Last update: Oct 2026 Iraq 511.5K

Cost of Living in Al-'amarah

For one person, living costs in Al-'amarah are estimated at $662 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $14 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Al-'amarah

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Al-'amarah actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $662 per month with rent, or $437 for everyday expenses alone.

$662 /mo

A couple spends around $1,031 per month with rent, or $721 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,031 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,400 per month with rent, or $1,006 without housing.

$1,400 /mo

Overall, Al-'amarah is about 51% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (38% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.93 IQD 5,936
$1.96 IQD 2,968
$15.38 IQD 23.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$21.93 IQD 33.1K
$17.55 IQD 26.5K
$63.1 IQD 95.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.22 IQD 9,391
$5.73 IQD 8,656
$9.16 IQD 13.8K
Cappuccino
$2.08 IQD 3,146
$0.85 IQD 1,287
$3.91 IQD 5,914
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 IQD 502
$0.31 IQD 474
$1.10 IQD 1,665
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.20 IQD 304
$0.17 IQD 256
$0.53 IQD 800
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.22 IQD 4,863
$1.43 IQD 2,161
$6.97 IQD 10.5K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.90 IQD 4,384
$2.18 IQD 3,288
$7.07 IQD 10.7K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.99 IQD 1,501
$0.73 IQD 1,100
$1.47 IQD 2,214
White Bread (500g)
$0.67 IQD 1,006
$0.31 IQD 474
$1.26 IQD 1,897
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.36 IQD 2,061
$0.96 IQD 1,447
$2.08 IQD 3,142
Eggs
$1.57 IQD 2,368
$0.98 IQD 1,476
$2.73 IQD 4,121
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.72 IQD 5,616
$2.22 IQD 3,352
$11.08 IQD 16.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.21 IQD 6,361
$2.65 IQD 4,004
$9.07 IQD 13.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.50 IQD 17.4K
$8.71 IQD 13.2K
$15.81 IQD 23.9K
Apples (1kg)
$0.93 IQD 1,405
$0.52 IQD 784
$0.98 IQD 1,478
Banana (1kg)
$0.93 IQD 1,411
$0.64 IQD 970
$1.28 IQD 1,940
Oranges (1kg)
$0.90 IQD 1,362
$0.41 IQD 619
$1.35 IQD 2,043
Tomato (1kg)
$0.61 IQD 921
$0.31 IQD 475
$0.87 IQD 1,309
Potato (1kg)
$0.56 IQD 846
$0.31 IQD 470
$1.20 IQD 1,817
Onion (1kg)
$0.61 IQD 924
$0.34 IQD 517
$1.03 IQD 1,551
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.52 IQD 782
$0.25 IQD 377
$0.88 IQD 1,335
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 IQD 770
$0.17 IQD 251
$1.03 IQD 1,555
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.83 IQD 2,765
$1.44 IQD 2,172
$2.88 IQD 4,345
Wine (Bottle)
$12.08 IQD 18.3K
$6.68 IQD 10.1K
$22.23 IQD 33.6K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.60 IQD 2,412
$0.73 IQD 1,106
$2.76 IQD 4,171
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.78 IQD 2,683
$1.35 IQD 2,036
$2.04 IQD 3,084
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.45 IQD 680
$0.36 IQD 547
$0.72 IQD 1,094
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.17 IQD 29.0K
$14.32 IQD 21.6K
$34.25 IQD 51.8K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.81 IQD 2,734
$1.31 IQD 1,983
$2.18 IQD 3,289
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.13 IQD 1,712
$0.92 IQD 1,388
$1.70 IQD 2,568
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.76 IQD 8,707
$3.40 IQD 5,131
$7.46 IQD 11.3K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.54 IQD 813
$0.48 IQD 726
$0.75 IQD 1,132
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.4K IQD 24.8M
$14.0K IQD 21.1M
$19.8K IQD 29.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.1K IQD 22.8M
$13.2K IQD 20.0M
$19.9K IQD 30.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$96.2 IQD 145.4K
$82.4 IQD 124.4K
$223 IQD 336.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.00 IQD 19.7K
$7.12 IQD 10.8K
$21.38 IQD 32.3K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.03 IQD 36.3K
$16.06 IQD 24.3K
$44.46 IQD 67.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.10 IQD 56.1K
$19.66 IQD 29.7K
$81.9 IQD 123.8K
Cinema Ticket
$8.87 IQD 13.4K
$6.44 IQD 9,735
$12.90 IQD 19.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$153 IQD 231.6K
$114 IQD 172.3K
$516 IQD 780.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,868 IQD 4.3M
$2,045 IQD 3.1M
$5,453 IQD 8.2M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.93 IQD 34.6K
$11.01 IQD 16.6K
$56.6 IQD 85.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.34 IQD 32.2K
$16.76 IQD 25.3K
$59.7 IQD 90.2K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$51.9 IQD 78.4K
$37.38 IQD 56.5K
$85.1 IQD 128.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$34.23 IQD 51.7K
$21.62 IQD 32.7K
$93.7 IQD 141.5K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$178 IQD 268.4K
$134 IQD 202.5K
$369 IQD 557.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$129 IQD 195.4K
$104 IQD 157.4K
$163 IQD 245.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$371 IQD 561.0K
$246 IQD 372.3K
$739 IQD 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$298 IQD 449.9K
$219 IQD 330.7K
$471 IQD 712.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$717 IQD 1.1M
$666 IQD 1.0M
$816 IQD 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$573 IQD 865.9K
$383 IQD 578.7K
$681 IQD 1.0M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$435 IQD 657.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.33
1.3
6.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Al-'amarah $662
Groceries & Markets
$159
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$133
Accommodation & Living
$129
Eating Out
$99
Clothing & Footwear
$59
Sport & Entertainment
$55
Getting Around
$28

