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Cost of Living in Wau

Wau, Morobe, PG · Population 9,442

▼ -16% vs PG average

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

Estimated Prices in Wau

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 Wau 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 Wau

Wau vs AlotauWau vs Port MoresbyWau vs LaeWau vs PopondettaWau vs MendiWau vs Arawa

Nearby Cities

Bulolo

17 km away · Morobe

Lae

75 km away · Morobe

Kerema

125 km away · Gulf

Goroka

203 km away · Eastern Highlands

Popondetta

230 km away · Northern

Port Moresby

243 km away · National Capital

Madang

257 km away · Madang

Kundiawa

258 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 Wau

Wau 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 Wau 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 Wau expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $574 per month in Wau 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 Wau?
A net salary of around $747 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Wau with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Wau is $810.
How much is rent in Wau?
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 Wau cheaper than PG on average?
Yes — Wau 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 Wau?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $129 in Wau. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $6 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Wau compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Wau is estimated at $21. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Wau are estimates based on PG national averages adjusted for city size (population 9,442). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.