Iraq flagCost of Living Guide · Iraq

Cost of Living Guide in Iraq

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Iraq offers one of the lowest costs of living in Asia, with overall expenses including rent about 36% cheaper than the Asia average and consumer prices excluding rent 30% cheaper than the regional average. Rent is particularly affordable, 55% below the Asia average, making it attractive for budget-conscious expats and digital nomads. This positions Iraq as a high-value destination for those prioritizing savings over luxury, though security and infrastructure vary by region like Erbil or Baghdad.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$800–$1,000 USD (local food, public transport, modest housing like a basic 1BR outside center).
Comfortable
$1,200–$1,600 USD (furnished 1BR in expat area, mixed local/imported groceries, occasional dining, private transport).
Family of four
$2,000+ USD (secure villa/compound, international school fees, imported groceries, car, healthcare).

Iraq delivers exceptional value for money, with costs 36% lower overall than the Asia average, allowing expats to live comfortably on a modest budget. It's ideal for digital nomads seeking savings in a region where rent and daily expenses are dramatically reduced.

Economic & Living Costs in Iraq
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

3000-13000 IQD
Avg: 8000 IQD
+6.7% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

20000-82000 IQD
Avg: 51000 IQD
+22.9% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7500-11000 IQD
Avg: 9250 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

2000-10000 IQD
Avg: 6000 IQD
+60.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

200000-900000 IQD
Avg: 550000 IQD
+15.8% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

150000-500000 IQD
Avg: 325000 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

393048.32-1500000 IQD
Avg: 946524.16 IQD
-0.4% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

300000-1000000 IQD
Avg: 650000 IQD
+3.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

500-1000 IQD
Avg: 750 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

2620.32-9171.13 IQD
Avg: 5895.72 IQD
-4.3% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

25000-75000 IQD
Avg: 50000 IQD
-4.8% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

450-1125 IQD
Avg: 787.5 IQD
-1.6% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

65508.05-300000 IQD
Avg: 182754.03 IQD
+21.9% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

30000-62135.42 IQD
Avg: 46067.71 IQD
-3.0% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

13101.61-35000 IQD
Avg: 24050.81 IQD
-10.8% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1000-2000 IQD
Avg: 1500 IQD
-7.7% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

500-2000 IQD
Avg: 1250 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1440-3144.39 IQD
Avg: 2292.19 IQD
-1.3% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

2620.32-15000 IQD
Avg: 8810.16 IQD
-2.1% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

25000-100000 IQD
Avg: 62500 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

10000-30000 IQD
Avg: 20000 IQD
+10.5% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

10000-15000 IQD
Avg: 12500 IQD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

83333.33-500000 IQD
Avg: 291666.67 IQD
+20.7% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03