Colombo, Sri Lanka

In 2023, a single person living in Colombo needs approximately LKR 76,478/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around LKR 152,656/month. Colombo is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Colombo costs approximately LKR 48,880/month in 2023. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around LKR 94,000/month. Rent has changed +6.8% vs 2022.

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Colombo are approximately LKR 16,920 in 2023. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

A monthly public transport pass in Colombo costs LKR 2,632 in 2023, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

Monthly utility costs in Colombo average LKR 4,888 in 2023, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Colombo is located in Sri Lanka (Asia). With a 1-bed rent of LKR 48,880/month and total single-person expenses around LKR 76,478/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Colombo costs approximately LKR 395 in 2023. Budget around LKR 3,158/month if dining out a few times a week.

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Colombo from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 29.8% over this period (from LKR 45,760 in 2022 to LKR 59,417 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

To live comfortably in Colombo in 2023, a single person needs approximately LKR 76,478/month. This covers rent (LKR 48,880), groceries (LKR 16,920), transport (LKR 2,632), utilities (LKR 4,888) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around LKR 152,656/month.