What is the cost of living in Sri Lanka?

In general, prices in Sri Lanka are not high, making it a very cost-effective travel destination. Compared to China, the cost of living is roughly equivalent to that of a second or third-tier city, or even lower. Of course, how much you spend entirely depends on how you choose to travel.

Let me break it down for you by category, so you have a clearer idea.

1. Food & Drinks

• Local Eateries/Street Stalls: This is the most budget-friendly and authentic option. A main dish that locals eat, such as Fried Rice, Noodles, or the most famous "Rice & Curry," usually costs around 10-20 RMB, and the portions are very generous. Kottu (a dish made of chopped roti stir-fried) is similarly priced. You must try the street-side King Coconut; it's sweet and refreshing, costing about 2-5 RMB each.
• Tourist Restaurants: In tourist areas like Galle Fort, Ella, or along the coast, there are many well-decorated Western restaurants or establishments catering specifically to tourists. A meal here might cost 80-150 RMB per person, or even more. While pricier, they offer a wider variety of ambiance and flavors.
• Drinks: Besides coconut, local Ginger Beer (a non-alcoholic beverage) and Lion brand beer are very famous and inexpensive. A bottle of beer from a convenience store is about 10 RMB. Bottled water is very cheap, 1-2 RMB per bottle.

2. Accommodation

• Guesthouse/Hostel: This is the top choice for backpackers and budget travelers. Conditions are simple and clean, many offer hot water and fans (air-conditioned rooms are a bit more expensive). You can get a decent single room for about 80-150 RMB per night. Hostel dorm beds are even cheaper.
• Mid-range Hotel: This is what most tourists opt for. Prices range from about 300-600 RMB per night. These usually come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and many have beautiful gardens or swimming pools, offering good service and great value for money.
• Boutique/Luxury Hotel: Sri Lanka boasts many beautifully designed boutique hotels, especially in the tea country and by the sea. Prices vary from 800 RMB to several thousand RMB per night. Honestly, for the same amount of money, the quality of hotels you can stay in here might be much higher than in Europe or the Maldives.

3. Transportation

• Chartered Car with Driver: This is the most hassle-free and popular way to travel in Sri Lanka, especially suitable for families or groups of friends. An English-speaking driver will take you around in an air-conditioned car for about 50-70 USD per day (approx. 350-500 RMB), which includes fuel, driver's accommodation, etc. You only need to cover your own entrance fees and food/lodging.
• Tuk-tuk: For short distances within cities, this is your go-to. The starting fare is very low, but always "agree on the price before getting in!" Alternatively, in larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, use ride-hailing apps like Uber or the local PickMe for transparent pricing and to avoid being overcharged.
• Train: Sri Lanka has two world-famous train routes: the "Hill Country Tea Plantation Line" and the "Coastal Train." Train tickets are incredibly cheap; even a first-class seat is only a few tens of RMB. However, tickets can be hard to buy, and trains are often crowded. Second and third-class carriages often involve "hanging" out the doors, which is a unique experience in itself.
• Bus: This is the cheapest mode of transport, costing just a few RMB to travel long distances. However, the buses can be quite wild, without air conditioning, and driven very fast. It's suitable for young travelers who enjoy adventure and experiencing local life.

4. Tickets & Activities

This might be the "most expensive" part of your entire trip, as many famous attractions charge foreign tourists quite a bit.

• Sigiriya: Entrance fee is about 35-40 USD, a must-visit but also one of the most expensive attractions.
• Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy): Entrance fee is about 10-15 USD.
• National Parks (Yala, Udawalawe, etc.): A jeep safari, including entrance fees and vehicle costs, will be about 300-400 RMB per person.
• Other activities like whale watching are also around 300-400 RMB per person.

To summarize, here's a budget reference (per person per day):

• Budget Travel/Backpacker: Staying in hostels, eating at local eateries, taking public buses and trains, 200-300 RMB per day is perfectly sufficient.
• Comfortable Travel: Staying in mid-range hotels, eating and drinking as you please, mostly using chartered cars or tuk-tuks for transport, a daily budget of about 500-800 RMB. This is what most people choose.
• Light Luxury/Enjoyment: Staying in boutique hotels, dining at high-end restaurants, and having a chartered car throughout, the budget can be limitless, with 1000+ RMB per day being quite normal.

Small Tips:

• Sri Lanka's economy has fluctuated in recent years, so prices might change, but overall, it remains affordable for tourists.
• Aside from chain hotels and large shopping malls, you can bargain in many places, such as when buying souvenirs or chartering a tuk-tuk.
• Exchange plenty of cash, as many small places do not accept card payments.

Hope this helps, and I wish you a wonderful time in Sri Lanka! It's a fantastic place.