Cost of living in Lae

Lae, a bustling city in Papua New Guinea, is known for its vibrant culture and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Lae, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $27.3.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $57.09.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)A domestic beer costs approximately $3.72.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)An imported beer is priced at about $5.96.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs around $0.87.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle)A small bottle of water is priced at $0.62.
  • Cappuccino (regular)A regular cappuccino costs about $2.98.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced at $2.48 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.74.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs are priced at $5.06.
  • Local Cheese (1kg)Local cheese costs $8.44 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle)A 1.5 liter bottle of water is priced at $1.49.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)A mid-range bottle of wine costs $9.93.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)A domestic beer bottle costs $3.72.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)An imported beer bottle costs $5.96.
  • Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $7.45.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg)Chicken fillets are priced at $10.42 per kg.
  • Oranges (1kg)Oranges cost $11.91 per kg.
  • Potato (1kg)Potatoes are priced at $6.2 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head)A head of lettuce costs $0.74.
  • Rice (white), (1kg)White rice costs $1.37 per kg.
  • Tomato (1kg)Tomatoes are priced at $1.74 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg)Bananas cost $4.96 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg)Onions are priced at $3.47 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg)Beef round costs $12.41 per kg.
Transportation
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $1.24 per liter.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $8000.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is about $1800.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $1489.19.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$27.30
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$57.09
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.96
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.62
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.98
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.48
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.74
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.06
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.44
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.49
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.93
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.96
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$7.45
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.42
Oranges (1kg)
$11.91
Potato (1kg)
$6.20
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.37
Tomato (1kg)
$1.74
Banana (1kg)
$4.96
Onion (1kg)
$3.47
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.41
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.24
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$8,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,489.19
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