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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $499 per month in Jaffna vs $72.9 in Moratuwa, rent included.

A couple spends around $699 per month in Jaffna vs $125 in Moratuwa, rent included.

A family of three spends $900 per month in Jaffna vs $177 in Moratuwa, rent included.

Jaffna costs about 585% more than Moratuwa, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Jaffna and Moratuwa are more affordable than the global median – Jaffna 63% lower, Moratuwa 95% lower.

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.93 LKR 1,645

Cappuccino

$3.32 LKR 1,107

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

$0.52 LKR 173

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 LKR 114

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.44 LKR 1,146

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.61 LKR 2,206

Milk (1 liter)

$1.40 LKR 466

White Bread (500g)

$0.50 LKR 167

$0.49 LKR 162

2.04%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.67 LKR 222

$0.92 LKR 308

-27.17%

Eggs

$1.65 LKR 550

$2.62 LKR 875

-37.02%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.96 LKR 1,655

$13.62 LKR 4,544

-63.58%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.47 LKR 1,158

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.60 LKR 2,200

Apples (1kg)

$4.12 LKR 1,374

Banana (1kg)

$0.57 LKR 189

Oranges (1kg)

$3.25 LKR 1,084

Tomato (1kg)

$1.70 LKR 566

Potato (1kg)

$1.12 LKR 373

Onion (1kg)

$0.78 LKR 259

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.65 LKR 217

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.41 LKR 135

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.80 LKR 4,270

Wine (Bottle)

$17.84 LKR 5,948

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.86 LKR 953

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.32 LKR 106

$0.11 LKR 36.26

190.91%

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$3.43 LKR 1,143

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.51 LKR 170

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.01 LKR 338

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

$51.2K LKR 17.1M

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

$50.8 LKR 16.9K

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

$3.37 LKR 1,124

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$6.81 LKR 2,270

Cinema Ticket

$1.95 LKR 651

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.42 LKR 13.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$167 LKR 55.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$152 LKR 50.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$254 LKR 84.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$217 LKR 72.5K

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

Last update for Jaffna: May 31, 2026

Last update for Moratuwa: June 1, 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: $499 in Jaffna, $72.9 in Moratuwa – roughly 585% apart. Jaffna costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $748 per month in Jaffna and $109 in Moratuwa. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $499 in Jaffna and $72.9 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 $499 in Jaffna and $72.9 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.