Colombo on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's LKR rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 dorm | $25 ($50 room) | $90 ($180 room) |
| Food & drink | $10 | $22 | $60 |
| Local transport | $4 | $12 | $30 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Colombo
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $93 | $444 | $1,320 |
| 5 days | $155 | $740 | $2,200 |
| 7 days | $217 | $1,036 | $3,080 |
| 14 days | $434 | $2,072 | $6,160 |
Book for less
Flights to Colombo
Best time to visit
December to March for the west coast. Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so another region is always in season.
Money-saving tips
- Tuk-tuk apps (PickMe, Uber) give fair prices.
- Rice and curry at local eateries and kottu roti are cheap and filling.
- Trains to Kandy and Galle are scenic and inexpensive; book reserved seats early.
Free things to do
- Walk Galle Face Green at sunset.
- Visit the Pettah market area.
- See Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka on Beira Lake.
Compare Colombo with
Questions
How much does a day in Colombo cost?
As a rough guide: about $31 per day for a backpacker, $74 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $220 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Colombo?
For one backpacker about $155; for two people mid-range about $740 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
December to March for the west coast. Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so another region is always in season.
What currency is used in Colombo?
LKR. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate