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.68per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$26.71per meal
Cappuccino$2.00each
Monthly groceries (single person)$151per month
Monthly public transport pass$24.49per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$64.55per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$18.70per month
Fitness club membership$18.70per month
Cinema ticket$4.90each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$346per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$241per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$723per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Port Moresby is $954 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $686 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $892 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($241) represents about 35% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Port Moresby

Port Moresby vs AlotauPort Moresby vs LaePort Moresby vs PopondettaPort Moresby vs MendiPort Moresby vs ArawaPort Moresby vs Mount Hagen

Nearby Cities

Popondetta

143 km away · Northern

Amau

167 km away · Central

Kerema

227 km away · Gulf

Wau

243 km away · Morobe

Bulolo

259 km away · Morobe

Lae

306 km away · Morobe

Alotau

372 km away · Milne Bay

Goroka

425 km away · Eastern Highlands

Other Major Cities in PG

Alotau

Milne Bay · pop. 412,158

$857 / 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 Port Moresby

Port Moresby is one of the key cities in PG. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $686, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $241 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,619 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,238 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Port Moresby is $954. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $892 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Port Moresby expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $686 per month in Port Moresby including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for PG.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Port Moresby?
A net salary of around $892 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Port Moresby with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Port Moresby is $954.
How much is rent in Port Moresby?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $346 per month in the city centre and $241 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $723.
Is Port Moresby cheaper than PG on average?
No — Port Moresby is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the PG average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Port Moresby?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $151 in Port Moresby. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $7 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Port Moresby compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Port Moresby is estimated at $24. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Port Moresby are estimates based on PG national averages adjusted for city size (population 317,374). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.