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Cost of Living in Lae - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $456 (excluding rent), and $1,216 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,453 (excluding rent), and $1,344 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.32 PGK 44.06
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$56.3 PGK 240
-
Cappuccino
$2.83 PGK 12.09
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87 PGK 3.73
-
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 PGK 2.51
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.68 PGK 15.72
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.93 PGK 25.32
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.11 PGK 8.99
$1.87 PGK 7.99
$2.34 PGK 9.99
White Bread (500g)
$1.57 PGK 6.72
$1.45 PGK 6.20
$1.69 PGK 7.23
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.39 PGK 5.95
$1.33 PGK 5.69
$1.45 PGK 6.21
Eggs
$4.34 PGK 18.54
$3.68 PGK 15.70
$5.00 PGK 21.37
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.25 PGK 43.78
$8.30 PGK 35.44
$12.21 PGK 52.1
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.88 PGK 42.21
$9.64 PGK 41.18
$10.13 PGK 43.24
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.42 PGK 48.74
$10.81 PGK 46.18
$12.02 PGK 51.3
Apples (1kg)
$4.86 PGK 20.74
-
Banana (1kg)
$3.04 PGK 12.99
$1.22 PGK 5.20
$4.87 PGK 20.78
Oranges (1kg)
$6.54 PGK 27.91
$1.66 PGK 7.10
$11.41 PGK 48.71
Tomato (1kg)
$1.72 PGK 7.34
$1.72 PGK 7.34
$1.72 PGK 7.34
Potato (1kg)
$3.82 PGK 16.32
$1.48 PGK 6.32
$6.16 PGK 26.32
Onion (1kg)
$2.48 PGK 10.58
$1.65 PGK 7.05
$3.30 PGK 14.11
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74 PGK 3.16
$0.74 PGK 3.16
$0.74 PGK 3.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.99 PGK 4.22
$0.49 PGK 2.11
$1.48 PGK 6.34
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.06 PGK 30.14
-
Wine (Bottle)
$12.89 PGK 55.1
$9.38 PGK 40.05
$16.42 PGK 70.1
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.73 PGK 11.64
$1.90 PGK 8.09
$3.55 PGK 15.18
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.56 PGK 19.45
$3.50 PGK 14.96
$5.61 PGK 23.94
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.37 PGK 1.59
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 PGK 4.93
$1.09 PGK 4.67
$1.21 PGK 5.19
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$7,981 PGK 34.1K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$742 PGK 3,169
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,412 PGK 6,029
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$163 PGK 695
-

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

Last update: January 12, 2026

Lae Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Download
207
Mbps
Upload
14
Mbps
Latency
23
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
48
Mbps
Upload
16
Mbps
Latency
65
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Lae - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lae, Papua New Guinea an affordable base for travelers and expats, and how does it compare to other Pacific cities?
Lae offers a practical balance of value and convenience for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Daily needs – from markets to casual dining – can be affordable, and you’ll find a spectrum of housing options, from simple apartments to larger compounds, to suit different budgets. Near the city center you’ll enjoy shorter commutes and more services, while farther afield rents typically drop but transport may require planning. Cost of Living in Lae tends to be more predictable than in larger regional capitals when you settle into a steady neighborhood and a flexible lease. Tip: Plan a flexible budget that covers meals, transport, and occasional outings.
What does daily life look like in Lae for housing, food, transport, coworking, and errands?
In daily life, you move around by bus-like PMVs, taxis, or arranged rides; walking and short trips are common in central neighborhoods. Food options range from market produce and local staples to affordable eateries and cafes with reliable internet, handy for remote work. When searching housing, look for managed apartments or shared houses near amenities; negotiating terms matters in PNG. Lae living cost can vary by area, so compare a few neighborhoods in person. Tip: test internet speed and reliability in your chosen spot before committing.
What about quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Lae?
Quality of life in Lae centers on warm days, easy access to the coast and markets, and a friendly, active community – balanced with occasional heavy rain. Build a simple budgeting framework: list essentials, set a monthly cap for groceries and transport, and leave a buffer for medical or travel needs. To pick a good neighborhood, visit at different times and weigh safety, proximity to markets and coworking spaces, and internet reliability. Seasonal patterns influence gear and routines more than prices, so tailor your wardrobe and errands to the humidity and rain. Tip: establish a go-to coffee spot and coworking cadence to keep you productive.

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