Matale, a city in the central hills of Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Matale, 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 $2.32 on average, with a range between $1.2 and $3.43.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer costs around $2.06 per bottle.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi is priced at approximately $0.58.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs about $0.21.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.37 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.53 and $0.55, averaging $0.54.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $2.47.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs around $10.99 per kilogram.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $4.12 per kilogram.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced between $0.6 and $0.72 per kilogram, averaging $0.66.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost between $0.41 and $0.52 per kilogram, averaging $0.46.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $0.48 per kilogram.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs around $8.24 per kilogram.

Transportation

  • Gasoline (1 liter) - Gasoline is priced at $1.31 per liter.
  • Taxi (1km, Normal Tariff) - A taxi ride costs approximately $0.27 per kilometer.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages $61.82.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages $85.86.
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: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in February, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.32
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.58
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.21
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.37
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.54
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.47
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.82
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.12
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.66
Banana (1kg)
$0.46
Onion (1kg)
$0.48
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.24
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.31
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.27
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$61.82
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$85.86
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.47
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$12.02
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$119.68
Matale Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Matale offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and grocery options.

Housing costs are particularly low, especially for apartments located outside the city centre.

Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to get around the city without a significant financial burden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matale presents an affordable living environment with low costs across various categories, making it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.

Whether you're considering moving to Matale or simply planning a visit, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively.