30 cities covered · Currency: USD ($) · Capital: Alotau
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6.68 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $26.71 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $2.00 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $151 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $24.49 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $64.55 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $18.70 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $18.70 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $4.90 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $346 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $241 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $723 | per month |
Milne Bay · pop. 412,158
National Capital · pop. 317,374
Morobe · pop. 173,000
Northern · pop. 65,000
Southern Highlands · pop. 56,055
Bougainville · pop. 38,200
Western Highlands · pop. 29,765
Madang · pop. 29,339
West New Britain · pop. 27,191
East Sepik · pop. 25,143
Eastern Highlands · pop. 21,507
East New Britain · pop. 20,262
Morobe · pop. 20,000
New Ireland · pop. 19,849
Hela · pop. 15,413
Western · pop. 12,879
West Sepik · pop. 11,863
Chimbu · pop. 11,553
Bougainville · pop. 11,000
Western · pop. 10,270
Morobe · pop. 9,442
East New Britain · pop. 7,024
Bougainville · pop. 6,958
Gulf · pop. 6,551
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in PG
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in PG
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in PG
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in PG
Living costs in PG vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $686 per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.