Last update: Oct 2026 Iraq 1.7M

Cost of Living in Al-mawsil

For one person, living costs in Al-mawsil are estimated at $601 a month, including rent and utilities – 17% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Al-mawsil

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

Living costs for one person come to about $601 monthly including rent, or $379 excluding housing.

$601 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $917 with rent, or $607 without housing.

$917 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,233 including rent, or $835 for daily expenses alone.

$1,233 /mo

Al-mawsil sits about 56% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (43% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.46 IQD 9,767
$3.24 IQD 4,891
$22.64 IQD 34.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$10.37 IQD 15.7K
$10.37 IQD 15.7K
$64.8 IQD 98.0K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.03 IQD 7,597
$5.03 IQD 7,597
$9.38 IQD 14.2K
Cappuccino
$0.68 IQD 1,024
$0.68 IQD 1,024
$4.74 IQD 7,169
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34 IQD 519
$0.34 IQD 519
$1.72 IQD 2,593
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.14 IQD 219
$0.14 IQD 219
$0.60 IQD 903
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.85 IQD 1,286
$0.85 IQD 1,286
$8.89 IQD 13.4K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.31 IQD 1,977
$1.31 IQD 1,977
$7.84 IQD 11.8K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.63 IQD 950
$0.63 IQD 950
$1.57 IQD 2,375
White Bread (500g)
$0.64 IQD 964
$0.32 IQD 482
$1.28 IQD 1,928
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.54 IQD 816
$0.54 IQD 816
$2.23 IQD 3,367
Eggs
$0.94 IQD 1,424
$0.94 IQD 1,424
$2.07 IQD 3,135
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.10 IQD 10.7K
$2.65 IQD 4,009
$13.26 IQD 20.0K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.00 IQD 4,536
$2.33 IQD 3,528
$10.00 IQD 15.1K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.80 IQD 11.8K
$7.80 IQD 11.8K
$16.26 IQD 24.6K
Apples (1kg)
$0.64 IQD 970
$0.64 IQD 970
$0.96 IQD 1,455
Banana (1kg)
$0.67 IQD 1,013
$0.67 IQD 1,013
$1.34 IQD 2,026
Oranges (1kg)
$0.51 IQD 769
$0.51 IQD 769
$1.37 IQD 2,071
Tomato (1kg)
$0.22 IQD 332
$0.22 IQD 332
$0.94 IQD 1,428
Potato (1kg)
$0.27 IQD 408
$0.27 IQD 408
$1.37 IQD 2,072
Onion (1kg)
$0.32 IQD 483
$0.32 IQD 483
$1.28 IQD 1,932
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.61 IQD 928
$0.48 IQD 722
$0.97 IQD 1,459
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 IQD 773
$0.17 IQD 252
$1.03 IQD 1,561
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.62 IQD 2,448
$1.62 IQD 2,448
$2.59 IQD 3,917
Wine (Bottle)
$10.82 IQD 16.3K
$6.63 IQD 10.0K
$19.90 IQD 30.1K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.41 IQD 2,124
$0.64 IQD 974
$1.68 IQD 2,537
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.88 IQD 2,838
$1.35 IQD 2,047
$2.05 IQD 3,101
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.40 IQD 600
$0.32 IQD 483
$0.64 IQD 966
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.83 IQD 30.0K
$14.82 IQD 22.4K
$35.44 IQD 53.5K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.61 IQD 2,438
$1.29 IQD 1,951
$1.94 IQD 2,926
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.61 IQD 2,430
$1.34 IQD 2,030
$2.02 IQD 3,046
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.86 IQD 5,830
$3.22 IQD 4,858
$6.42 IQD 9,701
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.29 IQD 432
$0.29 IQD 432
$0.78 IQD 1,181
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$13.2K IQD 19.9M
$13.2K IQD 19.9M
$17.0K IQD 25.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.0K IQD 22.7M
$14.7K IQD 22.2M
$22.9K IQD 34.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$92.5 IQD 139.8K
$82.6 IQD 124.8K
$198 IQD 299.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.26 IQD 18.5K
$6.71 IQD 10.1K
$20.15 IQD 30.4K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.36 IQD 35.3K
$13.35 IQD 20.2K
$40.05 IQD 60.5K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.85 IQD 55.7K
$19.52 IQD 29.5K
$81.4 IQD 122.9K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.72 IQD 10.2K
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.74 IQD 10.2K
$6.74 IQD 10.2K
$13.48 IQD 20.4K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$307 IQD 463.9K
$243 IQD 366.4K
$653 IQD 986.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$588 IQD 888.5K
$588 IQD 888.5K
$3,957 IQD 6.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.19 IQD 24.5K
$16.19 IQD 24.5K
$51.8 IQD 78.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$13.44 IQD 20.3K
$13.44 IQD 20.3K
$59.8 IQD 90.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$59.1 IQD 89.3K
$48.86 IQD 73.8K
$78.2 IQD 118.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$15.72 IQD 23.8K
$15.72 IQD 23.8K
$98.2 IQD 148.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$176 IQD 265.7K
$133 IQD 200.5K
$365 IQD 551.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$130 IQD 196.5K
$105 IQD 158.3K
$164 IQD 247.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$381 IQD 575.7K
$253 IQD 382.1K
$759 IQD 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$305 IQD 461.0K
$224 IQD 338.8K
$483 IQD 729.5K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$745 IQD 1.1M
$692 IQD 1.0M
$847 IQD 1.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$587 IQD 887.1K
$392 IQD 592.9K
$697 IQD 1.1M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$537 IQD 811.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.53
1.3
7

