Are you considering a move to Basra, Iraq, and wondering about the cost of living? Basra 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 Basra and help you understand whether $1243 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $634.68.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
3.81 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
19.04 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.33 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
7.62 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.57 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.9 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.51 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.19 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.79 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.17 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
10.45 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.77 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
0.93 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.48 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.45 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.53 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.7 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.29 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
14.47 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.84 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.81 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
1.9 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.38 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
53.31 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.28 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.94 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
3.81 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.54 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
-- |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
16639.36 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
68.27 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
35.54 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
30.46 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
8.89 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.62 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
95.2 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
609.29 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
21.58 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
19.04 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
35.54 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
26.66 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
279.26 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
210.27 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
596.6 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
380.81 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
894.95 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
634.68 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
634.68 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.0 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Basra come to a total of approximately $1243. This includes an average monthly rent of around $279 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $86 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $496 per month.
Living in Basra appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $634.68. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Basra, you would likely need an income exceeding $634.68.
In Basra, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $634.68, 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 Basra is approximately $279. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $210.27 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Basra can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $327 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.
Basra is safer than in other regions of Iraq. However, one must be here with great caution. Terrorist attacks and military presence are still significant in the area. It is impossible to hope for justice in the city due to the high risk of bribery and corruption.
In connection with the situation in the country, the best means of transportation around the city are armored cars or armored buses. If you take a taxi, be sure to discuss the price of the trip before boarding the vehicle so that there are no disagreements.
Pickpockets operate in crowded places in Basra, in bazaars, and near mosques. It is better to keep personal and precious things in the hotel safe, do not carry a lot of cash with you, and do not flash with jewelry.
There is a risk of earthquakes, floods, and droughts in the region, resulting in high summer temperatures. However, the risk of severe natural disasters is still not common here.
Armed attacks and robberies are not uncommon here; tourists are especially susceptible to such attacks. If you travel around Basra, then try to stay in a group, not alone. In the event of an attack, give the ransomware what they want, to save your lives.
Terrorism in the region is extensive, especially from Daesh, who are responsible for most terrorism in Iraq. The likelihood of attacks is higher during Muslim services and in the mosque area. Remain vigilant at all times.
Tourist fraud is common in Basra since the locals are always willing to deceive foreigners. Beware of street beggars and merchants, do not overpay for fakes and agree on prices for everything in advance.
We can say that Basra is safe for women tourists, however, regardless of gender, tourists are not recommended to travel around the city alone. Day and night you need to be on the alert and apply enhanced measures to ensure your safety.
By the Iraqi law, citizens of all countries require a visa to visit Iraq. Visitors from certain countries are given a visa on arrival in select airports, and individual states are banned from entering Iraq. Nationals of Israel are forbidden from visiting Iraq in general. A valid passport is a must.
The Iraqi dinar is the currency of Iraq. It is issued by the Central Bank of Iraq and is subdivided into 1,000 fils. It has code: IQD. ATMs exist throughout the city and are mostly located outside of banks.
The best time to visit Basra for good weather is from March to May and from September to Decembre. At these times, you can be away from the sweltering heat and the winter chills. The most common form of precipitation throughout the year is rain alone, with a peak probability of 10%.
Basrah International Airport is the second largest international airport in Iraq and is located in the southern city of Basra. Reconstruction of the airport is still underway to improve the facilities. Iraqi Airways has already operated routes from this airport and was its second hub.
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 64°F | 70°F | 79°F | 91°F | 103°F | 111°F | 115°F | 115°F | 108°F | 96°F | 79°F | 68°F |
| Temp | 54°F | 59°F | 67°F | 79°F | 90°F | 96°F | 100°F | 98°F | 91°F | 81°F | 66°F | 57°F |
| Low | 45°F | 49°F | 57°F | 67°F | 76°F | 80°F | 83°F | 81°F | 74°F | 66°F | 55°F | 47°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C | 21°C | 26°C | 32°C | 39°C | 43°C | 46°C | 46°C | 42°C | 35°C | 26°C | 20°C |
| Temp | 12°C | 15°C | 19°C | 26°C | 32°C | 35°C | 37°C | 36°C | 32°C | 27°C | 18°C | 13°C |
| Low | 7°C | 9°C | 13°C | 19°C | 24°C | 26°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 18°C | 12°C | 8°C |