Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

United States

Papua New Guinea
Based on our comparison, Port Moresby wins 5 out of 8 categories.Chicago wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Chicago and Port Moresby, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Port Moresby
$2,197/mo
Best Internet
Chicago
220 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Chicago
4.8/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Port Moresby if budget is your top priority, or Chicago if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Chicago and Port Moresby for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Port Moresby is the more budget-friendly option at $2,197/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. Port Moresby offers 35 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 3.4/10, Chicago provides a more secure environment than Port Moresby (1.9/10).
Overall: Chicago earns a higher NomadIQ score of 4.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Port Moresby is 34% cheaper than Chicago.
Chicago has a higher safety score (3.4/10) compared to Port Moresby (1.9/10).
3.4/10
Chicago
1.9/10
Port Moresby
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Chicago offers faster internet at 220 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.
220 Mbps
Chicago
35 Mbps
Port Moresby
Based on our analysis, Port Moresby edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Chicago: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Port Moresby: Best for budget-conscious expats
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