Cost of Living in Wattala - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $451 (excluding rent), and $544 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,063 (excluding rent), and $1,229 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.93 LKR 1,210

$1.63 LKR 503

$8.18 LKR 2,519

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.46 LKR 7,835

$16.97 LKR 5,223

$50.9 LKR 15.7K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.3 LKR 2,554

$5.98 LKR 1,840

$9.96 LKR 3,066

Cappuccino

$2.62 LKR 806

$1.14 LKR 351

$3.92 LKR 1,205

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

$0.74 LKR 227

$0.52 LKR 160

$1.39 LKR 428

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 LKR 116

$0.29 LKR 89.5

$0.81 LKR 250

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.3 LKR 709

$1.49 LKR 458

$3.3 LKR 1,015

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.38 LKR 1,041

$2.36 LKR 727

$6.77 LKR 2,082

Milk (1 liter)

$1.79 LKR 550

$1.55 LKR 477

$1.89 LKR 581

White Bread (500g)

$0.53 LKR 163

$0.46 LKR 142

$1.48 LKR 455

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.88 LKR 269

$0.7 LKR 215

$1.4 LKR 430

Eggs

$2.23 LKR 685

$1.24 LKR 382

$2.68 LKR 824

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.24 LKR 4,382

$4.4 LKR 1,354

$31.84 LKR 9,798

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.61 LKR 1,420

$2.97 LKR 915

$8.61 LKR 2,648

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.2 LKR 2,523

$5.47 LKR 1,682

$11.95 LKR 3,678

Apples (1kg)

$7.59 LKR 2,337

$2.04 LKR 628

$10.2 LKR 3,140

Banana (1kg)

$1.11 LKR 341

$0.68 LKR 210

$2.04 LKR 629

Oranges (1kg)

$5.92 LKR 1,821

$1.71 LKR 525

$10.27 LKR 3,161

Tomato (1kg)

$1.22 LKR 375

$0.5 LKR 152

$2.32 LKR 714

Potato (1kg)

$1.16 LKR 357

$0.41 LKR 126

$1.72 LKR 528

Onion (1kg)

$1.42 LKR 436

$0.79 LKR 242

$2.39 LKR 734

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.15 LKR 354

$0.32 LKR 99.9

$1.98 LKR 609

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.6 LKR 184

$0.41 LKR 127

$1.03 LKR 318

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.99 LKR 3,075

$6.66 LKR 2,050

$11.65 LKR 3,586

Wine (Bottle)

$12.76 LKR 3,927

$8.18 LKR 2,517

$22.9 LKR 7,048

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2 LKR 617

$1.41 LKR 433

$2.81 LKR 864

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.95 LKR 908

$1.69 LKR 521

$5.09 LKR 1,566

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.38 LKR 118

$0.32 LKR 97.3

$0.57 LKR 174

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.35 LKR 109

$0.28 LKR 86.5

$0.71 LKR 218

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$0.61 LKR 188

$0.34 LKR 105

$1.25 LKR 386

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.26 LKR 387

$1.05 LKR 324

$1.46 LKR 450

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$27.2K LKR 8.4M

$18.7K LKR 5.8M

$34.1K LKR 10.5M

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

$35.1K LKR 10.8M

$27K LKR 8.3M

$50.7K LKR 15.6M

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

$60.9 LKR 18.7K

$33.85 LKR 10.4K

$102 LKR 31.2K

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

$4.23 LKR 1,301

$2.55 LKR 784

$6.54 LKR 2,013

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$14.87 LKR 4,577

$8.22 LKR 2,530

$39.47 LKR 12.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$13.25 LKR 4,077

Cinema Ticket

$3.39 LKR 1,043

$2.54 LKR 782

$5.42 LKR 1,669

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$37.4 LKR 11.5K

$17 LKR 5,231

$68 LKR 20.9K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$445 LKR 137.1K

$254 LKR 78.1K

$1,015 LKR 312.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$28.04 LKR 8,628

$11.93 LKR 3,670

$68.2 LKR 21K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$19.06 LKR 5,864

$6.58 LKR 2,026

$42.78 LKR 13.2K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$70.1 LKR 21.6K

$33.81 LKR 10.4K

$118 LKR 36.4K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$39.32 LKR 12.1K

$18.7 LKR 5,753

$79.9 LKR 24.6K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

16.45

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Wattala - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with central Colombo, Wattala often offers a calmer pace and more budget-friendly options for daily needs. You’ll find smaller guesthouses, self-contained apartments, and family-run eateries that stretch a daily budget without sacrificing convenience. The Cost of Living in Wattala tends to hinge on housing choices – short-term stays near the coast can be affordable, while newer apartments in busier lanes may be similar to nearby towns. Local markets, fresh produce, and seafood provide good value if you shop like a local. For occasional splurges, dining in at a reputable cafe or taking a short ride to Colombo is easy. Tip: Plan a weekly grocery route and compare nearby markets to maximize value.

For daily life in Wattala, you’ll find a mix of markets, cafes, and small groceries within easy reach. Housing options range from compact apartments to older homes with courtyards, usually more affordable than central Colombo – great for longer stays. Buses and shared taxis cover commuting to Colombo or nearby suburbs; consider a bike for short hops. Food options span hearty Sri Lankan dishes and affordable street snacks, plus a growing selection of Western-style cafes. Errands and co-working spaces are cluster-friendly in commercial strips. Wattala living cost varies with your neighborhood choice and season, so scout a few lanes before committing. Tip: set a flexible budget and try weekly metro or bus passes.

Quality of life in Wattala leans on balanced budgeting and neighborhood fit. Build a simple framework: fix essential monthly needs (housing, utilities, groceries), then allocate a flexible category for dining and activities. Consider the seasonal monsoon and occasional floods in lower-lying areas when choosing a home – look for elevation and drainage. Neighborhoods along the coast offer breezier mornings and seafood markets, while inland lanes tend to be quieter and more residential. Save by cooking at home, using public transport, and sharing workspace if possible. Tip: test different areas during different times of the day and week to sense noise, safety, and convenience.