Rio de Janeiro vs Colombo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rio de Janeiro is roughly 11% more affordable than Colombo (index 17 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rio de Janeiro
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Colombo · Cost index: 17 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

17Cost Index20
762Median Income /mo1,800
45Safety Index57
27.5Income Tax %18
65Internet (Mbps)45
350Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

Rio de JaneiroCategoryColombo
$680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
19% ← cheaper
$550/month
$1.13/liter
Meal for One
58% ← cheaper
$0.48/liter
$7.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% ← cheaper
$4.5/meal
$39/month
Monthly Transit Pass
49% ← cheaper
$20/month
$72/month
Utilities (Monthly)
51% ← cheaper
$35/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
58% ← cheaper
$25/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Colombo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheaper than Colombo?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Colombo. Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 20/100 for Colombo (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rio de Janeiro than Colombo?

Rio de Janeiro is approximately 11% cheaper than Colombo based on cost index scores (17 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Colombo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,657/month in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Colombo?

In Rio de Janeiro, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month. In Colombo, the equivalent is around $550/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Rio de Janeiro or Colombo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Colombo offers 45 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Rio de Janeiro vs Colombo?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD, compared to $1,800 USD in Colombo.

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