Cost of Living in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka · Asia
Cost of Living in Colombo: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Colombo, Sri Lanka is approximately $800 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 30, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC = 100
26
Rent Index
NYC = 100
56
Quality of Life
Moderate
58
Safety Index
Moderate
0.7M
Population
LKR
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $11 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $9 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $45 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $320/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $180/mo |
| 3BR Center | $750/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $420/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $380 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 14% |
Cost of Living in Colombo: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Colombo, Sri Lanka, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $800. The city's cost of living index is 30, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Colombo
A typical monthly budget in Colombo includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Colombo
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $180 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $320. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $750 per month.
Average Salary in Colombo
The average net salary in Colombo is approximately $380 per month. Purchasing power is rated 38out of 100.
Is Colombo Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 30,Colombo is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Colombo
Safety
Colombo has a safety score of 58/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Colombo is rated 60/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Colombo is 62/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Colombo has a purchasing power score of 38/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Colombo
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Colombo should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Colombo fits their monthly budget.
Is Colombo Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 30provides a useful benchmark when comparing Colombo with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Colombo
- Average Monthly Cost
- $800
- Cost Index
- 30
- Rent Index
- 26
- Average Net Salary
- $380
- Quality of Life
- 56/100
- Safety
- 58/100
- Healthcare
- 60/100
- Currency
- LKR
Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo
What is the cost of living in Colombo?
The estimated cost of living in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is approximately $800 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Colombo?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $180 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $320.
Is Colombo expensive to live in?
Colombo has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Colombo?
The average net salary in Colombo is approximately $380 per month.
Is Colombo good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Colombo is suitable for relocation.