Cost of Living in Damascus, Syria
Syria · Asia
$480
Monthly Cost
avg/person
20
Cost Index
NYC=100
15
Rent Index
NYC=100
20
Quality of Life
Poor
12
Safety Index
Poor
2.50M
Population
SYP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $4 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $16000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $25 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $12 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $180/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $420/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $235/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $700/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $380/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $100 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 12% |
Cost of Living in Damascus — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Damascus, Syria is approximately $480 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Damascus has a cost index of 20, making it around 80% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Damascus costs around $100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $180/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $420/month. The rent index is 15 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Damascus scores 20/100 on the quality of life index and 12/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 30/100. The climate index is 68/100. 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 Damascus is approximately $100/month. With a purchasing power index of 14/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SYP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Damascus
The average monthly salary in Damascus is approximately $100. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $480, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 14/100.
Healthcare Costs in Damascus
Healthcare quality in Damascus is rated 30/100. 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 Damascus
Damascus has a quality of life score of 20/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Damascus
Students living in Damascus 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 Damascus
Expats moving to Damascus 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 Damascus, Syria is approximately $480 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 20 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Damascus
Living in Damascus offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 20 and a quality of life score of 20/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $100 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Damascus provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Syria and around the world.
Key Facts About Damascus
- Average Monthly Cost: $480
- Cost Index: 20
- Rent Index: 15
- Average Salary: $100
- Quality of Life: 20/100
- Safety Score: 12/100
- Country: Syria
- Currency: SYP
Is Damascus Expensive?
Damascus has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Damascus compare to other cities?
Damascus is located in Asia with a population of approximately 2.50M. At a cost index of 20 (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 Damascus stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Damascus?
The average cost of living in Damascus, Syria is approximately $480 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 20 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Damascus?
Rent in Damascus varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 15 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Damascus alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Damascus expensive to live in?
Damascus has a cost index of 20 compared to New York City (100). At 20, Damascus is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $480.
What is the quality of life in Damascus?
Damascus has a quality of life index of 20/100 and a safety index of 12/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Damascus compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Damascus with any city worldwide. Damascus's cost index is 20 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Damascus?
Many residents live comfortably in Damascus with a monthly budget of around $480 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Damascus good for expats?
Damascus is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Damascus?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $480 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Damascus.
Is Damascus cheaper than New York?
Yes, Damascus has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Damascus?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Damascus.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Damascus
Cheapest Ways to Live in Damascus
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Damascus typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $100/month compared to $180/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 Damascus, Syria.
Is Damascus Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 14/100 and a quality of life score of 20/100, Damascus is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 20 relative to New York City, Damascus remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Syria has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Damascus Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Damascus", "Damascus monthly expenses 2026", and "is Damascus affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $480, a safety score of 12/100, and healthcare rated 30/100, Damascus offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Syria.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026