Colombo vs Cape Town

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Colombo is roughly 3% more affordable than Cape Town (index 20 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Colombo
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Cape Town · Cost index: 20 vs 20

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index20
1,800Median Income /mo1,620
57Safety Index50
18Income Tax %16
45Internet (Mbps)75
150Coworking /mo110

Price Breakdown

ColomboCategoryCape Town
$550/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
50% cheaper →
$1,100/month
$0.48/liter
Meal for One
52% cheaper →
$1/liter
$4.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
59% cheaper →
$11/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% cheaper →
$55/month
$35/month
Utilities (Monthly)
56% cheaper →
$80/month
$25/visit
Doctor Visit
58% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Colombo

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Cape Town

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$110/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombo cheaper than Cape Town?

Colombo is cheaper than Cape Town. Colombo has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 20/100 for Cape Town (New York = 100), making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Colombo than Cape Town?

Colombo is approximately 3% cheaper than Cape Town based on cost index scores (20 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cape Town could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,917/month in Colombo.

What is the rent comparison between Colombo and Cape Town?

In Colombo, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month. In Cape Town, the equivalent is around $1,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Colombo or Cape Town?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Colombo offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Cape Town offers 75 Mbps and coworking at ~$110/month. Colombo has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Colombo vs Cape Town?

The median net monthly salary in Colombo is approximately $1,800 USD, compared to $1,620 USD in Cape Town.

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