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-mawsil $601
Groceries & Markets
$131
Accommodation & Living
$130
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$128
Eating Out
$84
Sport & Entertainment
$50
Clothing & Footwear
$47
Getting Around
$31

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $176 for a central one-bedroom, or $130 outside the center. At 33% of the average salary ($537), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $537, while typical expenses reach $601. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $131 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $10.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $19.83 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:47 2:47 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,683,000
💱 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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Cost of Living in Al-mawsil - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Al-mawsil affordable for travelers and expats, and how does it compare to other regional cities?
The Cost of Living in Al-mawsil, Iraq tends to be approachable for everyday basics when you stick to local options and public transport. Relative to larger regional hubs, rents in older neighborhoods are often more affordable, and groceries from markets can help your weekly budget. Imported goods and Western-style cafes may raise costs, so plan for occasional splurges. Housing choices range from simple apartments to shared rooms, with flexible lease terms common. Getting around via buses or shared taxis is practical and inexpensive, though traffic can influence commute times. Tip: Start with a short stay in a few neighborhoods to gauge pace, access, and value before committing.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Al-mawsil?
Daily life in Al-mawsil blends local markets, modest eateries, and a pace that suits slower-rhythmed travel. When housing, walk through neighborhoods to compare rents, ask neighbors about safety, and check utilities that come with each unit; brokers are common but many locals also rent directly. Food options range from street bites to small family-run shops with fresh produce and staples. For transport, shared taxis, minibuses, and walking are reliable; keep a small local transport card if available. For a practical baseline, consider the Al-mawsil, Iraq living cost as you budget groceries, utilities, and daily errands. Tip: Build a flexible daily routine that lets you explore nearby markets during different hours.
What quality of life factors, budgeting frameworks, and neighborhood fit should you plan for in Al-mawsil?
Quality of life in Al-mawsil depends on neighborhood vibe, safety, and access to amenities. To budget effectively, use a simple three-bucket plan: housing and utilities, daily essentials like food and transport, and discretionary spending for experiences. Look for neighborhoods that balance walkability with access to markets, cafes, and coworking spaces if you're remote. Seasonality can shift activity and crowd levels, with lively markets and events at certain times; plan to be flexible about housing searches around those periods. Tip: Leverage local acquaintances or expat groups to compare housing terms, and reserve time to explore a few areas before settling in.
What makes Al-mawsil a budget-friendly city to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Al-mawsil is just cheap – all-in costs average $601 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
How affordable is daily life in Al-mawsil?
Your money goes further in Al-mawsil than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $601 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is the average income in Al-mawsil enough to cover living costs and save?
At $537 take-home, most residents in Al-mawsil can cover the $601 monthly cost of living. Those earning $902 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What is the price of renting a flat in Al-mawsil?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Al-mawsil range from $130 to $176, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Al-mawsil?
A monthly transit pass in Al-mawsil goes for roughly $19.83, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Al-mawsil?
Childcare averages $307 monthly at a private kindergarten in Al-mawsil. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Al-mawsil?
$1,000 stretches far in Al-mawsil – all-in monthly costs average only $601. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Al-mawsil a good city to live in long-term?
Al-mawsil offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value great local cuisine, and at around $601 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Al-mawsil?
Monthly expenses in Al-mawsil run around $601, so putting money aside takes more than $902 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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