Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Goroka is a major city in Papua New Guinea with a population of 80,000.
Overview
Goroka is a city in Eastern Highlands with a population of 80,000. Goroka is a major city in Papua New Guinea with a population of 80,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 250 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Papua New Guinea Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Goroka vs Papua New Guinea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: K 18,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 80,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 60°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: K300,000
- 1BR Rent: K800/mo
Cost of Living
Goroka's cost of living index is 72 (Papua New Guinea average = 100).
| Category | Goroka | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
| Housing | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | K300,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | K800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | K1,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | K200 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Goroka:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | K200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | K50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | K150 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | K400 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Goroka scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Goroka has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 60°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 75°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 78°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Goroka faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanic region in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Coastal areas vulnerable to tsunamis.
River and flash floods.
Mountainous terrain with landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Forest fires.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Follows Australian-influenced calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Goroka is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Statistical Office (2011)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Goroka, Papua New Guinea?
The cost of living index in Goroka is 72, which is Lower the Papua New Guinea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Goroka?
The median home price in Goroka is K300,000. The housing index is 78.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Goroka is approximately K800/mo.
Does Goroka, Eastern Highlands have income tax?
Goroka is in Eastern Highlands, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Goroka?
Goroka enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 60°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.