Last update: Oct 2026 Iraq 1.7M

Cost of Living in Al Hillah

For one person, living costs in Al Hillah are estimated at $658 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 Hillah

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

A single person spends around $658 per month with rent, or $438 for everyday expenses alone.

$658 /mo

A couple spends around $1,007 per month with rent, or $739 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,007 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,356 per month with rent, or $1,040 without housing.

$1,356 /mo

Overall, Al Hillah is about 52% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (38% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Al Hillah? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.24 IQD 6,402
$1.96 IQD 2,955
$7.81 IQD 11.8K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$26.23 IQD 39.6K
$14.88 IQD 22.5K
$42.61 IQD 64.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.54 IQD 8,369
$5.19 IQD 7,848
$9.73 IQD 14.7K
Cappuccino
$2.73 IQD 4,123
$0.66 IQD 1,004
$4.50 IQD 6,801
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 IQD 476
$0.31 IQD 476
$0.63 IQD 951
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.16 IQD 247
$0.14 IQD 208
$0.28 IQD 428
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.59 IQD 3,916
$1.29 IQD 1,950
$4.20 IQD 6,339
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.27 IQD 4,937
$2.48 IQD 3,740
$4.90 IQD 7,405
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.88 IQD 1,336
$0.63 IQD 948
$1.25 IQD 1,896
White Bread (500g)
$0.68 IQD 1,034
$0.43 IQD 642
$1.03 IQD 1,551
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.36 IQD 2,050
$1.00 IQD 1,515
$2.01 IQD 3,030
Eggs
$1.55 IQD 2,338
$1.17 IQD 1,761
$1.94 IQD 2,929
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.38 IQD 5,114
$2.01 IQD 3,032
$8.02 IQD 12.1K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.21 IQD 6,356
$2.70 IQD 4,073
$6.05 IQD 9,149
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.53 IQD 18.9K
$8.05 IQD 12.2K
$16.12 IQD 24.4K
Apples (1kg)
$0.96 IQD 1,457
$0.39 IQD 589
$1.29 IQD 1,942
Banana (1kg)
$0.89 IQD 1,349
$0.63 IQD 948
$1.25 IQD 1,895
Oranges (1kg)
$0.90 IQD 1,361
$0.39 IQD 592
$1.29 IQD 1,953
Tomato (1kg)
$0.68 IQD 1,027
$0.50 IQD 762
$1.02 IQD 1,540
Potato (1kg)
$0.59 IQD 895
$0.34 IQD 518
$0.85 IQD 1,288
Onion (1kg)
$0.56 IQD 846
$0.34 IQD 510
$0.79 IQD 1,195
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.48 IQD 720
$0.22 IQD 338
$0.96 IQD 1,455
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 IQD 770
$0.34 IQD 518
$1.03 IQD 1,555
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.63 IQD 2,462
$1.30 IQD 1,970
$1.96 IQD 2,955
Wine (Bottle)
$11.51 IQD 17.4K
$5.18 IQD 7,820
$25.86 IQD 39.1K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.98 IQD 2,984
$1.34 IQD 2,031
$3.36 IQD 5,077
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 IQD 2,968
$1.69 IQD 2,551
$4.73 IQD 7,142
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.35 IQD 522
$0.35 IQD 522
$0.51 IQD 775
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.17 IQD 30.5K
$15.07 IQD 22.8K
$36.04 IQD 54.5K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.01 IQD 3,038
$1.02 IQD 1,534
$3.35 IQD 5,063
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.33 IQD 2,015
$1.16 IQD 1,755
$2.67 IQD 4,030
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.01 IQD 4,544
$2.64 IQD 3,986
$10.15 IQD 15.3K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.46 IQD 694
$0.29 IQD 434
$0.63 IQD 954
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$14.7K IQD 22.1M
$8,468 IQD 12.8M
$22.8K IQD 34.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$16.6K IQD 25.0M
$14.5K IQD 21.9M
$23.1K IQD 34.8M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$66.6 IQD 100.7K
$66.6 IQD 100.7K
$333 IQD 503.3K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.22 IQD 20.0K
$9.91 IQD 15.0K
$39.65 IQD 59.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.28 IQD 50.3K
$23.29 IQD 35.2K
$53.2 IQD 80.4K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$19.72 IQD 29.8K
$19.72 IQD 29.8K
$19.72 IQD 29.8K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.70 IQD 25.2K
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.43 IQD 9,709
$6.43 IQD 9,709
$16.07 IQD 24.3K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$81.6 IQD 123.3K
$81.6 IQD 123.3K
$218 IQD 328.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$664 IQD 1.0M
$664 IQD 1.0M
$5,311 IQD 8.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.27 IQD 29.1K
$9.97 IQD 15.1K
$49.83 IQD 75.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.61 IQD 32.7K
$16.62 IQD 25.1K
$66.5 IQD 100.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$57.8 IQD 87.3K
$36.33 IQD 54.9K
$99.1 IQD 149.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$41.29 IQD 62.4K
$19.56 IQD 29.6K
$71.7 IQD 108.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$240 IQD 363.3K
$197 IQD 297.2K
$262 IQD 396.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$154 IQD 232.2K
$132 IQD 199.0K
$165 IQD 248.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$437 IQD 660.1K
$269 IQD 406.2K
$538 IQD 812.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$249 IQD 376.2K
$195 IQD 294.4K
$292 IQD 441.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,470 IQD 2.2M
$1,307 IQD 2.0M
$1,633 IQD 2.5M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$479 IQD 724.3K
$463 IQD 699.3K
$496 IQD 749.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$436 IQD 658.2K
-
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 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Al Hillah $658
Groceries & Markets
$161
Accommodation & Living
$154
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$113
Eating Out
$105
Clothing & Footwear
$63
Sport & Entertainment
$33
Getting Around
$30

