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 Meal - A 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
- Milk - Milk 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 Fares - Taxi 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.
- Internet - Internet services range from $8.59 to $17.17, with an average cost of $12.88.
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
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Maharagama offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, with affordable housing and transportation options.
Grocery prices are moderate, though some imported goods like cheese and apples can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it an attractive location for budget-conscious individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maharagama presents a cost-effective living environment with its affordable housing, transportation, and utility costs.
While some imported goods may be pricier, the overall expenses remain manageable, making it a viable option for those looking to live in Sri Lanka without breaking the bank.