Cost of living in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, a coastal town in Sri Lanka, is known for its vibrant beach life and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and visitors.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Hikkaduwa, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.42 on average, with a range between $1.71 and $8.55.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.66, with prices ranging from $17.11 to $68.42.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.53, with a range between $6.5 and $10.26.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.4 to $3.42, imported beer $2.05 to $6.84, cappuccino $1.54 to $4.11, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51 to $1.71.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.54 and $1.88 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 $2.67, averaging $2.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.71 to $10.26 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $10.26 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.62 and $1.88 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $2.05 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs around $0.34.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.46 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.41, with a cost of $0.34 to $0.68 per km and $0.6 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 $171.06.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $85.53.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1710.6.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $513.18.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.21 and $85.53, averaging $57.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $7.7 to $51.32, with an average cost of $16.51.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Hikkaduwa offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation is affordable, with low costs for public transport and fuel.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hikkaduwa presents an affordable living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle.
With low housing and transportation costs, it is an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.
Potential residents should consider the variability in prices for imported goods and plan accordingly.