Cost of living in Bentota
Bentota, a serene coastal town in Sri Lanka, is known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil environment. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Bentota, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.43 on average, with a range between $1.72 and $8.58.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $24.03, with prices ranging from $13.73 to $68.67.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.87, with a range between $6.52 and $10.3.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.41 to $3.43, imported beer $2.06 to $6.87, cappuccino $1.54 to $4.12, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51 to $1.72.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.54 and $1.89 per liter, averaging $1.74.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.48 and $1.37, with an average price of $0.57.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.34 to $2.68, averaging $2.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.72 to $10.3 per kg, while oranges range from $2.06 to $10.3 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.62 and $1.54 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $2.06 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs around $0.21.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.13 and $1.46 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.41, with a cost of $0.34 to $0.69 per km and $0.34 to $1.03 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $617.99.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $343.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.33 and $85.83, averaging $57.94.
- Internet - Internet services range from $7.72 to $51.5, with an average cost of $10.3.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Sri Lanka are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Sri Lanka, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Bentota offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and grocery prices. Housing costs are moderate, with more affordable options available outside the city centre.
Transportation is inexpensive, making it easy to get around without a significant financial burden. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Bentota.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bentota presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
With its reasonable housing, dining, and transportation costs, Bentota is an attractive option for both short-term visitors and long-term residents looking to enjoy the serene coastal lifestyle of Sri Lanka.