💰 Cost of Living in Kandy

A detailed financial breakdown for expats, digital nomads, and long-term travelers in the 2026 market.

The “Urban Nomad”

Comfortable, social, and central.

$1,150 /mo

✅ Modern 1BR Apt in Anniewatta
✅ Daily dining at cafes/restaurants
✅ Unlimited Fiber Internet + 4G
✅ Frequent PickMe (Tuk-Tuk) trips

The “Steady Castle”

Local-ish, private, and smart.

$750 /mo

✅ 2BR House in Primrose/Digana
✅ Local market grocery shopping
✅ Standard utilities + Fiber
✅ Mix of walking and public transport

🏠 Housing & Rent

Note: Prices in Kandy are significantly more stable than the South Coast, but a 6-month deposit is common for long-term “Castles”.

Luxury Apartment (Anniewatta)

AC, security, modern kitchen

$550 – $800

Standalone House (Hillside)

2-3 Bedrooms, garden, balcony

$350 – $500

Studio / Guesthouse Room

Central, basic, all bills included

$200 – $300

⚡ Utilities & Internet

💡

Electricity

$30 – $60

Higher if using AC 24/7

🌐

SLT Fiber

$25 – $45

100Mbps / High Quota

💧

Water & Gas

$10 – $15

Standard monthly usage

🛒 Food & Groceries

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1.20
Eggs (12) $2.10
Chicken (1kg) $4.50
Local Veggies (1kg mix) $2.00

Eating Out

Cappuccino in “Urban” Cafe $3.50
Local Rice & Curry lunch $1.80
Mid-range Dinner (2 pax) $22.00
Beer (Lion Lager 625ml) $2.50

🛺 Transportation

Kandy is walkable but hilly. For everything else, use the apps.

PickMe / Uber Tuk

Expect to pay $0.50 per km. The apps prevent “tourist prices.”

Scooter Rental

Monthly rates around $120 – $150. Great for exploring the tea estates.

Urban Pro Tip