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $240, dropping to $154 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 55% of the average salary ($436) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $436 – below monthly costs of $658. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $161 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $26.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $20.17 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

Al Hillah is cheaper than 85% of cities worldwide and 57% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:47 2:47 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,729,666
💱 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 Hillah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Al Hillah - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Al Hillah affordable for a stay, and who tends to get good value here compared with other regional destinations?
Al Hillah offers a value mix for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a slower pace without high prices. The Cost of Living in Al Hillah, Iraq is generally more approachable than in larger regional cities, especially if you shop in local markets, choose older but well-kept apartments, and avoid tourist hubs. Long stays can bring savings if you balance daily groceries, casual dining, and occasional coworking space use. Neighborhoods near the Euphrates or traditional souks often provide practical amenities within easy reach. Tip: Map a core area for work and errands, then explore nearby parks or cafés to reset between tasks.
What does a typical day look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Al Hillah?
A practical day starts with a walk or short ride to a neighborhood market, then a few hours of work in a café or coworking space if available. Housing search usually centers on modest apartments in central or riverside zones, with brokers or local listings helping you compare layouts, building upkeep, and proximity to amenities. Food options range from markets with fresh produce to casual eateries offering affordable meals. Public transport is practical, with shared taxis and local buses tying neighborhoods together. Al Hillah, Iraq living cost varies by convenience and season, so plan a flexible budget and explore rental terms before committing. Tip: Keep a simple checklist for nearby services and transport times.
What factors influence quality of life in Al Hillah, and how can you budget and plan around seasons and neighborhoods?
Quality of life here comes from balancing slower rhythms with practical planning. Use a simple budgeting framework: allocate meals, housing, transport, and occasional activities, then adjust monthly as seasons change. Summers can push up cooling needs, while winters are milder but shorter daylight can affect work hours. Choose neighborhoods that fit your routine – riverfront areas for strolls, or busier incubator zones for coworking and social life. Embrace local markets for fresh produce, and barter for longer partnerships or longer-term leases to soften rent shocks. Tip: Build a recurring routine and set aside a small buffer for unexpected costs.
How much does it cost to live in Al Hillah in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Al Hillah should plan on about $658 per month with rent, or $438 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What makes Al Hillah a budget-friendly city to live in?
Al Hillah is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $658, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How much do people earn on average in Al Hillah?
After taxes, the average worker in Al Hillah takes home about $436 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in Al Hillah?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Al Hillah – 1-bedroom apartments range from $154 to $240 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 Hillah?
Groceries in Al Hillah are cheap – a single person spends about $161 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 Hillah?
Public transport in Al Hillah costs about $20.17 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 Hillah?
$1,000 a month in Al Hillah? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $658, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is quality of life like in Al Hillah?
Quality of life in Al Hillah is genuinely good – highlights include great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $658. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Al Hillah a cheap city to live in?
Al Hillah is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $658 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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