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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Erbil offers a stable, low-cost base in the Kurdistan region with a growing community of expats drawn to its manageable pace, welcoming local culture, and strong security relative to surrounding areas. Daily life is practical and accessible—modern housing is affordable, healthcare is improving with several private clinics, and getting around is straightforward, though public transport remains limited in reach.
While the city lacks the cosmopolitan variety of larger global hubs, it compensates with ease of integration and a tight-knit foreign community. Be prepared for dust in summer and occasional bureaucratic friction—this isn’t a flashy destination, but a functional, low-stress launchpad for meaningful work.
Population
1,612,700
Area
3 km²
Density
472,933 per km²
Founded
-
Language
Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
Distance to Coast
597 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Erbil (Irbil)
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Climate & Weather in Erbil (Irbil)
Erbil has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa), with very hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters, and it also borders a hot semi-arid climate. Long-term climate references place average annual rainfall around 476-520 mm, with most rain falling in winter and spring, while summer is typically nearly rainless. The current very hot, dry conditions are consistent with the city’s summer climate, but seasonal averages are much lower than peak daytime extremes.
Summer Average
34°C
Winter Average
9°C
Climate Type
Hot-summer Mediterranean
Rainy Days
85
Sunny Days
277
Humidity
38%
Spring
March - May
15-28°C
Spring is mild to warm and is one of the more pleasant times of year in Erbil. Rainfall is moderate to relatively high early in the season, then declines toward late spring.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
30-43°C
Summer is extremely hot, sunny, and very dry, with clear skies dominating most days. Rain is rare to absent, and afternoon heat can be intense.
Very Low rainfall
Autumn
September - November
17-30°C
Autumn begins hot and gradually becomes cooler and more comfortable by November. Rainfall starts to increase again, especially in late autumn.
Low rainfall
Winter
December - February
5-15°C
Winter is cool to mild, with most of the city’s annual rainfall occurring in this season. Occasional cold spells and light snow can occur, but prolonged freezing weather is uncommon.
Moderate rainfall
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Air Quality
Erbil (Irbil)
Advantages
Erbil (Irbil)
Abundant green spaces
Growing business opportunities
Rich cultural heritage
Welcoming expat community
Affordable cost of living
Modern infrastructure development
Disadvantages
Erbil (Irbil)
Limited higher education options
Inconsistent electricity supply
Bureaucratic processes slow
Few entertainment venues
Housing prices rising rapidly
Safety & Security in Erbil (Irbil)
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Good
66
/100
Iraq Avg
53
Asia Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Erbil (Irbil) to Iraq averages using different marker styles.Compare:
