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 MealA 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.
- CappuccinoA 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 TransportPublic 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 PlanA mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $3.43 monthly.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.26
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$27.47
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$2.92
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.58
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.52
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.34
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$12.36
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.78
Potato (1kg)
$0.55
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.72
Banana (1kg)
$0.41
Onion (1kg)
$0.52
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.87
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$171.71
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$154.54
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$257.57
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$223.22
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$51.51
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$3.43
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$6.87
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$2.06
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.21
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$171.71
Worldwide
Sri Lanka
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.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
