Cost of living in Jaffna
Jaffna, a vibrant city in Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, groceries, and more, to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.26 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $27.47.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.92.
- Beverages (e.g., Coke/Pepsi, Water) - A 0.33 liter bottle of Coke/Pepsi costs $0.86, while water is priced at $0.52.
- Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs about $2.58.
Grocery Prices
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.52.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.06.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $3.78 per kg.
- Rice (1kg) - White rice costs $0.72 per kg.
- Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas are priced at $0.41 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Onions) - Potatoes cost $0.55 per kg, and onions are $0.52 per kg.
- Beef (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $6.87 per kg.
Transportation
- Public Transport - Public transport costs are not specified in the data provided.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $171.71.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $154.54.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $257.57.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $223.22.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $51.51 on average.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $3.43 monthly.
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
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Rent Per Month
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Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Jaffna offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals and reasonable prices for mid-range dining.
Housing is particularly affordable, with low rental prices for both city centre and suburban areas.
Grocery prices are economical, with staples like bread, rice, and chicken being very affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jaffna presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and grocery options.
This makes it an ideal location for those looking to experience Sri Lankan culture without a high financial burden.