Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Save on international money transfers.

Affiliate disclosure

Lae vs Brisbane – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Lae, Papua New Guinea and Brisbane, Australia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Lae has a monthly cost of $2,330, which is 55.7% lower than Brisbane's $5,260.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Lae offers 30 Mbps, while Brisbane provides 50 Mbps making Brisbane's connection 66.7% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Lae is currently 29°C ⛈️, while Brisbane is experiencing 24°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Lae has a safety score of 30.0 , while Brisbane scores 84.0 .

Costs
$2,330
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
29° ⛈️
High today
Costs
$5,260
per month
Internet
50
Mbps
Weather
24° 🌤️
High today
Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

Revolut Ultra: Travel perks.

Affiliate disclosure

Overall Brisbane wins

30.0
Overall Score
67.0

Brisbane is 37% better

Quality of Life Brisbane wins

30.0
Safety
84.0

Brisbane is 54% better

27.0
Healthcare
90.0

Brisbane is 63% better

Cost

31.0
Cost of Living
31.0

Climate Brisbane wins

40.0
Air Quality
75.0

Brisbane is 35% better

Infrastructure Brisbane wins

30.0
Internet Speed
78.0

Brisbane is 48% better

Social Brisbane wins

20.0
Nightlife
60.0

Brisbane is 40% better

60.0
Culture
73.0

Brisbane is 13% better

40.0
Food Scene
78.0

Brisbane is 38% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Lae Brisbane Difference
Monthly Total $2,330 $5,260 -55.7%
Daily Average $78 $175 per day

Housing

Item Lae Brisbane Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $350.00 per month $950.00 per month -63.2%

Daily Life

Item Lae Brisbane Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $4.00 per cup -62.5%

Transportation

Item Lae Brisbane Difference

Utilities

Item Lae Brisbane Difference
Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

The ultimate nomad card.

Affiliate disclosure

Final Verdict: Lae vs Brisbane

Brisbane ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 37.0% higher than Lae overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,330 vs $5,260
  • Daily Expenses: $78 vs $175
  • Lae is 55.7% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Brisbane leads with 40% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Brisbane has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Lae Wins In:
  • No significant advantages found
Brisbane Wins In:
  • Overall Score (37% better)
  • Safety (54% better)
  • Healthcare (63% better)
  • Air Quality (35% better)
  • Internet Speed (48% better)
  • Nightlife (40% better)
  • Culture (13% better)
  • Food Scene (38% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Brisbane if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Lae might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Global transfers for digital nomads.

Affiliate disclosure

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.