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Cost of living in Port Moresby

Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant hub with a unique blend of cultures and a growing economy. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it influences lifestyle choices and financial planning.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Port Moresby for 2024, 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 $12.41 on average, with a range between $6.2 and $17.13.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $49.64, with prices ranging from $39.71 to $148.92.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.45, with a range between $6.2 and $12.41.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $1.74 to $4.96, imported beer $2.48 to $6.2, cappuccino $1.24 to $3.47, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $1.24.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.71 and $1.99 per liter, averaging $1.86.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.12 and $3.72, with an average price of $1.6.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.98 to $4.72, averaging $3.69.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.99 to $4.47 per kg, while oranges range from $1.74 to $11.17 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.24 and $4.96 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.24 to $6.2 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.25 and $1.24, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $33.45.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.87 and $1.24 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $4.96, with a cost of $1.49 to $2.48 per km and $8.69 to $24.82 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $992.79 to $5000, averaging $2351.43.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $198.56 to $1985.59, averaging $610.57.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1240.99 to $5708.56, averaging $3634.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $868.69 to $2481.98, averaging $1396.12.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $49.64 and $210.97, averaging $102.38.
  • InternetInternet services range from $124.1 to $496.4, with an average cost of $310.25.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 42 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$12.41
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$49.64
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.45
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.48
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.35
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.94
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.86
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.60
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.69
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.41
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.08
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.04
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.13
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.10
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$7.45
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.90
Apples (1kg)
$3.44
Oranges (1kg)
$3.85
Potato (1kg)
$3.47
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.58
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.48
Tomato (1kg)
$4.47
Banana (1kg)
$2.64
Onion (1kg)
$3.02
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.46
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.73
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,936.73
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.20
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.99
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.37
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,819.84
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$2,351.43
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$610.57
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,634.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,396.12
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$102.38
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$310.25
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$49.23
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$45.30
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.55
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.69
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$39.34
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$44.68
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$64.53
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$98.66
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$63,830.65
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$648.42
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
12.17%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$495.36
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,508.94
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