Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby is a major city in Papua New Guinea with a population of 400,000.
Below Average vs Papua New Guinea Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Port Moresby vs Papua New Guinea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: K 36,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 400,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: K800,000
- 1BR Rent: K2000/mo
Cost of Living
Port Moresby's cost of living index is 100 (Papua New Guinea average = 100).
| Category | Port Moresby | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | K800,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | K2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | K2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | K533 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Port Moresby:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | K200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | K64 | 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 | K464 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Port Moresby scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Port Moresby has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Port Moresby 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.
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 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea?
The cost of living index in Port Moresby is 100, which is Lower the Papua New Guinea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Port Moresby?
The median home price in Port Moresby is K800,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Port Moresby is approximately K2000/mo.
Does Port Moresby, NCD have income tax?
Port Moresby is in NCD, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Port Moresby?
Port Moresby enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.