Madang, a picturesque city in Papua New Guinea, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Madang, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs $6.92.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay around $39.56.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.13.
  • Domestic Beer - A domestic beer costs approximately $2.97.
  • Imported Beer - An imported beer is priced at $4.45.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs about $2.47.
  • Coke/Pepsi - A 0.33 liter bottle of Coke/Pepsi is priced at $1.24.
  • Water - A 0.33 liter bottle of water costs $0.74.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.98 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.48.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $3.46.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs $0.49.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs $12.36.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A 0.5 liter bottle of domestic beer costs $2.23.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs $2.47.
  • Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $5.34.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $5.93 per kg.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost $5.44 per kg.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges are priced at $0.99 per kg.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes cost $4.95 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $6.18.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced at $1.48 per kg.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes cost $1.98 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas are priced at $2.47 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions cost $2.97 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $8.41 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.11 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $989.08.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment averages $618.17.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $69.24 per month.
  • Internet - Internet services cost $24.73 per month.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$6.92
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$39.56
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.13
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.45
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.24
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.47
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.98
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.48
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.46
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.49
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.36
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.47
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.34
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.93
Apples (1kg)
$5.44
Oranges (1kg)
$0.99
Potato (1kg)
$4.95
Lettuce (1 head)
$6.18
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.48
Tomato (1kg)
$1.98
Banana (1kg)
$2.47
Onion (1kg)
$2.97
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.41
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$989.08
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$618.17
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$69.24
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$24.73
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.78
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$14.84
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$69.24
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$29.67
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$247.27
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$82.42
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,181.73
Madang Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Madang offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers. Dining out is inexpensive, with casual meals costing under $7.

Grocery prices are moderate, though some items like lettuce and beef can be more expensive. Housing is affordable, especially outside the city center.

Transportation costs are low, with gasoline priced at $1.11 per liter. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced.

Conclusion

Madang presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly for those who prioritize affordable dining and housing.

While some grocery items may be priced higher, the overall expenses remain manageable. This makes Madang an attractive option for both locals and expatriates seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.

Madang

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Madang
All cities in Papua New Guinea