Cost of Living in Matale - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $172 (excluding rent), and $229 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $441 (excluding rent), and $515 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.37 LKR 409

$1.2 LKR 357

$3.42 LKR 1,023

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$9.92 LKR 2,963

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.07 LKR 1,514

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

$0.53 LKR 158

$0.49 LKR 146

$0.56 LKR 167

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 LKR 84.7

$0.21 LKR 62.7

$0.35 LKR 104

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 LKR 591

Milk (1 liter)

$1.37 LKR 408

White Bread (500g)

$0.54 LKR 162

$0.53 LKR 159

$0.55 LKR 165

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.65 LKR 194

$0.6 LKR 179

$0.71 LKR 213

Eggs

$2.44 LKR 730

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.5 LKR 3,138

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.13 LKR 1,233

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.09 LKR 2,419

Banana (1kg)

$0.43 LKR 128

$0.38 LKR 114

$0.48 LKR 143

Onion (1kg)

$0.45 LKR 135

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 LKR 544

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.26 LKR 77.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25 LKR 372

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$26.53 LKR 7,927

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$11.89 LKR 3,554

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$59.8 LKR 17.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$84.6 LKR 25.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$118 LKR 35.3K

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

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Matale - Frequently Asked Questions

Matale offers a comfortable balance of pace and accessibility, with everyday needs close to hand and a slower rhythm than big cities. You will notice practical affordability for housing, groceries, and local services, especially if you avoid tourist pockets. Cost of Living in Matale, Sri Lanka tends to be friendlier than Colombo's urban core and remains competitive with other inland towns, with seasonal fluctuations that affect markets and transport. You will find a range of guesthouses, small apartments, and family-run stays that suit short or longer stays. Tip: test a few neighborhoods with a short-term stay to gauge internet, noise, and daily errands before committing.

Daily life centers on a compact town core with accessible markets, cafes, and spice gardens nearby. When searching for housing, look for rooms or small apartments within easy walking distance of town or near bus routes; prices generally reflect size and proximity to services rather than a fixed formula. Food options range from bustling local markets to affordable Sri Lankan eateries and bakeries; cooking at home is common and cost-effective. For transport, tuk-tuks and buses cover most routes; many places are within biking distance. Matale, Sri Lanka living cost is typically lower than larger cities, but expect some variation by neighborhood and season. Tip: verify reliable internet and a quiet work spot before settling in.

Quality of life in Matale is grounded in climate, community, and pace. Build a simple budgeting framework: set a monthly cap for housing, groceries, transport, and a flexible fund for surprises; compare day-to-day costs in markets vs. supermarkets. Save tips include cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and sharing rides when possible. Seasonality brings pleasant cool evenings and lighter crowds in the shoulder months, with heavier rain during the wet season; plan outdoor activities around this. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to markets, reliable internet, and safe walking routes. Tip: test several neighborhoods during different times of day.