Cost of Living

Sri Lanka

Live cost-of-living data across 1 city in Sri Lanka — average cost index 11/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 11 to 11. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.

11/100
Avg cost index
Colombo
Cheapest
1
Cities tracked
Yes
Nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Visa)
Stay up to 1 year · application ~$500 · see all visa countries

Cost of living by city in Sri Lanka

Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.

Colombo11

Frequently asked questions

Is Sri Lanka cheap to live in?

Across 1 cities in Sri Lanka, the average cost-of-living index is 11 (New York = 100) — from 11 in Colombo to 11 in Colombo. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.

What is the cheapest city in Sri Lanka?

Colombo is the most affordable city we track in Sri Lanka, with a cost-of-living index of 11 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $392/month.

Does Sri Lanka have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Sri Lanka offers the Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Visa), allowing stays of up to 1 year, with an application cost around $500. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration portal.

How much does it cost to live in Sri Lanka per month?

A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of Sri Lanka for roughly $220–$308/month. Costs scale up toward Colombo. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.

Compare Colombo with anywhere

Dig into any Sri Lanka city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.