Post-economic crisis pricing has stabilized
Sri Lanka went through a severe economic crisis in 2022. Prices rose significantly and the tourist infrastructure was disrupted. The situation has stabilized and Sri Lanka remains excellent value, though some things cost more than pre-2022 guides suggest.
Accommodation
Budget guesthouse (private room, fan or AC): $20-45/night. Mid-range hotel or boutique guesthouse: $50-100/night. Heritage hotels and luxury (Galle Fort, Sigiriya-area): $150-400/night. The mid-range in Sri Lanka is particularly good — family-run guesthouses with home-cooked meals in the $40-70 range are some of the best accommodation experiences on the island.
Food
Local rice and curry: $2-5. Kottu roti: $2-4. Tourist restaurants: $8-20 per person. Food is genuinely cheap and excellent when eating locally. The coastal seafood restaurants (Mirissa, Trincomalee) are mid-priced — $15-30 for a full seafood dinner — but the quality justifies it.
Transport
Private driver per day: $50-80. Train (Kandy-Ella): $3-8 depending on class. Tuk-tuk in cities: $2-8 per journey. Safari at Yala: $40-60 per person for a morning or afternoon drive.
Daily budgets
Budget (guesthouse, local food, public transport): $35-55/day. Mid-range: $80-130/day. Comfortable with drivers and good accommodation: $150-250/day. Heritage site fees add $30-50 for the Cultural Triangle section.