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South Asia85% Lower than the US

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Estimated monthly cost

$630

Average net salary

$244

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$522
1-bed apartment (outside center)$253
Utilities (monthly)$49
Internet$18
Mobile plan$4
Monthly transit pass$8
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$4
Meal for two, mid-range$23
Cappuccino$3
Domestic beer (0.5L)$2

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Colombo vs. the average US city

Colombo$630
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $3,570/month in your pocket — roughly 85% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $630/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$522
1-bed, outside centre$253
Rent used (average of the two)$388

Living costs

Utilities$49
Internet$18
Mobile plan$4
Public transit pass$8
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$92
Eating out(~12 meals @ $4)$52
Subtotal$223
+10% misc / entertainment$22
Estimated total$630/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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