Cost of Living in Wattala - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $492 (excluding rent), and $541 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,157 (excluding rent), and $1,220 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.94 LKR 1,176
$1.64 LKR 489
$8.2 LKR 2,449
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.97 LKR 7,461
$16.65 LKR 4,974
$49.95 LKR 14.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.4 LKR 2,511
$6.05 LKR 1,809
$10.09 LKR 3,015
Cappuccino
$2.62 LKR 784
$1.14 LKR 341
$3.92 LKR 1,171
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73 LKR 219
$0.52 LKR 154
$1.38 LKR 413
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.41 LKR 122
$0.31 LKR 94
$0.88 LKR 263
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.31 LKR 691
$1.49 LKR 446
$3.31 LKR 989
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.43 LKR 1,026
$2.4 LKR 716
$6.87 LKR 2,051
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.71 LKR 512
$1.49 LKR 444
$1.81 LKR 541
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 LKR 166
$0.48 LKR 144
$1.55 LKR 463
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.86 LKR 258
$0.69 LKR 206
$1.38 LKR 412
Eggs
$2.12 LKR 633
$1.18 LKR 353
$2.55 LKR 762
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.13 LKR 4,223
$4.37 LKR 1,305
$31.6 LKR 9,441
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.68 LKR 1,400
$3.02 LKR 902
$8.74 LKR 2,611
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.14 LKR 2,432
$5.43 LKR 1,621
$11.87 LKR 3,545
Apples (1kg)
$7.27 LKR 2,173
$1.95 LKR 584
$9.77 LKR 2,920
Banana (1kg)
$1.07 LKR 320
$0.66 LKR 197
$1.98 LKR 591
Oranges (1kg)
$5.68 LKR 1,697
$1.64 LKR 490
$9.86 LKR 2,946
Tomato (1kg)
$1.19 LKR 357
$0.49 LKR 145
$2.27 LKR 678
Potato (1kg)
$1.15 LKR 344
$0.41 LKR 122
$1.7 LKR 508
Onion (1kg)
$1.36 LKR 407
$0.75 LKR 225
$2.29 LKR 685
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.18 LKR 354
$0.33 LKR 99.8
$2.04 LKR 608
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 LKR 166
$0.38 LKR 115
$0.96 LKR 287
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.19 LKR 3,046
$6.8 LKR 2,031
$11.89 LKR 3,552
Wine (Bottle)
$14.51 LKR 4,337
$8.54 LKR 2,551
$23.91 LKR 7,144
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.07 LKR 619
$1.45 LKR 434
$2.9 LKR 866
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.89 LKR 863
$1.66 LKR 495
$4.98 LKR 1,488
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.38 LKR 115
$0.32 LKR 94.8
$0.57 LKR 169
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.33 LKR 97.3
$0.26 LKR 77.3
$0.65 LKR 195
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.61 LKR 182
$0.34 LKR 102
$1.25 LKR 372
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 LKR 375
$1.05 LKR 314
$1.46 LKR 435
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$26.6K LKR 8M
$18.3K LKR 5.5M
$33.3K LKR 9.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35K LKR 10.5M
$26.9K LKR 8M
$50.5K LKR 15.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$61.1 LKR 18.2K
$33.97 LKR 10.1K
$102 LKR 30.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.44 LKR 1,327
$2.68 LKR 800
$6.87 LKR 2,053
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$15.05 LKR 4,497
$8.32 LKR 2,486
$39.94 LKR 11.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$13.17 LKR 3,936
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.25 LKR 971
$2.44 LKR 728
$5.2 LKR 1,554
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$36.65 LKR 11K
$16.66 LKR 4,977
$66.7 LKR 19.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$433 LKR 129.3K
$247 LKR 73.7K
$986 LKR 294.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.23 LKR 8,137
$11.59 LKR 3,462
$66.2 LKR 19.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.04 LKR 5,688
$6.58 LKR 1,965
$42.74 LKR 12.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$69 LKR 20.6K
$33.28 LKR 9,943
$116 LKR 34.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$38.9 LKR 11.6K
$18.5 LKR 5,526
$79 LKR 23.6K
💵 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 Wattala - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wattala a good value for travelers and expats, and how does its affordability compare to Colombo and other coastal towns?
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.
What does daily life look like in Wattala for housing, food, transport, and errands, and how should you approach your search?
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.
What factors should you consider for long-term quality of life in Wattala, including budgeting frameworks, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
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.
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