Cost of living in Kataragama
Kataragama, a town in Sri Lanka, is known for its cultural significance and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kataragama, 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 $3.43 on average, with a range between $1.72 and $8.59.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.76, with prices ranging from $17.17 to $68.68.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.56, with a range between $6.53 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 $1.55 to $4.12, and Coke/Pepsi $0.52 to $1.72.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.55 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 $1.55 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $2.06 per head.
Transportation
- 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
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2690.98 to $7534.74, averaging $4327.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3013.89 to $5898.62, averaging $3565.44.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.34 and $85.86, averaging $57.95.
- Internet - Internet services range from $7.73 to $51.51, with an average cost of $16.57.
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"
Kataragama offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban areas, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly affordable, with inexpensive meals available at local restaurants.
Grocery prices are generally low, although some imported items may be more expensive.
Transportation costs are minimal, especially for local travel, and basic utilities are reasonably priced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kataragama presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, transportation, and utility costs.
While housing purchase prices can vary, the overall expenses in Kataragama are manageable, making it a viable option for both locals and expatriates.