Cost of Living Comparison Between Madang and Alotau Cost of Living Comparison Between Madang and Alotau

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.86 PGK 29.77

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$37.85 PGK 164

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.79 PGK 46.81

Cappuccino

$2.47 PGK 10.70

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

$1.18 PGK 5.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.73 PGK 3.19

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.82 PGK 12.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.33 PGK 18.81

Milk (1 liter)

$1.89 PGK 8.21

White Bread (500g)

$1.46 PGK 6.33

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.45 PGK 6.30

Eggs

$3.31 PGK 14.36

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.72 PGK 24.84

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.38 PGK 36.36

Apples (1kg)

$5.24 PGK 22.75

Banana (1kg)

$2.33 PGK 10.12

Oranges (1kg)

$0.94 PGK 4.06

Tomato (1kg)

$1.93 PGK 8.38

Potato (1kg)

$4.70 PGK 20.42

Onion (1kg)

$2.95 PGK 12.80

Lettuce (1 head)

$6.14 PGK 26.65

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.47 PGK 2.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.04 PGK 21.87

Wine (Bottle)

$11.32 PGK 49.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.10 PGK 9.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46 PGK 10.66

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.10 PGK 4.76

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$66.2 PGK 287

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$24.19 PGK 105

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$80.2 PGK 348

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,987 PGK 26.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$19.42 PGK 84.3

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.64 PGK 63.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$66.5 PGK 288

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$29.18 PGK 127

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$971 PGK 4,214

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$606 PGK 2,631

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$234 PGK 1,016

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

Last update for Madang: April 28, 2026

Last update for Alotau: April 25, 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

Madang vs Alotau: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Families tend to lean toward Alotau – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

If budget matters most, go with Alotau. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Madang makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.