Are you considering a move to Baghdad, Iraq, and wondering about the cost of living? Baghdad is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Baghdad and help you understand whether $1506 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $521.79.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
5.33 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
35.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.64 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.56 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.54 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.2 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.83 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.46 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
4.47 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.26 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
10.87 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
0.94 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.09 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.66 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.66 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.64 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.7 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.54 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.42 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.81 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.67 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.5 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
22.85 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.4 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
18278.73 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19886.83 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
157.12 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
42.41 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
33.14 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.1 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.14 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
146.43 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2265.26 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
28.3 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
31.13 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
51.95 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
38.99 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
538.61 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
290.64 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1044.55 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
568.25 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2531.31 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1176.01 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
521.79 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.5 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Baghdad come to a total of approximately $1506. This includes an average monthly rent of around $538 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $178 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $430 per month.
Living in Baghdad appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $521.79. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Baghdad, you would likely need an income exceeding $521.79.
In Baghdad, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $521.79, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Baghdad is approximately $538. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $290.64 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Baghdad can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $280 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Iraq can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Iraq.
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Baghdad. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups like Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks. Remain vigilant at all times.
Baghdad isn't the safest country to visit, because of its complicated political situation and turmoil that took over the country and its neighbors. Unfortunately, at this time, there's a very high threat of terrorist attacks and a very high threat of kidnapping in this city.
Terrorist groups make transportation through the country rather difficult. What people use is a fully armored car or Rhino (armored bus). Within the confines of the International Zone, you can ride a free shuttle bus service. You can also go on foot to some parts within the International Zone or ride a bicycle.
Petty crime in Baghdad exists and if you do leave your accommodation be careful in crowded places such as bus and train stations and keep your valuables in your accommodation.
Iraq sits on an active seismic zone and there is a risk of tremors and earthquakes in Baghdad, as well as the floodings and droughts.
Violent crime has been on the rise during the past three years. There have also been some kidnappings involving foreigners. Traveling in groups is recommended in Baghdad. Avoid any suspicious parts of the city or going out at all after dark.
Scams are the least of your problems if you're in Baghdad, but yes, there are scammers here that will try to trick you. Double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you.
Baghdad isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their gender, not to walk around Baghdad, be it during day or night, as the country is essentially in the state of warfare.
Most countries do need a visa to enter Baghdad. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Iraqi embassy for more information.
The Iraqi dinar is the official currency in Baghdad. ATMs exist throughout the city and are mostly located outside of banks.
The climate in Baghdad is mostly mild, though extremes to both ends can occur. The average temperature in Baghdad can range from scorching hot in July and August to below freezing in January. It receives plenty of precipitation, mostly within a period between December and April.
Baghdad International Airport, formerly referred to as Saddam International Airport, is Baghdad's largest and main international airport. It is located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Baghdad, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 61°F | 66°F | 75°F | 87°F | 98°F | 107°F | 112°F | 111°F | 104°F | 91°F | 75°F | 64°F |
| Temp | 51°F | 55°F | 63°F | 75°F | 86°F | 93°F | 98°F | 96°F | 89°F | 78°F | 62°F | 53°F |
| Low | 42°F | 45°F | 52°F | 62°F | 72°F | 78°F | 82°F | 80°F | 74°F | 64°F | 52°F | 44°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 16°C | 18°C | 23°C | 30°C | 36°C | 41°C | 44°C | 43°C | 40°C | 32°C | 23°C | 17°C |
| Temp | 10°C | 12°C | 17°C | 23°C | 30°C | 33°C | 36°C | 35°C | 31°C | 25°C | 16°C | 11°C |
| Low | 5°C | 7°C | 11°C | 16°C | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C | 17°C | 11°C | 6°C |