Cost of Living in Sri Lanka

Updated: January 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Sri Lanka, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Sri Lanka?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Sri Lanka and whether the reported $822 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $145.08.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Sri Lanka

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	1.37 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	10.94 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	3.28 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.09 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.64 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.31 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.35 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.18 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.08 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.47 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.62 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.39 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	6.92 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.29 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	5.18 $
Apples (1 lb)	3.21 $
Banana (1 lb)	0.66 $
Oranges (1 lb)	2.26 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.16 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.91 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.7 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.78 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.36 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	6.84 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.08 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.73 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	4.58 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.14 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	4.1 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	0.27 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.22 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	0.37 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.99 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	24616.67 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	28559.11 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	23.57 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.01 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	9.01 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	8.93 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	3.7 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	2.32 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	26.62 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	504.53 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	19.61 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	12.0 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	40.13 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	22.94 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	188.54 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	75.7 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	445.55 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	176.85 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1407.96 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	905.39 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	145.08 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	15.12 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 1.37 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 10.94 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.08 USD, a loaf of bread 0.47 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.39 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.14 USD and a monthly pass around 4.1 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 23.57 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 8.93 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 3.7 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 26.62 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 504.53 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 19.61 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 40.13 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 188.54 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 75.7 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1407.96 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 905.39 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 145.08 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 15.12% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Sri Lanka

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Sri Lanka is generally a safe country to visit. It is a country where you are unlikely to encounter violence, but you should be careful when it comes to petty crime because its rate is high. However, it is still filled with tourists, and if you venture to this country you are likely to have a smooth trip with no incidents.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

As mentioned, some taxis do not have meters so make sure you negotiate the price before entering the vehicle. It is relatively safe to take tuk-tuks at night, just be careful that you don't get ripped off.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is a great risk of pickpockets. In this country, you definitely shouldn't let your guard down. Avoid carrying your belongings with you, and if you do, never carry anything in your pocket or a purse.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The greatest natural threat in Sri Lanka is flooding, tsunamis and sea level rises. These often generate disasters. The biggest tragedy caused by a tsunami in the past decade was in 2004 when the tsunami killed more than 5000 people.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Mugging is relatively rare in Sri Lanka, but it does happen. There have been reports of criminals using knives to cut off tourists' bags. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas and be wary of people sending you free drinks.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Sri Lankan military conflicts between Tamils and Sinhalese ended in 2009, and since then, there has been peace in this country. Still, you should remain vigilant and avoid military areas and High-Security Zones.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There is a number of scams performed in Sri Lanka, mostly distractions executed in order to separate you from your belongings or take advantage of you in another way. Many taxis do not have meters so be sure to negotiate the price of the ride before entering the vehicle, and do not use your credit card unless it's at established buildings and businesses.There is the common scam when taxi drivers suggest making a short stop to a so-called Spice Garden where they offer you fake Ayurveda medicines and cosmetics.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Sri Lanka is, generally speaking, safe for women travelers. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

Cost of Living in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing