Palau🇵🇼
At a Glance
How Palau compares across key indices
Cost of Living
99 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
59/100
Healthcare
49/100
Quality of Life
125/200
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Palau
Cost of Living
99
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
75
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
99
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
104
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Palau - based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
59/100
Crime Index
45/100
Lower is better
Walking Safety
0 point drop from day to night
Cities in Palau
Palau has 1 city with Freedom Abroad estimates. Ngerulmud has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $2,229. Ngerulmud leads on safety, scoring 61/100. Ngerulmud ranks highest for quality of life at 122/200.
Ngerulmud
$2,229/mo
Ngerulmud
61/100
Ngerulmud
122/200
Ngerulmud
50/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ngerulmud | $2,229 | 61/100 | 122/200 | 50/100 | 10 |
Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Palau
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Palau
Pollution Index
15/100
Lower is better
PM2.5
7.3ug/m3
Good
Environmental Quality
Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Palau, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Palau?
Palau has a cost of living index of 99 relative to New York City (100). It is on par with or more expensive than major US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $2,229 in Ngerulmud.
Is Palau safe for expats?
Palau has a safety index of 59/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Ngerulmud scores highest on safety at 61/100.
What is the best city in Palau for expats and digital nomads?
Ngerulmud ranks highest for quality of life in Palau, scoring 122/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $2,229/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Palau?
Palau scores 49/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it adequate by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Palau?
Palau has a pollution index of 15/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Palau
Plan Your Move
Where Can I Move?
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Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cost of Living
Model monthly costs with Freedom Abroad estimates before you narrow the shortlist.
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Set Up International Banking
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Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet - sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
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Cost of living, safety, school, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates or verified public records modeled from open sources. Data sources
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