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While paying attention to counterfactual scenarios, this article explores “bottom-up” methods that attempt to add up identified components of costs, and gives an overview of the existing literature in conflict cost analysis. It discusses several case studies and studies that look at cost sources not included in those case studies. The article also discusses the missing links in the literature and suggests future research to overcome the shortcomings we identify. The discussion takes a specific look at Sri Lanka, comparing the methodologies and results regarding a specific conflict. It addresses the particular influence of military expenditures on economic growth, the international and intertemporal spillovers of conflict that affect economic growth, and the way human capital is affected by violent conflict.