Cost of Living in Al-mawsil - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $734 monthly including rent, or $474 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,085 with rent, or $733 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,437 including rent, or $992 for daily expenses alone.

Al-mawsil sits 45–49% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 30% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.47 IQD 9,781
$3.74 IQD 4,897
$11.21 IQD 14.7K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.10 IQD 15.8K
$12.10 IQD 15.8K
$52.9 IQD 69.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.87 IQD 7,683
$5.87 IQD 7,683
$10.95 IQD 14.3K
Cappuccino
$0.75 IQD 977
$0.75 IQD 977
$7.41 IQD 9,707
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36 IQD 473
$0.36 IQD 473
$0.73 IQD 958
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.17 IQD 218
$0.17 IQD 218
$0.67 IQD 882
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.91 IQD 1,198
$0.91 IQD 1,198
$3.65 IQD 4,780
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.48 IQD 1,943
$1.48 IQD 1,943
$2.60 IQD 3,404
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.92 IQD 1,207
$0.81 IQD 1,056
$1.60 IQD 2,098
White Bread (500g)
$0.75 IQD 976
$0.37 IQD 482
$1.48 IQD 1,940
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.05 IQD 1,378
$0.63 IQD 830
$2.61 IQD 3,420
Eggs
$1.97 IQD 2,578
$1.17 IQD 1,528
$3.65 IQD 4,784
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.27 IQD 9,521
$3.02 IQD 3,958
$12.10 IQD 15.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.30 IQD 4,326
$2.75 IQD 3,601
$7.85 IQD 10.3K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.12 IQD 9,319
$5.02 IQD 6,572
$19.20 IQD 25.1K
Apples (1kg)
$0.92 IQD 1,203
$0.80 IQD 1,053
$1.99 IQD 2,612
Banana (1kg)
$0.86 IQD 1,126
$0.75 IQD 985
$1.50 IQD 1,958
Oranges (1kg)
$0.77 IQD 1,012
$0.56 IQD 730
$1.96 IQD 2,561
Tomato (1kg)
$0.37 IQD 479
$0.26 IQD 340
$1.47 IQD 1,927
Potato (1kg)
$0.41 IQD 543
$0.32 IQD 420
$1.04 IQD 1,356
Onion (1kg)
$0.46 IQD 601
$0.40 IQD 519
$1.20 IQD 1,572
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.52 IQD 679
$0.39 IQD 516
$1.19 IQD 1,562
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.48 IQD 635
$0.24 IQD 311
$0.95 IQD 1,245
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.90 IQD 2,492
$1.85 IQD 2,429
$3.72 IQD 4,870
Wine (Bottle)
$12.23 IQD 16.0K
$7.50 IQD 9,823
$22.51 IQD 29.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.37 IQD 1,799
$0.75 IQD 982
$1.95 IQD 2,551
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.92 IQD 2,518
$1.30 IQD 1,704
$2.60 IQD 3,408
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.37 IQD 482
$0.37 IQD 482
$0.68 IQD 888
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.22 IQD 40.9K
$21.54 IQD 28.2K
$38.38 IQD 50.3K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.18 IQD 2,850
$1.55 IQD 2,028
$3.88 IQD 5,076
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.02 IQD 2,646
$1.15 IQD 1,508
$3.82 IQD 5,000
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.35 IQD 4,391
$2.03 IQD 2,661
$10.16 IQD 13.3K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.35 IQD 461
$0.35 IQD 461
$1.03 IQD 1,344
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.6K IQD 20.4M
$15.6K IQD 20.4M
$23.4K IQD 30.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.7K IQD 23.2M
$17.7K IQD 23.2M
$26.9K IQD 35.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$99.0 IQD 129.6K
$75.2 IQD 98.5K
$197 IQD 257.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.96 IQD 23.5K
$11.69 IQD 15.3K
$31.16 IQD 40.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.95 IQD 35.3K
$20.12 IQD 26.3K
$46.19 IQD 60.5K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.87 IQD 31.3K
$22.85 IQD 29.9K
$24.88 IQD 32.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.75 IQD 24.6K
$7.62 IQD 9,977
$29.88 IQD 39.1K
Cinema Ticket
$11.49 IQD 15.0K
$7.75 IQD 10.2K
$19.39 IQD 25.4K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$198 IQD 258.7K
$126 IQD 165.0K
$454 IQD 593.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$701 IQD 917.6K
$701 IQD 917.6K
$6,229 IQD 8.2M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$14.06 IQD 18.4K
$8.99 IQD 11.8K
$91.8 IQD 120.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$17.51 IQD 22.9K
$15.19 IQD 19.9K
$75.9 IQD 99.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.0 IQD 107.4K
$57.2 IQD 74.9K
$153 IQD 199.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$19.05 IQD 24.9K
$18.25 IQD 23.9K
$114 IQD 149.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$241 IQD 316.0K
$190 IQD 249.4K
$381 IQD 498.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$177 IQD 231.4K
$151 IQD 198.4K
$189 IQD 248.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$585 IQD 765.7K
$348 IQD 455.1K
$1,081 IQD 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$349 IQD 457.4K
$272 IQD 355.8K
$507 IQD 664.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$607 IQD 795.3K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.67
5
7

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

Last update: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $241 for a central one-bedroom, or $177 outside the center. At 40% of the average salary ($607), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $607, while typical expenses reach $734. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $148 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $31.22 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Cappuccino is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 92% of cities in Asia

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 $734 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 $734 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 $607 take-home, most residents in Al-mawsil can cover the $734 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,101 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 $177 to $241, 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 $31.22, 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 $198 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 $734. 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 $734 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 $734, so putting money aside takes more than $1,101 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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