Cost of living in Ratnapura
Ratnapura, known as the 'City of Gems', is a significant city in Sri Lanka, famous for its gem industry and lush landscapes. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or invest in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Ratnapura, covering essential aspects 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 $2.23 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $10.3.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.87.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $2.23, imported beer $3.09, cappuccino $2.4, and Coke/Pepsi $0.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $2.06 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.86.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $1.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost $4.81 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.55 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.41.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.08 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.41, with a cost of $0.52 per km and $0.34 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $85.86.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $61.82.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $96.16.
Utilities
- Internet - Internet services average $8.24.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $2.33.
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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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Ratnapura offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with meals at casual restaurants costing just over $2.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, with rents for a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $62.
Transportation costs are minimal, with public transport and taxi fares being very economical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ratnapura presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those looking to enjoy a modest lifestyle without high expenses.
The city's affordable dining, housing, and transportation options make it an appealing choice for both locals and expatriates.
Whether you're planning to move or invest, understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions about living in Ratnapura.