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Cost of living
in Colombo.

Living in Colombo, Sri Lanka costs about $800/month all-in for one person, and roughly $1,840/month for a family of four. That is cheaper than 99% of the 310 cities we track, and about 79% below New York.

Last updated August 2026 · How we calculate this

Single person, all-in $800/mo
Rent (studio)$360
Food & groceries$176
Utilities & internet$80
Transport$64
Fun & everything else$120
Family of four$1,840/mo
How it ranks

Cheaper than 99% of the 310 cities we track.

About 79% cheaper than New York.

Population 648k

Figures are average all-in monthly costs for one person, in USD — estimates for guidance, not a personal budget. The breakdown is a typical split of the total. Convert to your currency →

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Living in Colombo — FAQ

How much does it cost to live in Colombo?

A single person needs roughly $800/month all-in in Colombo, Sri Lanka — rent, food, transport and utilities. A family of four runs closer to $1,840/month.

Is Colombo expensive?

Colombo is cheaper than 99% of the 310 cities we track, and about 79% cheaper than New York.

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