Cost of Living Comparison Between Jaffna and Moratuwa Cost of Living Comparison Between Jaffna and Moratuwa

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $496 per month in Jaffna vs $74.5 in Moratuwa, rent included.

A couple spends around $684 per month in Jaffna vs $127 in Moratuwa, rent included.

A family of three spends $872 per month in Jaffna vs $179 in Moratuwa, rent included.

Jaffna costs about 565% more than Moratuwa, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Jaffna and Moratuwa are more affordable than the global median – Jaffna 63% lower, Moratuwa 94% lower.

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.09 LKR 1,712

Cappuccino

$3.43 LKR 1,152

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.48 LKR 161

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.32 LKR 107

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.32 LKR 1,116

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.84 LKR 2,300

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 LKR 464

White Bread (500g)

$0.50 LKR 168

$0.48 LKR 161

4.17%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.71 LKR 237

$0.96 LKR 321

-26.04%

Eggs

$1.58 LKR 531

$2.73 LKR 917

-42.12%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.99 LKR 1,676

$13.43 LKR 4,512

-62.84%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.43 LKR 1,154

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.55 LKR 2,200

Apples (1kg)

$4.07 LKR 1,367

Banana (1kg)

$0.52 LKR 173

Oranges (1kg)

$3.41 LKR 1,147

Tomato (1kg)

$1.63 LKR 549

Potato (1kg)

$1.11 LKR 374

Onion (1kg)

$0.78 LKR 263

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.69 LKR 231

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.44 LKR 146

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.96 LKR 4,355

Wine (Bottle)

$17.81 LKR 5,986

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.86 LKR 962

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.32 LKR 107

$0.10 LKR 34.52

220.00%

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$3.33 LKR 1,118

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.51 LKR 172

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.02 LKR 342

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$50.1K LKR 16.8M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$49.29 LKR 16.6K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$3.27 LKR 1,099

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$6.59 LKR 2,216

Cinema Ticket

$2.03 LKR 681

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.62 LKR 13.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$165 LKR 55.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$150 LKR 50.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$247 LKR 83.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$215 LKR 72.3K

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Jaffna: July 13, 2026

Last update for Moratuwa: July 12, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Jaffna vs Moratuwa: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $496 in Jaffna, $74.5 in Moratuwa – roughly 565% apart. Jaffna costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $744 per month in Jaffna and $112 in Moratuwa. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $496 in Jaffna and $74.5 in Moratuwa. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 136% more in Jaffna, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.

$1,000 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $496 in Jaffna and $74.5 in Moratuwa, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Moratuwa – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Moratuwa. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Jaffna makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.