Cost of Living: Papua New Guinea vs France

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Papua New Guinea is 54.9% more expensive than France. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 467.7% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $155 in Papua New Guinea for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 467.7%

Papua New Guinea is 467.7% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 341.6%

Papua New Guinea is 341.6% more expensive

Rent Per Month 68.8%

Papua New Guinea is 68.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 54.9%

Papua New Guinea is 54.9% more expensive than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Property Prices +467.7%
  • Mobile and Internet +341.6%
  • Rent Per Month +68.8%

Is Papua New Guinea cheaper than France?

No, France is cheaper than Papua New Guinea

Overall, living costs in France are 54.9% lower than in Papua New Guinea.

Where France is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 467.7% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 341.6% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 68.8% cheaper

Where France is more expensive:

  • Salaries And Financing 84.6% more expensive
  • Childcare 63.0% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 51.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Papua New Guinea: 7.92 $ France: 17.07 $
53.6% cheaper in Papua New Guinea

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Papua New Guinea: 3,123.89 $ France: 875.36 $
256.9% more expensive in Papua New Guinea

Monthly public transport pass

Papua New Guinea: 24.38 $ France: 70.58 $
65.5% cheaper in Papua New Guinea

1 liter of milk

Papua New Guinea: 1.99 $ France: 1.31 $
51.9% more expensive in Papua New Guinea

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, France is indeed cheaper than Papua New Guinea. You would spend approximately 54.9% on living expenses by choosing France over Papua New Guinea. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

54.9%

Papua New Guinea is 54.9% more expensive than France

Restaurants

33.3%

Papua New Guinea is 33.3% cheaper than France in this category

Markets

50.4%

Papua New Guinea is 50.4% cheaper than France in this category

Other Expenses

51.8%

Papua New Guinea is 51.8% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

22.9%

Papua New Guinea is 22.9% cheaper than France in this category

Household Utilities

50.5%

Papua New Guinea is 50.5% cheaper than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

341.6%

Papua New Guinea is 341.6% more expensive than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

24.7%

Papua New Guinea is 24.7% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

63.0%

Papua New Guinea is 63.0% cheaper than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

46.4%

Papua New Guinea is 46.4% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

68.8%

Papua New Guinea is 68.8% more expensive than France in this category

Property Prices

467.7%

Papua New Guinea is 467.7% more expensive than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

84.6%

Papua New Guinea is 84.6% cheaper than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Papua New Guinea France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.92 $ 17.07 $ 53.6%
Papua New Guinea is 53.6% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 48.76 $ 68.30 $ 28.6%
Papua New Guinea is 28.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.10 $ 12.52 $ 51.3%
Papua New Guinea is 51.3% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.39 $ 3.63 $ 34.2%
Papua New Guinea is 34.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.89 $ 3.19 $ 72.1%
Papua New Guinea is 72.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.78 $ 2.21 $ 64.7%
Papua New Guinea is 64.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.06 $ 0.78 $ 35.9%
Papua New Guinea is 35.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.70 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 7.00 $ 3.33 $ 110.2%
Papua New Guinea is 110.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 6.74 $ 11.38 $ 40.8%
Papua New Guinea is 40.8% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.11 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 1.99 $ 1.31 $ 51.9%
Papua New Guinea is 51.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.58 $ 2.04 $ 22.5%
Papua New Guinea is 22.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.51 $ 2.59 $ 41.7%
Papua New Guinea is 41.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.85 $ 4.29 $ 10.3%
Papua New Guinea is 10.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 5.54 $ 20.08 $ 72.4%
Papua New Guinea is 72.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.65 $ 13.86 $ 52.0%
Papua New Guinea is 52.0% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 6.07 $ 21.30 $ 71.5%
Papua New Guinea is 71.5% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.14 $ 3.12 $ 32.7%
Papua New Guinea is 32.7% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.02 $ 2.33 $ 29.6%
Papua New Guinea is 29.6% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.86 $ 3.10 $ 56.8%
Papua New Guinea is 56.8% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.98 $ 3.63 $ 9.6%
Papua New Guinea is 9.6% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 3.58 $ 2.35 $ 52.3%
Papua New Guinea is 52.3% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.58 $ 2.45 $ 5.3%
Papua New Guinea is 5.3% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.97 $ 1.57 $ 89.2%
Papua New Guinea is 89.2% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 24.38 $ 70.58 $ 65.5%
Papua New Guinea is 65.5% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.58 $ 13.66 $ 51.8%
Papua New Guinea is 51.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.49 $ 2.16 $ 77.3%
Papua New Guinea is 77.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 5.49 $ 5.46 $ 0.5%
Papua New Guinea is 0.5% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.44 $ 2.28 $ 7.0%
Papua New Guinea is 7.0% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 17.07 $ 37.22 $ 54.1%
Papua New Guinea is 54.1% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.12 $ 2.04 $ 45.1%
Papua New Guinea is 45.1% cheaper
New Economy Car 24,380.59 $ 36,876.07 $ 33.9%
Papua New Guinea is 33.9% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 31,938.58 $ 36,162.84 $ 11.7%
Papua New Guinea is 11.7% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 104.43 $ 210.87 $ 50.5%
Papua New Guinea is 50.5% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 49.52 $ 25.59 $ 93.5%
Papua New Guinea is 93.5% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 214.55 $ 34.21 $ 527.2%
Papua New Guinea is 527.2% more expensive
Gym Membership 64.14 $ 37.20 $ 72.4%
Papua New Guinea is 72.4% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 12.50 $ 18.42 $ 32.1%
Papua New Guinea is 32.1% cheaper
Movie Ticket 9.75 $ 13.66 $ 28.6%
Papua New Guinea is 28.6% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 445.96 $ 800.37 $ 44.3%
Papua New Guinea is 44.3% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 4,144.70 $ 11,595.44 $ 64.3%
Papua New Guinea is 64.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 35.84 $ 102.59 $ 65.1%
Papua New Guinea is 65.1% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 36.16 $ 43.82 $ 17.5%
Papua New Guinea is 17.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 69.24 $ 104.20 $ 33.6%
Papua New Guinea is 33.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 67.29 $ 138.28 $ 51.3%
Papua New Guinea is 51.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 3,123.89 $ 875.36 $ 256.9%
Papua New Guinea is 256.9% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 487.61 $ 692.40 $ 29.6%
Papua New Guinea is 29.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 3,239.14 $ 1,634.03 $ 98.2%
Papua New Guinea is 98.2% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 731.42 $ 1,289.02 $ 43.3%
Papua New Guinea is 43.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 8,579.77 $ 6,484.72 $ 32.3%
Papua New Guinea is 32.3% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 53,355.12 $ 4,425.62 $ 1,105.6%
Papua New Guinea is 1,105.6% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 401.26 $ 2,687.45 $ 85.1%
Papua New Guinea is 85.1% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 12.75 3.66 248.4%
Papua New Guinea is 248.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea and France 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 Papua New Guinea vs France

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Papua New Guinea

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

France

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

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