Cost of Living in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo has a cost of living index of 35/100 (New York = 100). It is 65% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

35/100
Cost Index
$1,800/mo
Median Income
57/100
Safety Index
tropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 25/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$550/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$320/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,100/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 20/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.48/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.65/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.55/kg
Dining OutScore: 20/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$4.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$18/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6.5/meal
TransportationScore: 15/100
Monthly Transit Pass$20/month
One-Way Ticket$0.16/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.32/km
UtilitiesScore: 20/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$35/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$15/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$8/month
HealthcareScore: 30/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$25/visit
Dentist Visit$35/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$5/course
EntertainmentScore: 25/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$4.5/ticket
Theater Ticket$12/ticket
Museum Entry$5/ticket
FitnessScore: 20/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$15/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$8/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$3/entry
Personal CareScore: 20/100
Haircut (Men)$7/cut
Haircut (Women)$12/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$1.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 25/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$35/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$22/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$50/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

45 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
60/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Colombo 7, Colombo 3, Galle Fort

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombo cheap to live in?

Colombo has a cost of living index of 35/100, where New York = 100. It is 65% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $700–$980 per month.

How much does rent cost in Colombo?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Colombo costs approximately $550/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $320/month.

Is Colombo good for digital nomads?

Colombo has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 45 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Colombo?

The median net monthly salary in Colombo is approximately $1,800 USD. The income tax rate is around 18%.

How does Colombo compare to New York for cost of living?

Colombo (cost index 35) is 65% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,625/month by moving from New York to Colombo.

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