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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.06 PGK 109

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$52.3 PGK 227

Cappuccino

$2.75 PGK 11.92

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

$0.80 PGK 3.49

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.57 PGK 2.49

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.40 PGK 14.75

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.42 PGK 23.54

Milk (1 liter)

$2.00 PGK 8.67

White Bread (500g)

$1.43 PGK 6.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 PGK 5.49

Eggs

$3.94 PGK 17.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.56 PGK 41.49

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.27 PGK 40.24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.90 PGK 47.29

Apples (1kg)

$4.60 PGK 19.97

Banana (1kg)

$2.80 PGK 12.13

Oranges (1kg)

$6.22 PGK 26.98

Tomato (1kg)

$1.61 PGK 7.00

Potato (1kg)

$3.40 PGK 14.74

Onion (1kg)

$2.30 PGK 9.98

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.65 PGK 2.84

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.86 PGK 3.74

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.67 PGK 28.94

Wine (Bottle)

$12.59 PGK 54.6

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.63 PGK 11.40

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.37 PGK 18.98

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.35 PGK 1.53

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.00 PGK 4.33

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$448 PGK 1,943

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$268 PGK 1,162

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,265 PGK 5,488

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$620 PGK 2,691

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$158 PGK 685

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

Last update for Lae: September 5, 2026

Last update for Bulolo: September 8, 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.