Cost of Living in Baghdad, Iraq
Iraq · Asia
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
22
Rent Index
NYC=100
35
Quality of Life
Below Average
20
Safety Index
Poor
7.7M
Population
IQD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $15 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $10 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $50 |
| Mobile Plan | $7 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $20 |
| Fitness Club/month | $20 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $350/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $450/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $700/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 7% |
Cost of Living in Baghdad — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Baghdad, Iraq is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Baghdad has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Baghdad costs around $200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $350/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $800/month. The rent index is 22 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Baghdad scores 35/100 on the quality of life index and 20/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 40/100. The climate index is 42/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Baghdad is approximately $500/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is IQD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Baghdad
The average monthly salary in Baghdad is approximately $500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Baghdad
Healthcare quality in Baghdad is rated 40/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Baghdad
Baghdad has a quality of life score of 35/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Baghdad
Students living in Baghdad should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Baghdad
Expats moving to Baghdad often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Baghdad, Iraq is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Baghdad
Living in Baghdad offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 35/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Baghdad provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Iraq and around the world.
Key Facts About Baghdad
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 22
- Average Salary: $500
- Quality of Life: 35/100
- Safety Score: 20/100
- Country: Iraq
- Currency: IQD
Is Baghdad Expensive?
Baghdad has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Baghdad compare to other cities?
Baghdad is located in Asia with a population of approximately 7.7M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Baghdad stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Baghdad?
The average cost of living in Baghdad, Iraq is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Baghdad?
Rent in Baghdad varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 22 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Baghdad alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Baghdad expensive to live in?
Baghdad has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Baghdad is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Baghdad?
Baghdad has a quality of life index of 35/100 and a safety index of 20/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Baghdad compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Baghdad with any city worldwide. Baghdad's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Baghdad?
Many residents live comfortably in Baghdad with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Baghdad good for expats?
Baghdad is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Baghdad?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Baghdad.
Is Baghdad cheaper than New York?
Yes, Baghdad has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Baghdad?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Baghdad.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Baghdad
Cheapest Ways to Live in Baghdad
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Baghdad typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $200/month compared to $350/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Baghdad, Iraq.
Is Baghdad Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 35/100, Baghdad is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Baghdad remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Iraq has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Baghdad Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Baghdad", "Baghdad monthly expenses 2026", and "is Baghdad affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 20/100, and healthcare rated 40/100, Baghdad offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Iraq.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026