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Cost of Living in Vanimo

Vanimo, West Sepik, PG · Population 11,863

▼ -16% vs PG average

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

Estimated Prices in Vanimo

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 Vanimo 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 Vanimo

Vanimo vs AlotauVanimo vs Port MoresbyVanimo vs LaeVanimo vs PopondettaVanimo vs MendiVanimo vs Arawa

Nearby Cities

Wewak

276 km away · East Sepik

Tabubil

288 km away · Western

Tari

397 km away · Hela

Wabag

410 km away · Enga

Mendi

466 km away · Southern Highlands

Mount Hagen

479 km away · Western Highlands

Kurumul

511 km away · Jiwaka

Kundiawa

537 km away · Chimbu

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 Vanimo

Vanimo 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 Vanimo 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 Vanimo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $574 per month in Vanimo 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 Vanimo?
A net salary of around $747 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Vanimo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Vanimo is $810.
How much is rent in Vanimo?
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 Vanimo cheaper than PG on average?
Yes — Vanimo 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 Vanimo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $129 in Vanimo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $6 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Vanimo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Vanimo is estimated at $21. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Vanimo are estimates based on PG national averages adjusted for city size (population 11,863). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.