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 MealA 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
- MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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
- InternetInternet services average $8.24.
- Mobile Phone PlanA mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $2.33.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.23
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$10.30
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.87
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.09
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.40
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.06
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.86
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.24
Local Cheese (1kg)
$16.83
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$14.42
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.34
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.26
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$14.90
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.21
Apples (1kg)
$4.81
Oranges (1kg)
$4.81
Potato (1kg)
$1.17
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.55
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.72
Tomato (1kg)
$1.10
Banana (1kg)
$0.82
Onion (1kg)
$1.58
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$17.86
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.41
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.08
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,322.42
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.41
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.52
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.34
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,263.01
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$85.86
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$61.82
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$96.16
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$8.24
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$2.33
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$10.30
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$2.75
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$12.02
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$8.59
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$96.16
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$29.19
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$192.32
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
