The cost of living in Sri Lanka is considered moderate when compared to Western countries. Essentials such as food, public transport, and housing can be quite affordable, but prices for imported goods and certain services may be relatively high.

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the southwestern part of the country from May to September, while the northeast monsoon affects the northern and eastern regions from December to March. Coastal areas tend to be warm and humid, while the central highlands are cooler and more temperate.

The educational system in Sri Lanka is well-regarded and offers free education as a fundamental right. Education in Sri Lanka is administered by three types of schools: government schools, private schools, and international schools. The government schools provide free education, and the curriculum is standardized by the Ministry of Education. The education system is divided into five key stages: primary (grades 1-5), junior secondary (grades 6-9), senior secondary (grades 10-11), collegiate (grades 12-13), and tertiary or higher education. Children typically start school at the age of five and are required to attend school until they complete the Ordinary Level (O-Level) examinations at around the age of 16. After O-Levels, students can choose to continue their studies for another two years to sit for the Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations, which determine their eligibility for university. The A-Level is a highly competitive exam and serves as the primary criterion for university entrance. The quality of education in Sri Lanka is considered high, with a literacy rate of over 90%. The country has a mix of Sinhala, Tamil, and English medium schools, with English being a compulsory subject in all schools. International schools follow different curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British system, and offer education primarily in English.

The healthcare system in Sri Lanka is a mix of public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is universal and provides services to citizens free of charge at the point of delivery, funded by the government through taxation. It includes a network of primary healthcare units, hospitals, and specialized clinics. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more skilled healthcare professionals than rural areas. The private healthcare sector has grown significantly and is known for higher quality services, shorter waiting times, and more modern facilities, but it is more expensive and less accessible to the lower-income population. Expatriates and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but many opt for private healthcare due to the higher standard of care and the language barrier in public facilities. It is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have health insurance that covers private healthcare.