Cost of Living in Trincomalee - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $480 (excluding rent), and $526 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,126 (excluding rent), and $1,185 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.12 LKR 1,231
$1.71 LKR 512
$8.58 LKR 2,564
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.9 LKR 7,439
$16.6 LKR 4,959
$49.8 LKR 14.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.41 LKR 2,512
$6.06 LKR 1,810
$10.09 LKR 3,016
Cappuccino
$2.63 LKR 785
$1.14 LKR 341
$3.92 LKR 1,172
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 LKR 215
$0.51 LKR 152
$1.36 LKR 407
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.4 LKR 121
$0.31 LKR 92.7
$0.87 LKR 260
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.38 LKR 710
$1.53 LKR 458
$3.4 LKR 1,017
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.38 LKR 1,009
$2.36 LKR 705
$6.75 LKR 2,018
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.76 LKR 525
$1.52 LKR 455
$1.86 LKR 555
White Bread (500g)
$0.52 LKR 156
$0.45 LKR 135
$1.46 LKR 435
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.87 LKR 261
$0.7 LKR 208
$1.39 LKR 416
Eggs
$2.11 LKR 629
$1.17 LKR 351
$2.53 LKR 756
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.9 LKR 4,153
$4.29 LKR 1,283
$31.08 LKR 9,286
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.53 LKR 1,354
$2.92 LKR 872
$8.45 LKR 2,525
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.95 LKR 2,376
$5.3 LKR 1,584
$11.59 LKR 3,464
Apples (1kg)
$7.53 LKR 2,251
$2.02 LKR 605
$10.12 LKR 3,024
Banana (1kg)
$1.06 LKR 317
$0.65 LKR 195
$1.96 LKR 584
Oranges (1kg)
$5.66 LKR 1,691
$1.63 LKR 488
$9.82 LKR 2,935
Tomato (1kg)
$1.2 LKR 358
$0.49 LKR 145
$2.28 LKR 681
Potato (1kg)
$1.14 LKR 342
$0.41 LKR 121
$1.69 LKR 506
Onion (1kg)
$1.37 LKR 409
$0.76 LKR 227
$2.3 LKR 689
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.2 LKR 360
$0.34 LKR 102
$2.07 LKR 618
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.61 LKR 182
$0.42 LKR 125
$1.05 LKR 313
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.92 LKR 2,964
$6.61 LKR 1,976
$11.57 LKR 3,456
Wine (Bottle)
$14.49 LKR 4,329
$8.52 LKR 2,546
$23.87 LKR 7,131
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 LKR 605
$1.42 LKR 425
$2.83 LKR 847
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.94 LKR 878
$1.69 LKR 504
$5.07 LKR 1,515
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.38 LKR 115
$0.32 LKR 94.6
$0.57 LKR 169
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.35 LKR 106
$0.28 LKR 84.2
$0.71 LKR 212
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.61 LKR 181
$0.34 LKR 101
$1.24 LKR 371
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.26 LKR 376
$1.05 LKR 315
$1.46 LKR 437
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$26.7K LKR 8M
$18.4K LKR 5.5M
$33.4K LKR 10M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.9K 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)
$59.6 LKR 17.8K
$33.13 LKR 9,899
$99.4 LKR 29.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.36 LKR 1,302
$2.63 LKR 785
$6.74 LKR 2,015
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$15.02 LKR 4,486
$8.3 LKR 2,480
$39.85 LKR 11.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$3.3 LKR 986
$2.47 LKR 739
$5.28 LKR 1,577
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$37.01 LKR 11.1K
$16.82 LKR 5,026
$67.3 LKR 20.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$439 LKR 131.1K
$250 LKR 74.7K
$1,000 LKR 298.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.81 LKR 8,311
$11.83 LKR 3,535
$67.6 LKR 20.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.73 LKR 5,894
$6.82 LKR 2,037
$44.29 LKR 13.2K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$68.3 LKR 20.4K
$32.94 LKR 9,842
$115 LKR 34.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$38.36 LKR 11.5K
$18.24 LKR 5,449
$77.9 LKR 23.3K
💵 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 Trincomalee - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Trincomalee compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Trincomalee offers a relaxed coastal value that many travelers and slow-paced expats appreciate. Cost of Living in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka is generally approachable for coastal stays, simple meals, and modest accommodations, especially when you mix guesthouses with longer, off-season visits. You’ll find a range of budget-friendly options for short-term stays, plus room to negotiate longer leases in quieter parts of town. Seasonal shifts affect pockets near tourist spots, but groceries and local services stay comparatively affordable. Neighborhoods near the harbor balance scenery and accessibility, while quieter lanes offer more space. Tip: start with a short-term rental near the market to test daily life.
What does daily life look like in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, for housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life blends flexibility with coastal charm. Look for guesthouses, small apartments, or homestays in central town or along Uppuveli for beach proximity. Food options range from fresh seafood at the harbor to traditional curries at family-run eateries and casual stalls. Transport is simple: tuk-tuks for short hops, scooters for longer explorations, and buses along the coast. Errands are doable at local markets and shops with friendly stallholders. For work or casual browsing, cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi exist but vary by week. Trincomalee, Sri Lanka living cost is noticeable in daily purchases, so budget around groceries and meals accordingly. Tip: test wifi before committing to a workspace.
How can you optimize quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit during a stay in Trincomalee?
Shape your stay around a practical budgeting framework that respects seasonality and neighborhood vibe. Consider housing near markets or transport routes to cut travel time and costs, and favor spaces with good ventilation to reduce cooling needs. You can balance modest meals with occasional treats at seafood stalls and sunset cafes. Build a simple split: housing, groceries, transport, and activities, then track what changes with the monsoon and busy tourist periods. Seek communities or coworking spaces that match your work style, whether quiet corners or collaborative hubs. Tip: test a few neighborhoods for a week each to feel the pace and safety before longer commitments.
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