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $178, dropping to $129 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 41% of the average salary ($435) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $435 – below monthly costs of $662. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $159 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $22.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $19.17 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Al-'amarah is cheaper than 84% of cities worldwide and 56% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:47 2:47 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
511,542
💱 Currency
Iraqi Dinar IQD ع.د
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to IQD – Iraqi Dinar Converter

Iraqi Dinar exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1,511 IQD (10,000 IQD = 6.62 USD). 1 EUR = 1,699 IQD (10,000 IQD = 5.89 EUR).

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Al-'amarah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Al-'amarah - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Al-'amarah for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with larger regional hubs?
Cost of Living in Al-'amarah, Iraq feels approachable for travelers and longer stays when you compare it with larger regional hubs. Local markets provide fresh produce and staple goods at family-friendly prices, and housing options run from compact apartments in older sections to quieter homes on the outskirts. Dining out can be economical at casual eateries, while fancier dining or imported goods push costs up. Public services exist with varying reliability, so budgeting flexibility helps you adapt. Seasonal heat increases energy use, but costs scale with your habits. Tip: map a simple monthly plan that accounts for rent, groceries, and transport.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Al-'amarah for a visitor or expat?
Daily life in Al-'amarah blends local markets, casual eateries, and essential services with workable transport options. Housing searches usually focus on compact apartments in the old city or quieter streets within a short ride of the center. For getting around, you’ll rely on car travel, taxis, or shared vans, with walking handy for nearby errands. Food options range from street food stalls to family-run groceries and modest cafes. Al-'amarah, Iraq living cost can shift with neighborhood choice, so map a few routes that suit your pace and commute. Tip: start with one or two neighborhoods, then compare rent, access, and safety in daylight.
What should you consider for quality of life and budgeting to find the right neighborhood and pace?
Quality of life in Al-'amarah hinges on balancing housing, groceries, and transport with your work or travel pace. A practical budgeting framework is to separate essentials (rent, utilities, food) from discretionary spending and build a small buffer for seasonal spikes in energy use. Neighborhood fit often means choosing a walkable center for access to markets and cafes, or a quieter residential area if you value rest. Internet access and power reliability can vary, so identify a reliable coworking space or a cafe with dependable wifi. Tip: tailor your plan to the season and test a neighborhood at different times of day.
How affordable is daily life in Al-'amarah?
By most standards, Al-'amarah is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $662, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
How much of a salary does housing take in Al-'amarah?
In Al-'amarah, housing takes around 41% of a typical salary – close to the global norm of 30%. Most full-time workers can afford a decent apartment and still cover their other bills without too much stress.
How much should you earn to live well in Al-'amarah?
In Al-'amarah, $993 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.
How affordable is housing in Al-'amarah?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Al-'amarah – 1-bedroom apartments range from $129 to $178 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Al-'amarah?
Groceries in Al-'amarah are cheap – a single person spends about $159 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Al-'amarah?
Public transport in Al-'amarah costs about $19.17 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Al-'amarah?
$1,000 a month in Al-'amarah? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $662, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is quality of life like in Al-'amarah?
Quality of life in Al-'amarah is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $662. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Al-'amarah a cheap city to live in?
Al-'amarah is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $662 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

Al-'amarah vs other spots: cost of living compared

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