Cost of living in Madang

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 MealA 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 BeerA domestic beer costs approximately $2.97.
Imported BeerAn imported beer is priced at $4.45.
CappuccinoA regular cappuccino costs about $2.47.
Coke/PepsiA 0.33 liter bottle of Coke/Pepsi is priced at $1.24.
WaterA 0.33 liter bottle of water costs $0.74.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk 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.
InternetInternet 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

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

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

Transportation

Avg

Range

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.11

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

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

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

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

Salaries And Financing

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$247.27

Childcare

Avg / Range

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

Overview Job Market

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.