Colombo, Sri Lanka
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Colombo, Sri Lanka is 1.2 million. People describe Colombo as a vibrant and bustling city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture. Expats love the city's diverse culture, friendly locals, and delicious food. The weather in Colombo is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living in Colombo for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $500 to $800 USD per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $800 to $1,200 USD per month.
What are the pros and cons of living in Colombo?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Colombo responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Colombo, often appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and diverse cuisine. They enjoy the relatively low cost of living, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle, and the availability of modern amenities, such as reliable internet and coworking spaces. The city's tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery also make it an attractive destination for those seeking a warm and picturesque environment. However, some expats and digital nomads may find the traffic congestion and air pollution in Colombo to be a significant drawback. The city's public transportation system can be crowded and unreliable, making it challenging to navigate the city efficiently. Additionally, while English is widely spoken, the language barrier can still be an issue when dealing with local bureaucracy or trying to integrate into the local community. Another concern for some expats and digital nomads is the limited availability of certain goods and services, such as imported products or specialized healthcare. This may require them to adapt their lifestyle or seek out alternatives. Finally, the humid climate and prevalence of mosquitoes can be uncomfortable for some, and the risk of tropical diseases, such as dengue fever, may be a concern for those living in Colombo," explained one expat living in Colombo.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Colombo?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Colombo?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Colombo?
- Will I be able to find a job in Colombo?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Colombo appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Colombo?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Colombo accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Colombo like?
- How are healthcare services in Colombo?
- What are medical services in Colombo like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Colombo?
- What are emergency services like in Colombo?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Colombo?
- How are local medical facilities in Colombo?
- As a foreigner living in Colombo, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?