Are you considering a move to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and wondering about the cost of living? Colombo is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Colombo and help you understand whether $1198 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $196.58.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.74 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
16.11 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.93 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.52 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.43 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.95 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.57 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.33 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.48 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.62 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.68 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.04 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.25 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.79 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.04 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
6.06 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
5.24 $ |
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|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.22 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.11 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.77 $ |
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|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.18 $ |
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|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.5 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.42 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.57 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.29 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.08 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.15 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
5.32 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.36 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.3 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
0.61 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27354.49 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32849.42 $ |
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|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
40.84 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
10.85 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
12.21 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.35 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.04 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
24.03 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
432.73 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
22.74 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
17.12 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
56.36 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
30.22 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
296.07 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
138.92 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
684.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
314.48 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1582.73 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1400.23 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
196.58 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
19.48 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Colombo come to a total of approximately $1198. This includes an average monthly rent of around $296 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $46 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $508 per month.
Living in Colombo appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $196.58. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Colombo, you would likely need an income exceeding $196.58.
In Colombo, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $196.58, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Colombo is approximately $296. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $138.92 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Colombo can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $475 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Sri Lanka can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Sri Lanka.
Colombo is safe, but there is a high risk of fraud. You should also be wary of pickpockets and watch your valuables.
Negotiate the price before sitting in a taxi or tuk-tuk. Learn in advance how not to overpay. Public transport, not every time goes on schedule and there is a pickpocket risk in it.
The risk of pickpocketing is very high, you can not leave things unattended, it is not recommended to wear jewelry and a lot of cash with you in your pockets.
The most common natural hazards in Colombo include localized and seasonal floods and associated landslides. But it does not often occur in the city.
Serious robberies do not happen here often, but tourists usually suffer. You should be wary of people offering you help or distracting with obsessive questions.
The risk of terrorism is usually low in Colombo. But before traveling here it is worth exploring the situation in the country.
A lot of fraud is related to overpriced tickets to tourist spots and taxi. You can be distracted on the street by strangers or beggar to rob or offer to buy souvenirs and spices, which are fake.
Women in Colombo can feel safe enough. You will not attract unwanted attention if you do not wander around the city late at night and don't dress too frankly.
Visas for entering Sri Lanka are given upon arrival and most nationals do need one in order to enter Sri Lanka. This visa is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival. A valid passport is a must.
The rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. It has a sign: Rs and code: LKR. It divided into 100 cents.
The best times to visit Colombo for ideal weather are from January to April. Temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year.
Colombo has two airports. Bandaranaike International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. And Ratmalana Airport - domestic airport serving the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 88°F | 89°F | 90°F | 90°F | 89°F | 87°F | 86°F | 86°F | 86°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F |
| Temp | 81°F | 82°F | 83°F | 84°F | 84°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 82°F | 81°F | 80°F |
| Low | 74°F | 75°F | 77°F | 78°F | 80°F | 80°F | 80°F | 79°F | 79°F | 77°F | 76°F | 75°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C |
| Low | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C |