Living in Papua New Guinea: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Papua New Guinea

Living in Papua New Guinea

Last updated on Feb 01, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Papua New Guinea is 8.6 million people. The largest cities in Papua New Guinea are Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen. Expats love living in Papua New Guinea for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. Life in Papua New Guinea is often described as laid-back and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. Foods popular in Papua New Guinea include seafood, pork, sweet potatoes, taro, and sago. The cons of living in Papua New Guinea include a lack of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and a high crime rate. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000-$3,000 USD per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.

What do I need to know about living in Papua New Guinea?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Papua New Guinea, they said:

"Before retiring in Papua New Guinea, expats should be aware of the country's tropical climate and the potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones. Expats should also be aware of the country's high crime rate and the need to take extra precautions when travelling. Additionally, expats should research the cost of living in the country and the availability of healthcare and other services. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural differences between their home country and Papua New Guinea, and be prepared to adapt to the local customs and traditions," said one expat who made the move to Papua New Guinea.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.