Cost of Living: Australia vs Papua New Guinea

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 58.0% more expensive than Papua New Guinea. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 775.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Papua New Guinea, you would spend about $158 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 775.8%

Australia is 775.8% more expensive

Other Expenses 373.4%

Australia is 373.4% more expensive

Childcare 203.3%

Australia is 203.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 58.0%

Australia is 58.0% more expensive than Papua New Guinea

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +775.8%
  • Other Expenses +373.4%
  • Childcare +203.3%

Is Australia cheaper than Papua New Guinea?

No, Papua New Guinea is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Papua New Guinea are 58.0% lower than in Australia.

Where Papua New Guinea is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 775.8% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 373.4% cheaper
  • Childcare 203.3% cheaper

Where Papua New Guinea is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 80.8% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 69.8% more expensive
  • Rent Per Month 13.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Papua New Guinea: 7.92 $
104.8% more expensive in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Papua New Guinea: 3,123.89 $
55.8% cheaper in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Papua New Guinea: 24.38 $
299.3% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of milk

Australia: 1.53 $ Papua New Guinea: 1.99 $
23.1% cheaper in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Papua New Guinea is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 58.0% on living expenses by choosing Papua New Guinea over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

58.0%

Australia is 58.0% more expensive than Papua New Guinea

Restaurants

52.1%

Australia is 52.1% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Markets

107.2%

Australia is 107.2% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Other Expenses

373.4%

Australia is 373.4% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Transportation

8.5%

Australia is 8.5% cheaper than Papua New Guinea in this category

Household Utilities

68.4%

Australia is 68.4% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Mobile and Internet

69.8%

Australia is 69.8% cheaper than Papua New Guinea in this category

Sports And Leisure

9.4%

Australia is 9.4% cheaper than Papua New Guinea in this category

Childcare

203.3%

Australia is 203.3% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Clothing And Shoes

60.3%

Australia is 60.3% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Rent Per Month

13.7%

Australia is 13.7% cheaper than Papua New Guinea in this category

Property Prices

80.8%

Australia is 80.8% cheaper than Papua New Guinea in this category

Salaries And Financing

775.8%

Australia is 775.8% more expensive than Papua New Guinea in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Papua New Guinea Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 7.92 $ 104.8%
Australia is 104.8% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 48.76 $ 59.7%
Australia is 59.7% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 6.10 $ 59.5%
Australia is 59.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 2.39 $ 45.6%
Australia is 45.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 0.89 $ 194.4%
Australia is 194.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 0.78 $ 176.9%
Australia is 176.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 1.06 $ 42.5%
Australia is 42.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 2.70 $ 110.7%
Australia is 110.7% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 7.00 $ 81.6%
Australia is 81.6% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 6.74 $ 18.2%
Australia is 18.2% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 1.11 $ 28.8%
Australia is 28.8% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.99 $ 23.1%
Australia is 23.1% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 1.58 $ 55.1%
Australia is 55.1% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 1.51 $ 35.8%
Australia is 35.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 3.85 $ 11.9%
Australia is 11.9% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 5.54 $ 60.5%
Australia is 60.5% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 6.65 $ 26.9%
Australia is 26.9% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 6.07 $ 128.7%
Australia is 128.7% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 4.14 $ 22.9%
Australia is 22.9% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 3.02 $ 8.9%
Australia is 8.9% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 4.86 $ 39.7%
Australia is 39.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 3.98 $ 8.0%
Australia is 8.0% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 3.58 $ 31.0%
Australia is 31.0% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 2.58 $ 17.1%
Australia is 17.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 2.97 $ 25.3%
Australia is 25.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 24.38 $ 299.3%
Australia is 299.3% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 6.58 $ 373.4%
Australia is 373.4% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 0.49 $ 495.9%
Australia is 495.9% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 5.49 $ 29.1%
Australia is 29.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 2.44 $ 23.0%
Australia is 23.0% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 17.07 $ 122.0%
Australia is 122.0% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 1.12 $ 5.4%
Australia is 5.4% more expensive
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 24,380.59 $ 18.2%
Australia is 18.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 31,938.58 $ 29.1%
Australia is 29.1% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 104.43 $ 68.4%
Australia is 68.4% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 49.52 $ 46.2%
Australia is 46.2% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 214.55 $ 75.3%
Australia is 75.3% cheaper
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 64.14 $ 26.1%
Australia is 26.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 12.50 $ 32.7%
Australia is 32.7% more expensive
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 9.75 $ 46.5%
Australia is 46.5% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 445.96 $ 252.2%
Australia is 252.2% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 4,144.70 $ 198.1%
Australia is 198.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 35.84 $ 99.7%
Australia is 99.7% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 36.16 $ 40.7%
Australia is 40.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 69.24 $ 47.5%
Australia is 47.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 67.29 $ 63.1%
Australia is 63.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 3,123.89 $ 55.8%
Australia is 55.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 487.61 $ 124.8%
Australia is 124.8% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 3,239.14 $ 28.0%
Australia is 28.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 731.42 $ 136.4%
Australia is 136.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 8,579.77 $ 20.8%
Australia is 20.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 53,355.12 $ 90.5%
Australia is 90.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 401.26 $ 802.1%
Australia is 802.1% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 12.75 50.2%
Australia is 50.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Papua New Guinea. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Papua New Guinea goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Papua New Guinea

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Papua New Guinea

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Papua New Guinea

Related comparisons