Prices and Cost of Living in Papua New Guinea

Food and beverage prices in Papua New Guinea

Popular food products found on store shelves in Papua New Guinea include bananas, rice, bread, onions, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, beef and potatoes, among others. Prices for a kilo of these products range from 9.87 PGK (2.44 USD) for a kilo of onions to 27.95 PGK (6.92 USD) for a kilo of beef. The price of white rice is 5.52 PGK (1.37 USD) per kilo, while a loaf of fresh white bread costs 5.32 PGK (1.32 USD) per half kilo. Bananas cost 7.97 PGK (1.97 USD) per kilo, while apples cost 12.01 PGK (2.97 USD) per kilo.

Water, available in 1.5-liter bottles, costs 4.22 PGK (1.05 USD). Dairy prices in Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, are as follows: 1 liter of milk costs about 7.11 PGK (1.76 USD), and 1 kilogram of locally produced cheese is an expense of 19.67 PGK (4.87 USD). Chicken filet, which is a common ingredient in meat dishes, costs in the range of 23.78 PGK (5.89 USD) per kilo. Eggs (12 pieces per package) are an expense of about 13.57 PGK (3.36 USD), and the average price of tomatoes is 9.2 PGK (2.28 USD) per kilo.

What is the typical cost for an affordable meal?

Prices in restaurants in Papua New Guinea vary and depend on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, location and time of day. For instance, a Cappuccino typically costs around 10.43 PGK (2.58 USD), while a 0.33-liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is priced at approximately 3.73 PGK (0.92 USD). At a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay 30 PGK (7.43 USD) for a meal, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost around 160 PGK (39.62 USD). Budget-friendly dining options are also available, with some restaurants offering meals for as little as 31.95 PGK (7.91 USD).

How much does transportation cost in Papua New Guinea?

The average expense of a one-way trip using local transportation stands at approximately 2 PGK (0.5 USD), while a monthly ticket for public transportation has an average cost of roughly 135 PGK (33.38 USD). Choosing to travel by taxi would entail an initial fee of 15 PGK (3.71 USD), along with a per-kilometer charge of 6 PGK (1.49 USD).

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Papua New Guinea?

The cost of renting or buying an apartment in Papua New Guinea varies according to its location. On average, renting an apartment with one bedroom and a living room outside the city center costs approximately 2410 PGK (597 USD) per month, while the same type of apartment in the city center can cost around 9667 PGK (2394 USD) per month. In comparison, the purchase price of an apartment in the city center is 25255 PGK (6254 USD) per square meter.