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Cost of Living in Matara

Matara, Southern, Sri Lanka · Population 68,244

▼ -6% vs Sri Lanka average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₨105,600 ($352)
Couple, monthly₨188,940 ($630)
Family of four, monthly₨245,808 ($819)

Estimated Prices in Matara

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₨1,080 ($3.60)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₨4,320 ($14.40)per meal
Cappuccino₨324 ($1.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₨24,480 ($81.60)per month
Monthly public transport pass₨3,960 ($13.20)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₨10,440 ($34.80)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₨3,024 ($10.08)per month
Fitness club membership₨3,024 ($10.08)per month
Cinema ticket₨792 ($2.64)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₨48,300 ($161)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₨33,600 ($112)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₨100,800 ($336)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Matara is ₨84,000 ($280) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₨105,600 ($352) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₨137,280 ($458) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₨33,600 ($112)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Matara

Matara vs ColomboMatara vs KesbewaMatara vs Mount LaviniaMatara vs MaharagamaMatara vs GampahaMatara vs Moratuwa

Nearby Cities

Gandara West

2 km away · Southern

Weligama

12 km away · Southern

Dikwella South

18 km away · Southern

Hakmana

20 km away · Southern

Tangalla

30 km away · Southern

Galle

36 km away · Southern

Hikkaduwa

52 km away · Southern

Sevanagala

64 km away · Uva

Other Major Cities in Sri Lanka

Colombo

Western · pop. 2,323,826

₨140,241 ($467) / mo

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

Living in Matara

Matara is one of the key cities in Sri Lanka. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₨105,600 ($352), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₨33,600 ($112) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₨245,808 ($819) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₨188,940 ($630) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Matara is ₨84,000 ($280). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₨137,280 ($458) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Matara expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₨105,600 ($352) per month in Matara including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Sri Lanka.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Matara?
A net salary of around ₨137,280 ($458) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Matara with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Matara is ₨84,000 ($280).
How much is rent in Matara?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₨48,300 ($161) per month in the city centre and ₨33,600 ($112) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₨100,800 ($336).
Is Matara cheaper than Sri Lanka on average?
Yes — Matara is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Sri Lanka average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Matara?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₨24,480 ($82) in Matara. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₨1,080 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₨324 ($1).
How do transport costs in Matara compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Matara is estimated at ₨3,960 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Matara are estimates based on Sri Lanka national averages adjusted for city size (population 68,244). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.