Cost of Living in Galle - Updated Prices & Insights

31.93
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $461 (excluding rent), and $514 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,104 (excluding rent), and $1,301 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.98 LKR 891
$1.66 LKR 495
$8.3 LKR 2,478
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.71 LKR 7,383
$16.47 LKR 4,922
$49.43 LKR 14.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.03 LKR 2,400
$4.23 LKR 1,265
$11.84 LKR 3,537
Cappuccino
$2.66 LKR 795
$1.16 LKR 346
$3.98 LKR 1,188
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73 LKR 220
$0.52 LKR 155
$1.39 LKR 414
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.37 LKR 112
$0.29 LKR 86.1
$0.81 LKR 241
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.4 LKR 716
$1.2 LKR 358
$3.43 LKR 1,025
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.08 LKR 920
$2.39 LKR 715
$6.86 LKR 2,048
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.77 LKR 530
$1.54 LKR 460
$1.87 LKR 560
White Bread (500g)
$0.34 LKR 102
$0.34 LKR 102
$1.56 LKR 466
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.87 LKR 261
$0.7 LKR 208
$1.39 LKR 417
Eggs
$1.97 LKR 589
$1.24 LKR 369
$2.66 LKR 796
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.81 LKR 4,125
$4.27 LKR 1,274
$30.87 LKR 9,222
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.65 LKR 1,389
$3 LKR 895
$8.67 LKR 2,590
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.24 LKR 2,463
$5.5 LKR 1,642
$13.04 LKR 3,897
Apples (1kg)
$7.58 LKR 2,266
$2.07 LKR 618
$10.34 LKR 3,090
Banana (1kg)
$0.95 LKR 284
$0.69 LKR 207
$2.08 LKR 621
Oranges (1kg)
$5.68 LKR 1,699
$1.64 LKR 490
$9.87 LKR 2,948
Tomato (1kg)
$1.26 LKR 376
$0.51 LKR 153
$2.39 LKR 714
Potato (1kg)
$1.12 LKR 334
$0.4 LKR 118
$1.82 LKR 544
Onion (1kg)
$1.4 LKR 419
$0.78 LKR 232
$2.36 LKR 705
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.16 LKR 346
$0.33 LKR 97.7
$1.99 LKR 595
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.42 LKR 126
$0.32 LKR 94.3
$0.96 LKR 286
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.97 LKR 2,978
$6.64 LKR 1,985
$11.62 LKR 3,473
Wine (Bottle)
$14.05 LKR 4,198
$8.26 LKR 2,469
$23.14 LKR 6,915
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.03 LKR 606
$1.43 LKR 426
$2.84 LKR 849
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.9 LKR 866
$1.66 LKR 497
$5 LKR 1,494
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.19 LKR 56
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.34 LKR 102
$0.34 LKR 102
$0.61 LKR 182
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.32 LKR 96.6
$0.26 LKR 76.7
$0.65 LKR 193
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.57 LKR 169
$0.32 LKR 94.5
$1.16 LKR 347
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 LKR 361
$0.92 LKR 276
$1.4 LKR 419
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$26.8K LKR 8M
$18.4K LKR 5.5M
$33.5K LKR 10M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35K LKR 10.4M
$26.9K LKR 8M
$50.4K LKR 15.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$59.7 LKR 17.8K
$33.19 LKR 9,915
$99.6 LKR 29.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.35 LKR 1,301
$2.62 LKR 784
$8.41 LKR 2,514
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$13.46 LKR 4,023
$8.42 LKR 2,515
$40.4 LKR 12.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$3.3 LKR 985
$2.47 LKR 738
$5.27 LKR 1,576
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$36.41 LKR 10.9K
$16.55 LKR 4,944
$66.2 LKR 19.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$446 LKR 133.1K
$254 LKR 75.8K
$1,015 LKR 303.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.77 LKR 8,296
$11.81 LKR 3,529
$67.5 LKR 20.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.07 LKR 5,697
$6.59 LKR 1,969
$42.81 LKR 12.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$70.8 LKR 21.1K
$34.11 LKR 10.2K
$119 LKR 35.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$38.12 LKR 11.4K
$18.13 LKR 5,416
$77.4 LKR 23.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$198 LKR 59.1K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$151 LKR 45.2K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
16.45
12
20
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Galle - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galle affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
Compared with major Sri Lankan cities and popular coastal hubs, Galle offers a relaxed pace and sensible value. You will find comfortable guesthouses, long-stay apartments, and home-like rentals that avoid tourist surcharges. For digital nomads and expats, daily costs tend to be predictable if you lean on local eateries, markets, and modestly sized homes near good transport links. The Cost of Living in Galle tends to stay approachable when you balance location with season, avoiding peak holiday spikes. Budget-friendly options in the Fort and nearby lanes are common if you shop around and negotiate longer stays. Tip: test several neighborhoods for a week to gauge vibe and affordability.
What does daily life look like in Galle for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Galle blends seaside charm with practical routines. For housing, the Fort and nearby lanes give easy access to cafes, markets, and the train, while inland pockets tend to be quieter and a touch more affordable. Food options span vibrant street stalls, fresh markets, and casual cafés, letting you tailor meals to budget and taste. Getting around is easy by tuk tuk, scooter, or on foot; the railway makes occasional trips to Colombo practical. Shopping and errands are straightforward in town, with reliable supermarkets and local shops. The Galle living cost can vary by area and season. Tip: plan a weekly routine around the morning markets and off-peak travel times.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood fit help you maximize quality of life in Galle, considering seasonality?
Quality of life in Galle comes from a simple budgeting framework: categorize essentials, flexible spending, and a buffer for rainy days or trips. Start with housing that suits your work rhythm – Fort-area studios for easy access to cafes and coworking, or quieter lanes inland for lower rents. Build a weekly food plan around fresh markets and occasional dine-outs, and set a transport habit – tuk-tuks for short hops, buses for longer trips, occasional rentals for weekend getaways. Seasonal shifts influence mood and crowds at popular spots; use this to time visits and finding quieter weeks. Tip: keep a small savings cushion to cover visa, health, and travel needs.
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