Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

United States
Papua New Guinea
Based on our comparison, Mount Hagen wins 5 out of 8 categories.Chicago wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Chicago and Mount Hagen, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Mount Hagen
$990/mo
Best Internet
Chicago
220 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Chicago
4.8/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Mount Hagen if budget is your top priority, or Chicago if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Chicago and Mount Hagen for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Mount Hagen is the more budget-friendly option at $990/month versus Chicago's $3,310/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Chicago leads with 220 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Mount Hagen offers 25 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 3.4/10, Chicago provides a more secure environment than Mount Hagen (1.3/10).
Overall: Chicago earns a higher NomadIQ score of 4.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Mount Hagen is 70% cheaper than Chicago.
Chicago has a higher safety score (3.4/10) compared to Mount Hagen (1.3/10).
3.4/10
Chicago
1.3/10
Mount Hagen
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Chicago offers faster internet at 220 Mbps vs 25 Mbps.
220 Mbps
Chicago
25 Mbps
Mount Hagen
Based on our analysis, Mount Hagen edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Chicago: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Mount Hagen: Best for budget-conscious expats
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