Cost of Living in Iraq

Updated:

NovoExpat

If you've ever considered moving to Iraq, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Iraq?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Iraq and whether the reported $1221 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $753.11.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

Iraq

restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

4.81 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

23.95 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.84 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.75 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.21 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.44 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.23 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.09 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.78 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.35 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.68 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

4.66 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.74 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.96 $

Apples (1 lb)

0.98 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.02 $

Oranges (1 lb)

0.99 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.68 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.62 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.59 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.64 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.49 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

10.26 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.56 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.15 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.42 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

29.64 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.4 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.0 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

5.01 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.51 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

16500.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

17666.04 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

95.54 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.09 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

36.74 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

33.54 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

12.96 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

8.38 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

132.14 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

2023.77 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

26.66 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

25.29 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

48.92 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

39.43 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

356.73 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

225.1 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

615.92 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

408.45 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1231.87 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

690.67 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

753.11 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

9.46 %

Cost of Living in Iraq Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in Iraq, from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 4.81 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 23.95 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.09 USD, a loaf of bread 0.78 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.68 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.42 USD and a monthly pass around 29.64 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 95.54 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 33.54 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 12.96 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 132.14 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 2023.77 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 26.66 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 48.92 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 356.73 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 225.1 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1231.87 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 690.67 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 753.11 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 9.46% annually.

Iraq

How Safe Is Iraq for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in Iraq

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, floods are Iraq's most severe threat. In 2015, a state of emergency was declared in Iraq due to torrential rains resulting in severe flooding.

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally, Iraq isn't a safe country to visit, because of its complicated political situation and turmoil that took over the country and its neighbors. It is strongly recommended that you do not travel to Iraq at this time.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Terrorist groups make transportation through the country rather difficult. You might get pulled over at any second. Air traffic isn't safe either. In January 2015, a commercial flight arriving into Baghdad International Airport was fired upon by the rebels.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Petty crime in Iraq exists and if you do leave your accommodation for whatever reason - even though this is also strongly advised against - be careful in crowded places such as bus and train stations and keep your valuables in your accommodation.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime has actually been on the rise during the past three years. There have also been some kidnappings involving foreigners. Traveling in groups is recommended in Iraq. Avoid any suspicious parts of the country or going out at all after dark.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Iraq. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups like Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks. Remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams are the least of your problems if you're in Iraq, 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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Iraq isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their gender, not to walk around Iraq, be it during day or night, as the country is essentially in the state of warfare.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Iraq. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Iraqi dinar is the official currency in Iraq. ATMs exist throughout the country and are mostly located outside of banks.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in Iraq is mostly mild, though extremes to both ends can occur. The average temperature in Iraq can range from higher than 48 degrees C in July and August to below freezing in January. It receives plenty of precipitation, mostly within a period between December and April. Rain is more abundant in the mountainous region.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Baghdad International Airport, formerly referred to as Saddam International Airport, is Iraq's largest and main international airport. It is located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Iraq, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Iraq with other countries

Cost of living in countries