Cost of Living Comparison Between Lae and Bulolo Cost of Living Comparison Between Lae and Bulolo

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.60 PGK 46.23

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$54.6 PGK 238

Cappuccino

$2.82 PGK 12.30

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.83 PGK 3.60

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.63 PGK 2.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.70 PGK 16.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.74 PGK 25.05

Milk (1 liter)

$2.11 PGK 9.22

White Bread (500g)

$1.53 PGK 6.68

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.34 PGK 5.86

Eggs

$4.31 PGK 18.81

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.13 PGK 44.19

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.70 PGK 42.29

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.51 PGK 50.2

Apples (1kg)

$4.84 PGK 21.12

Banana (1kg)

$2.92 PGK 12.73

Oranges (1kg)

$6.70 PGK 29.22

Tomato (1kg)

$1.72 PGK 7.52

Potato (1kg)

$3.67 PGK 16.00

Onion (1kg)

$2.54 PGK 11.09

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.70 PGK 3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.00 PGK 4.34

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.04 PGK 30.69

Wine (Bottle)

$12.75 PGK 55.6

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.79 PGK 12.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.56 PGK 19.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.35 PGK 1.51

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.17 PGK 5.10

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$7,912 PGK 34.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$758 PGK 3,306

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,416 PGK 6,178

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$159 PGK 695

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Lae: May 30, 2026

Last update for Bulolo: May 30, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Lae vs Bulolo: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Bulolo is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Lae, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.

It comes down to priorities – Bulolo wins on affordability, Lae on earning potential. Factor in climate, language, visa rules, and proximity to places that matter to you before deciding.