South Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Sri Lanka
The average cost of living in Sri Lanka ranges from $163 per month in Gampaha-Sri-Lanka to $462 per month in Bentota-Sri-Lanka, with a median monthly basket of $228 for a single person. We track 9 cities in Sri Lanka.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka at a glance | Headline numbers across 19 cities. |
| Cities in Sri Lanka | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Sri Lanka | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
9
Median monthly · single
$228
Average cost index
6
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Bentota-Sri-Lanka /
Gampaha-Sri-Lanka
Browse cities
9 cities shown
About cost of living in Sri Lanka
- How expensive is Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka has 19 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Gampaha-Sri-Lanka is among the most affordable, while Bentota-Sri-Lanka ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Sri Lanka?
- Budget anywhere from $163 per month in Gampaha-Sri-Lanka (the cheapest tracked city) to $462 per month in Bentota-Sri-Lanka (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Sri Lanka?
- Gampaha-Sri-Lanka typically offers the lowest cost of living in Sri Lanka, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Sri Lanka has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Sri Lanka up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.