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Lae vs Cairns – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Lae, Papua New Guinea and Cairns, 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 44.4% lower than Cairns's $4,190.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

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

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Lae is currently 29°C ⛈️, while Cairns is experiencing 28°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Lae has a safety score of 30.0 , while Cairns scores 75.0 .

Costs
$2,330
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
29° ⛈️
High today
Costs
$4,190
per month
Internet
50
Mbps
Weather
28° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Cairns wins

30.0
Overall Score
57.0

Cairns is 27% better

Quality of Life Cairns wins

30.0
Safety
75.0

Cairns is 45% better

27.0
Healthcare
88.0

Cairns is 61% better

Cost

31.0
Cost of Living
32.0

Climate Cairns wins

40.0
Air Quality
85.0

Cairns is 45% better

Infrastructure Cairns wins

30.0
Internet Speed
73.0

Cairns is 43% better

Social Cairns wins

20.0
Nightlife
40.0

Cairns is 20% better

60.0
Culture
60.0
40.0
Food Scene
60.0

Cairns is 20% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Lae Cairns Difference
Monthly Total $2,330 $4,190 -44.4%
Daily Average $78 $140 per day

Housing

Item Lae Cairns Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $350.00 per month $850.00 per month -58.8%

Daily Life

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

Transportation

Item Lae Cairns Difference

Utilities

Item Lae Cairns Difference
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Final Verdict: Lae vs Cairns

Cairns ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 27.0% higher than Lae overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,330 vs $4,190
  • Daily Expenses: $78 vs $140
  • Lae is 44.4% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

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

🎯 Key Advantages

Lae Wins In:
  • No significant advantages found
Cairns Wins In:
  • Overall Score (27% better)
  • Safety (45% better)
  • Healthcare (61% better)
  • Air Quality (45% better)
  • Internet Speed (43% better)
  • Nightlife (20% better)
  • Food Scene (20% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Cairns 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.

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Genki offers international health insurance tailored for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers, providing worldwide coverage and flexibility.

Stay covered anywhere.

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