Cost of living in Maharagama
Maharagama, a bustling suburb of Colombo in Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both locals and expatriates planning to move or invest in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Maharagama, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost around $2.13, with variations depending on the location and type of cuisine.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $13.74 for a three-course meal for two.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)Fast food options are available, with prices generally lower than in Western countries, averaging around $2.06 for a meal.
Grocery Prices
- MilkMilk is priced between $1.20 and $2.75 per liter, averaging $1.95.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs a consistent $0.52.
- Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.85 to $2.47, averaging $2.13.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $10.30 to $13.74 per kg, while oranges are consistently priced at $10.30 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.03 and $1.37 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.52 to $2.75 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass)A monthly pass for local transport is very affordable, averaging $3.43.
- Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.16 and $1.46 per liter.
- Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.34, with a cost of $0.27 to $0.34 per km.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $171.71.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $120.20.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost around $54.95.
- InternetInternet services range from $8.59 to $17.17, with an average cost of $12.88.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in December, 2023.
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.95
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.52
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$16.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.60
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$13.74
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.06
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.26
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$9.96
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.01
Apples (1kg)
$12.02
Oranges (1kg)
$10.30
Potato (1kg)
$1.20
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.63
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.77
Tomato (1kg)
$1.89
Banana (1kg)
$1.25
Onion (1kg)
$1.21
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$11.16
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$3.43
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.43
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.34
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.31
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$171.71
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$120.20
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$54.95
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$12.88
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
$13.74
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.15
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.76
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$13.74
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$56.66
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$60.10
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$171.71
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
17%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$68.68
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$515.13
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
