Papua New Guinea🇵🇬
At a Glance
How Papua New Guinea compares across key indices
Cost of Living
46 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
19/100
Healthcare
24/100
Quality of Life
33/200
Climate
72/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Papua New Guinea
Cost of Living
46
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
26
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
54
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
33
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Port Moresby
Cheapest$2,536/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in Papua New Guinea — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
19/100
Crime Index
81/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
82/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
15 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 201 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has 1 city with Numbeo data. Port Moresby has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $2,536. Port Moresby leads on safety, scoring 19/100.
Port Moresby
$2,536/mo
Port Moresby
19/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Moresby | $2,536 | 19/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are 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 Papua New Guinea
Healthcare Index
24/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 28 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Papua New Guinea
Pollution Index
77/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 42 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Papua New Guinea
Average One-Way Commute
45minutes
Average
Traffic Index
224
Heavy congestion
Inefficiency
404
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
10.4kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 5 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Papua New Guinea, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a cost of living index of 46 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $2,536 in Port Moresby.
Is Papua New Guinea safe for expats?
Papua New Guinea has a safety index of 19/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Port Moresby scores highest on safety at 19/100.
How good is healthcare in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea scores 24/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it limited in some areas by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Papua New Guinea cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Papua New Guinea's cost of living is roughly 54% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 74% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a pollution index of 77/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Papua New Guinea
Plan Your Move
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