Cost of Living in Tehran, Iran
Iran · Asia
$700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
25
Cost Index
NYC=100
20
Rent Index
NYC=100
50
Quality of Life
Moderate
42
Safety Index
Below Average
9.3M
Population
IRR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.6 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $8 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $30 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $10 |
| Fitness Club/month | $18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $350/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $450/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 23% |
Cost of Living in Tehran — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Tehran, Iran is approximately $700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Tehran has a cost index of 25, making it around 75% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Tehran 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 20 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Tehran scores 50/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 60/100. 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 Tehran is approximately $400/month. With a purchasing power index of 35/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is IRR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Tehran
The average monthly salary in Tehran is approximately $400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 35/100.
Healthcare Costs in Tehran
Healthcare quality in Tehran is rated 60/100. 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 Tehran
Tehran has a quality of life score of 50/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Tehran
Students living in Tehran 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 Tehran
Expats moving to Tehran 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 Tehran, Iran is approximately $700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 25 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Tehran
Living in Tehran offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 25 and a quality of life score of 50/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Tehran provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Iran and around the world.
Key Facts About Tehran
- Average Monthly Cost: $700
- Cost Index: 25
- Rent Index: 20
- Average Salary: $400
- Quality of Life: 50/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Iran
- Currency: IRR
Is Tehran Expensive?
Tehran has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Tehran compare to other cities?
Tehran is located in Asia with a population of approximately 9.3M. At a cost index of 25 (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 Tehran stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tehran?
The average cost of living in Tehran, Iran is approximately $700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 25 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Tehran?
Rent in Tehran varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 20 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Tehran alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Tehran expensive to live in?
Tehran has a cost index of 25 compared to New York City (100). At 25, Tehran is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $700.
What is the quality of life in Tehran?
Tehran has a quality of life index of 50/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Tehran compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Tehran with any city worldwide. Tehran's cost index is 25 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Tehran?
Many residents live comfortably in Tehran with a monthly budget of around $700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Tehran good for expats?
Tehran is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Tehran?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Tehran.
Is Tehran cheaper than New York?
Yes, Tehran has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Tehran?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Tehran.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Tehran
Cheapest Ways to Live in Tehran
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Tehran 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 Tehran, Iran.
Is Tehran Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 35/100 and a quality of life score of 50/100, Tehran is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 25 relative to New York City, Tehran remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Iran has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Tehran Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Tehran", "Tehran monthly expenses 2026", and "is Tehran affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $700, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 60/100, Tehran offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Iran.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026