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Cost of Living in Colombo

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka · Population 2,323,826 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Sri Lanka average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₨140,241 ($467)
Couple, monthly₨251,803 ($839)
Family of four, monthly₨328,434 ($1,095)

Estimated Prices in Colombo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₨1,404 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₨5,616 ($18.72)per meal
Cappuccino₨421 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₨31,824 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport pass₨5,148 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₨13,572 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₨3,931 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membership₨3,931 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticket₨1,030 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₨67,047 ($223)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₨46,641 ($155)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₨139,923 ($466)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Colombo is ₨109,200 ($364) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₨140,241 ($467) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₨182,313 ($608) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₨46,641 ($155)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Colombo

Colombo vs KesbewaColombo vs Mount LaviniaColombo vs MaharagamaColombo vs GampahaColombo vs MoratuwaColombo vs Ratnapura

Nearby Cities

Kolonnawa

4 km away · Western

Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

7 km away · Western

Mabole

9 km away · Western

Mount Lavinia

10 km away · Western

Athurugiriya

10 km away · Western

Maharagama

11 km away · Western

Moratuwa

14 km away · Western

Kesbewa

17 km away · Western

Other Major Cities in Sri Lanka

Kesbewa

Western · pop. 243,842

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Mount Lavinia

Western · pop. 234,559

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Maharagama

Western · pop. 195,355

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Gampaha

Western · pop. 191,040

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Moratuwa

Western · pop. 168,280

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Ratnapura

Sabaragamuwa · pop. 165,998

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Negombo

Western · pop. 142,136

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Kandy

Central · pop. 120,087

₨105,600 ($352) / mo

Living in Colombo

Colombo is the capital and one of the key cities in Sri Lanka. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₨140,241 ($467), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₨46,641 ($155) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₨328,434 ($1,095) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₨251,803 ($839) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Colombo is ₨109,200 ($364). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₨182,313 ($608) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₨140,241 ($467) per month in Colombo including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Sri Lanka.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Colombo?
A net salary of around ₨182,313 ($608) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Colombo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Colombo is ₨109,200 ($364).
How much is rent in Colombo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₨67,047 ($223) per month in the city centre and ₨46,641 ($155) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₨139,923 ($466).
Is Colombo cheaper than Sri Lanka on average?
No — Colombo is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Sri Lanka average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Colombo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₨31,824 ($106) in Colombo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₨1,404 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₨421 ($1).
How do transport costs in Colombo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Colombo is estimated at ₨5,148 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Colombo are estimates based on Sri Lanka national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,323,826) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.