Cost of living in Wattegama
Wattegama, a city in Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning a long-term stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.43 on average, with a range between $1.72 and $8.59.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.76, with prices ranging from $17.17 to $68.68.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.56, with a range between $6.53 and $10.3.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.41 to $3.43, imported beer $2.06 to $6.87, cappuccino $1.55 to $4.12, and Coke/Pepsi $0.52 to $1.72.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.55 and $1.89 per liter, averaging $1.74.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.48 and $1.37, with an average price of $0.57.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.34 to $2.68, averaging $2.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.72 to $10.3 per kg, while oranges range from $2.06 to $10.3 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.62 and $1.55 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $2.06 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.13 and $1.46 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.34, with a cost of $0.29 to $0.69 per km and $0.34 to $1.03 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.34 and $85.86, averaging $57.95.
- Internet - Internet services range from $7.73 to $51.51, with an average cost of $16.57.
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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Sports And Leisure
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Wattegama offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban areas, with affordable dining and grocery options.
Transportation costs are modest, especially for local travel, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Wattegama.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wattegama presents an affordable living environment with a balanced mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.