Cost of Living in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea · Oceania
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
45
Cost Index
NYC=100
40
Rent Index
NYC=100
36
Quality of Life
Below Average
18
Safety Index
Poor
0.4M
Population
PGK
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $2 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $20 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $35000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $28000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $100 |
| Mobile Plan | $15 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $420/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $950/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,400/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
View Cost of Living in Papua New Guinea
Cost of Living in Port Moresby — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Port Moresby has a cost index of 45, making it around 55% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Port Moresby costs around $420/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,600/month. The rent index is 40 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Port Moresby scores 36/100 on the quality of life index and 18/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 35/100. The climate index is 62/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Port Moresby is approximately $600/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is PGK, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Port Moresby
The average monthly salary in Port Moresby is approximately $600. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,200, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Port Moresby
Healthcare quality in Port Moresby is rated 35/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Port Moresby
Port Moresby has a quality of life score of 36/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Port Moresby
Students living in Port Moresby should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Port Moresby
Expats moving to Port Moresby often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 45 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Port Moresby
Living in Port Moresby offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 45 and a quality of life score of 36/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $600 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Port Moresby provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Papua New Guinea and around the world.
Key Facts About Port Moresby
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,200
- Cost Index: 45
- Rent Index: 40
- Average Salary: $600
- Quality of Life: 36/100
- Safety Score: 18/100
- Country: Papua New Guinea
- Currency: PGK
Is Port Moresby Expensive?
Port Moresby has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Port Moresby compare to other cities?
Port Moresby is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.4M. At a cost index of 45 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Port Moresby stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Port Moresby?
The average cost of living in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 45 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Port Moresby?
Rent in Port Moresby varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 40 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Port Moresby alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Port Moresby expensive to live in?
Port Moresby has a cost index of 45 compared to New York City (100). At 45, Port Moresby is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,200.
What is the quality of life in Port Moresby?
Port Moresby has a quality of life index of 36/100 and a safety index of 18/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Port Moresby compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Port Moresby with any city worldwide. Port Moresby's cost index is 45 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Port Moresby?
Many residents live comfortably in Port Moresby with a monthly budget of around $1,200 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Port Moresby good for expats?
Port Moresby is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Port Moresby?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,200 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Port Moresby.
Is Port Moresby cheaper than New York?
Yes, Port Moresby has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Port Moresby?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Port Moresby.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Port Moresby
Cheapest Ways to Live in Port Moresby
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Port Moresby typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $420/month compared to $700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Is Port Moresby Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 36/100, Port Moresby is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 45 relative to New York City, Port Moresby remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Papua New Guinea has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Port Moresby Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Port Moresby", "Port Moresby monthly expenses 2026", and "is Port Moresby affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,200, a safety score of 18/100, and healthcare rated 35/100, Port Moresby offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Papua New Guinea.
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