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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $721 monthly including rent, or $455 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,075 with rent, or $663 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,429 including rent, or $871 for daily expenses alone.

Al-mawsil sits 46–50% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 29% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.77 IQD 10.2K
$3.89 IQD 5,097
$11.67 IQD 15.3K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.27 IQD 16.1K
$12.27 IQD 16.1K
$53.6 IQD 70.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.84 IQD 7,645
$5.84 IQD 7,645
$10.89 IQD 14.3K
Cappuccino
$0.81 IQD 1,055
$0.81 IQD 1,055
$8.01 IQD 10.5K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.40 IQD 517
$0.40 IQD 517
$0.80 IQD 1,048
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.17 IQD 224
$0.17 IQD 224
$0.69 IQD 906
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.94 IQD 1,225
$0.94 IQD 1,225
$3.73 IQD 4,886
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50 IQD 1,960
$1.50 IQD 1,960
$2.62 IQD 3,432
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.85 IQD 1,112
$0.74 IQD 973
$1.48 IQD 1,933
White Bread (500g)
$0.80 IQD 1,049
$0.40 IQD 517
$1.59 IQD 2,083
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.06 IQD 1,391
$0.64 IQD 837
$2.64 IQD 3,452
Eggs
$1.92 IQD 2,515
$1.14 IQD 1,491
$3.56 IQD 4,666
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.29 IQD 9,548
$3.03 IQD 3,970
$12.14 IQD 15.9K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.24 IQD 4,242
$2.70 IQD 3,531
$7.70 IQD 10.1K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.05 IQD 9,229
$4.97 IQD 6,509
$19.02 IQD 24.9K
Apples (1kg)
$0.91 IQD 1,195
$0.80 IQD 1,046
$1.98 IQD 2,594
Banana (1kg)
$0.91 IQD 1,192
$0.80 IQD 1,043
$1.58 IQD 2,072
Oranges (1kg)
$0.81 IQD 1,061
$0.58 IQD 766
$2.05 IQD 2,687
Tomato (1kg)
$0.39 IQD 517
$0.28 IQD 367
$1.59 IQD 2,080
Potato (1kg)
$0.41 IQD 538
$0.32 IQD 417
$1.03 IQD 1,345
Onion (1kg)
$0.43 IQD 562
$0.37 IQD 485
$1.12 IQD 1,469
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.51 IQD 669
$0.39 IQD 509
$1.18 IQD 1,539
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53 IQD 700
$0.26 IQD 343
$1.05 IQD 1,372
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.95 IQD 2,553
$1.90 IQD 2,488
$3.81 IQD 4,989
Wine (Bottle)
$12.24 IQD 16.0K
$7.52 IQD 9,842
$22.54 IQD 29.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.39 IQD 1,825
$0.76 IQD 997
$1.98 IQD 2,588
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.93 IQD 2,533
$1.31 IQD 1,715
$2.62 IQD 3,429
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.40 IQD 520
$0.40 IQD 520
$0.73 IQD 958
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.67 IQD 41.5K
$21.85 IQD 28.6K
$38.94 IQD 51.0K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.17 IQD 2,839
$1.54 IQD 2,021
$3.86 IQD 5,058
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.98 IQD 2,591
$1.13 IQD 1,477
$3.74 IQD 4,897
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.28 IQD 4,298
$1.99 IQD 2,605
$9.95 IQD 13.0K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.33 IQD 432
$0.33 IQD 432
$0.96 IQD 1,257
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.1K IQD 19.7M
$15.1K IQD 19.7M
$22.6K IQD 29.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.7K IQD 23.1M
$17.7K IQD 23.1M
$26.9K IQD 35.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$99.4 IQD 130.2K
$75.6 IQD 98.9K
$197 IQD 258.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.52 IQD 22.9K
$11.40 IQD 14.9K
$30.40 IQD 39.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$27.27 IQD 35.7K
$20.36 IQD 26.7K
$46.75 IQD 61.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$24.23 IQD 31.7K
$23.20 IQD 30.4K
$25.26 IQD 33.1K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.85 IQD 24.7K
$7.66 IQD 10.0K
$30.03 IQD 39.3K
Cinema Ticket
$11.28 IQD 14.8K
$7.62 IQD 9,977
$19.05 IQD 24.9K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$202 IQD 264.4K
$129 IQD 168.6K
$464 IQD 607.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$694 IQD 909.2K
$694 IQD 909.2K
$6,171 IQD 8.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$13.87 IQD 18.2K
$8.87 IQD 11.6K
$90.6 IQD 118.6K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$17.89 IQD 23.4K
$15.52 IQD 20.3K
$77.6 IQD 101.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.9 IQD 108.6K
$57.9 IQD 75.8K
$154 IQD 202.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$19.54 IQD 25.6K
$18.71 IQD 24.5K
$117 IQD 153.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$242 IQD 316.7K
$191 IQD 250.1K
$382 IQD 500.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$179 IQD 234.4K
$153 IQD 200.9K
$192 IQD 251.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$572 IQD 748.7K
$340 IQD 445.0K
$1,057 IQD 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$339 IQD 443.7K
$264 IQD 345.1K
$492 IQD 644.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$608 IQD 795.8K
-
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: July 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $242 for a central one-bedroom, or $179 outside the center. At 40% of the average salary ($608), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $608, while typical expenses reach $721. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $149 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 $31.67 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Al-mawsil has the 10th cheapest gasoline in Asia

Cappuccino is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 90% 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 $721 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 $721 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 $608 take-home, most residents in Al-mawsil can cover the $721 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,081 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 $179 to $242, 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 $31.67, 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 $202 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 $721. 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 $721 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 $721, so putting money aside takes more than $1,081 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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