Highest Income in Papua New Guinea

Top 28 cities ranked by highest income

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Papua New Guinea

Highest Income — Papua New Guinea

1 Wau 14 $2,966

2 Port Moresby 20 $2,966

3 Lae 14 $2,966

4 Arawa 07 $2,966

5 Mount Hagen 16 $2,966

6 Popondetta 04 $2,966

7 Madang 12 $2,966

8 Kokopo 10 $2,966

9 Mendi 05 $2,966

10 Kimbe 17 $2,966

11 Goroka 09 $2,966

12 Wewak 11 $2,966

13 Bulolo 14 $2,966

14 Daru 06 $2,966

15 Aitape 18 $2,966

16 Kavieng 15 $2,966

17 Kiunga 06 $2,966

18 Vanimo 18 $2,966

19 Tabubil 06 $2,966

20 Alotau 03 $2,966

21 Kundiawa 08 $2,966

22 Kainantu 09 $2,966

23 Tari 21 $2,966

24 Rabaul 10 $2,966

25 Ialibu 05 $2,966

26 Kokoda 04 $2,966

27 Lorengau 13 $2,966

28 Kerema 02 $2,966

The highest-income cities in Papua New Guinea represent areas where residents earn significantly above the national median. Wau leads with a median household income of $2,966. These cities are often home to concentrations of high-paying industries including technology, finance, and healthcare.

High median incomes typically correlate with strong local economies, educated workforces, and proximity to major employment centers. Many of these cities are suburbs or satellite communities of larger metro areas, where professionals live while commuting to nearby urban cores.

While high incomes are attractive, they often come with correspondingly higher costs of living, particularly in housing. The gap between income and housing costs varies significantly across these top-earning communities.

Did You Know?

1. Households in Wau earn $2,966 — that's -96% above the national median of $75,000.
2. Median household income has grown faster in suburban communities than in urban cores over the past decade.
3. High-income cities often correlate with higher education levels — most of these cities have college attainment rates above 50%.
4. 14 is well-represented with 2 cities in the top income rankings.

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