Cost of Living in Papua New Guinea 2026 — Rent, Food, Tax & BudgetAll figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK).
How Expensive Is Papua New Guinea Overall?
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index (market data; higher = more expensive) | 63.6 |
| Rent index | 29 |
| Groceries index | 54.1 |
| Restaurant price index | 34.9 |
| Local purchasing-power index (higher = stronger) | 20.2 |
| Price level index (World Bank, 2024; US = 100) | 61.7 |
Salaries by Sector
Typical gross annual salaries in Papua New Guinea from our sector dataset:
| Sector | Typical gross annual (EUR) |
|---|---|
| IT & Software | €18,000 |
| Engineering | €16,500 |
| Finance | €15,000 |
| Healthcare | €12,000 |
| Construction | €11,000 |
| Education | €9,000 |
| Hospitality | €7,500 |
| Retail | €6,500 |
Taxes in Papua New Guinea
Headline tax figures that shape your take-home pay:
| Tax | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Effective income tax at €90k gross | 18.5% |
| Net monthly pay at €90k gross | €5,433 |
| VAT / sales tax | 10% |
| Top personal income-tax rate | 42% |
Costs in Nearby Countries
| Country | 1BR Rent | Groceries | Transport | Cost index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | €320 | €85 | €18 | 28.7 |
| Fiji | €450 | €180 | €35 | 40.5 |
| Solomon Islands | €450 | €180 | €45 | 96 |
Quality of Life Metrics
Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in Papua New Guinea:
Safety index
Healthcare index
Internet speed
English proficiency
Life expectancy
Expat satisfaction
What It Costs to Get In: Visas & Residence
We track 16 residence and visa routes for Papua New Guinea — see the full Papua New Guinea visa programme list.
Lowest documented income requirement among tracked routes: €500 per month — Student Visa (PNG) (student route). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Our engine estimates a minimum financial viability of €1,355 per month to sustain a move to Papua New Guinea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do people earn in Papua New Guinea?
Typical gross annual salaries in Papua New Guinea range from €6,500 (Retail) to €18,000 (IT & Software), based on our sector dataset.
Which residence route has the lowest income requirement for Papua New Guinea?
Among the 16 Papua New Guinea residence routes we track, the lowest documented income requirement is €500 per month (Student Visa (PNG)). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Ready for the next step? See the full Papua New Guinea country profile and the Papua New Guinea emigration guide.
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