Living in Iraq is relatively inexpensive by global standards: expect average monthly costs around $782 while typical after‑tax pay is about $588, so you’d often fall short of covering a full month’s expenses. Rent is low — about $335 for a one‑bedroom in city centers — and basics like utilities ($79.50), internet ($36), and inexpensive meals ($4.80) are affordable. Costs vary by city and lifestyle, and the details below will help you compare options and budget effectively.

Overview of Living Expenses and Average Incomes

Although Iraq’s overall living costs run lower than many countries, you’ll still face trade-offs: the average monthly cost is about $782 — roughly 1.46 times below the world average — while typical after-tax pay is near $588, covering only about 0.8 months of those expenses.

In practical terms, your Cost of Living is influenced by essentials: utilities run about $79.5 monthly for an individual and $122 for a family, and food service is inexpensive (a basic meal ~$4.66; a mid-range dinner for two ~$26.6).

Comparing housing-adjusted budgets shows limited disposable income; even with lower nominal prices, your Average Salary won’t stretch far beyond necessities.

This data-driven snapshot highlights a gap between local prices and wages: lower absolute costs don’t neutralize constrained purchasing power.

If you’re planning finances or relocation, prioritize detailed budgeting across utilities, food, and other recurring expenses to understand how the Average Salary maps to realistic living standards in Iraq.

Housing Costs: Rent, Utilities and Mortgages

One-bedroom city-center rents average about $335 a month (around $221 outside the center), while three-bedroom units run about $624 in central areas, so you’ll often pay a premium to live near services and jobs; add typical monthly utilities of $79.50 for an individual or $122 for a family and roughly $36.30 for 50+ Mbps internet, and housing-related outlays can consume a large share of the average monthly income—especially given a 20-year mortgage rate near 7.52% that makes buying considerably less affordable than renting for many households.

• Rent comparison: city-center versus outskirts shows a 50%+ premium on comparable units.
• Utilities and internet: predictable recurring costs that raise effective monthly housing costs.
• Mortgage context: a 7.52% 20-year rate increases monthly payments, reducing affordability.
• Decision drivers: you’ll weigh stability of ownership against higher monthly mortgage burden and upfront costs.

In living in Iraq, housing costs demand careful budgeting; renting often remains the more accessible option for many households given current financing conditions.

Food and Dining Prices: Restaurants and Groceries

After accounting for housing—where rents and utilities can take a large share of income, you’ll find food and dining costs in Iraq are comparatively affordable by regional standards.

You can eat cheaply: an inexpensive restaurant meal averages about $4.81, and a basic meal with a drink can be as low as $4.66. Fast food combos run around $6.83, so dining out frequently remains accessible.

Grocery prices reinforce the affordability. Expect to pay roughly $1.23 per liter of milk, $4.75 per kilogram of chicken breast, $0.76 for a loaf of bread and $1.69 for a dozen eggs.

A mid-range dinner for two averages $26.60, which compares favorably to many neighboring countries where similar meals cost substantially more.

If you budget, groceries will often cost less per calorie than restaurant meals. Use local markets for staples to reduce expenses further; imported items and upscale venues push totals higher, but basic food and dining needs are generally low-cost.

Transportation, Internet and Other Monthly Essentials

Several essential monthly costs in Iraq remain modest compared with regional averages: a public transport pass is about $36.90 while single local fares run near $0.55, internet at 50+ Mbps averages $36.30 monthly, basic utilities for one person sit around $79.50, and gasoline costs roughly $2.08 per gallon.

Monthly essentials in Iraq remain affordable — transit, internet, and utilities cost significantly less than many regional averages.

You’ll find that transportation options and utility expenses keep monthly essentials affordable relative to many neighboring countries. Public transit passes lower your commuting cost if you use buses or shared services regularly.

Internet plans at 50 Mbps+ are competitive for home use and remote work. Utilities reflect high reliance on subsidized energy and variable consumption. Gasoline pricing makes car ownership cheaper than in high-tax markets, though maintenance and insurance add cost.

Consider these typical monthly figures:

• Public transport pass: $36.90 — cost-effective for daily commuters
• Single local fare: $0.55 — economical for occasional trips
• Internet (50+ Mbps): $36.30 — adequate for streaming and work
• Utilities (one person): $79.50 — basic service coverage

City-by-City Comparison: Baghdad, Erbil, Basra and More

Across Iraq you’ll see clear cost differences between major cities, and these differences matter if you’re choosing where to live or work.

You’ll find Baghdad relatively affordable with a cost of living index of 31.4; a one-bedroom city-center apartment averages about $335 and an inexpensive restaurant meal about $4.66.

By contrast, Erbil’s growth drives higher housing and dining costs — mid-range meals average $21.01 — so you’ll pay more for the same lifestyle there.

Basra, as the economic hub, offers the most employment opportunities but also higher prices: a similar one-bedroom in Basra can be around $624.

Overall, you should weigh salary prospects against these city-specific costs. If you prioritize low monthly housing and cheap dining, Baghdad is economical.

If higher wages or regional economic activity matter more, Basra or Erbil may justify increased expenses.

Use these comparisons to align location choice with budget and income expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iraq Cheap or Expensive?

Iraq is relatively cheap; you’ll see a cost comparison showing lower living expenses than the world average. You’ll pay modest rent, inexpensive meals and utilities, so overall your monthly outlays tend to be noticeably lower.

Can an American Live in Iraq?

Yes — you can live in Iraq, though you’ll trade creature comforts for gritty charm; expect cultural adjustment, meet legal requirements, compare $588 average salary to $782 living cost, and plan housing, security, and transport pragmatically.

How Much Is a Gallon of Gas in Iraq?

A gallon of gas in Iraq costs about $2.08 (≈IQD2,714); you’ll find fuel prices at gas stations are relatively low compared to global averages, so your transportation expenses will generally be cheaper than in many countries.

What Is the Average Income of a Person Who Lives in Iraq?

Coincidentally, you earn about $554 monthly on average in Iraq; that figure reflects average salaries and economic factors, showing you face tighter budgets, lower purchasing power, and a shrinking middle class compared to regional peers.

Conclusion

To summarize, you’ll find living in Iraq is affordable compared with many neighbors: average incomes are modest while rent, utilities and groceries stay relatively low. Baghdad and Erbil cost more than Basra and smaller towns; transport and internet are inexpensive but quality varies. If you’re budgeting, expect housing to take the biggest share. Data shows a clear urban premium—think 21st-century city life with a hint of Victorian practicality—so compare cities closely before deciding.