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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $606 monthly including rent, or $456 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $839 with rent, or $654 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,071 including rent, or $852 for daily expenses alone.

Al-mawsil sits 56–63% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (45% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.45 IQD 9,755
$3.72 IQD 4,877
$11.16 IQD 14.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.44 IQD 16.3K
$12.44 IQD 16.3K
$105 IQD 137.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.83 IQD 7,635
$5.83 IQD 7,635
$9.32 IQD 12.2K
Cappuccino
$0.73 IQD 950
$0.73 IQD 950
$5.11 IQD 6,689
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 IQD 511
$0.39 IQD 511
$1.96 IQD 2,568
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.16 IQD 215
$0.16 IQD 215
$0.66 IQD 858
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.99 IQD 1,298
$0.99 IQD 1,298
$10.36 IQD 13.6K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.49 IQD 1,948
$1.49 IQD 1,948
$8.91 IQD 11.7K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.78 IQD 1,016
$0.78 IQD 1,016
$1.95 IQD 2,554
White Bread (500g)
$0.75 IQD 978
$0.37 IQD 489
$1.50 IQD 1,968
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.63 IQD 826
$0.63 IQD 826
$2.59 IQD 3,392
Eggs
$1.14 IQD 1,491
$1.14 IQD 1,491
$2.50 IQD 3,268
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.10 IQD 10.6K
$3.02 IQD 3,959
$15.14 IQD 19.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.36 IQD 4,396
$2.61 IQD 3,412
$11.17 IQD 14.6K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.29 IQD 12.2K
$9.29 IQD 12.2K
$19.36 IQD 25.4K
Apples (1kg)
$0.79 IQD 1,028
$0.79 IQD 1,028
$1.58 IQD 2,070
Banana (1kg)
$0.79 IQD 1,033
$0.79 IQD 1,033
$1.59 IQD 2,080
Oranges (1kg)
$0.59 IQD 768
$0.59 IQD 768
$1.58 IQD 2,063
Tomato (1kg)
$0.28 IQD 367
$0.28 IQD 367
$1.19 IQD 1,562
Potato (1kg)
$0.33 IQD 426
$0.33 IQD 426
$1.61 IQD 2,103
Onion (1kg)
$0.37 IQD 482
$0.37 IQD 482
$1.48 IQD 1,942
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 IQD 1,042
$0.59 IQD 771
$1.19 IQD 1,556
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.55 IQD 726
$0.18 IQD 242
$1.12 IQD 1,465
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.92 IQD 2,515
$1.92 IQD 2,515
$3.07 IQD 4,016
Wine (Bottle)
$12.33 IQD 16.1K
$7.56 IQD 9,906
$22.68 IQD 29.7K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.69 IQD 2,215
$0.77 IQD 1,014
$2.03 IQD 2,655
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 IQD 2,699
$1.49 IQD 1,957
$2.27 IQD 2,968
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.37 IQD 479
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.31 IQD 39.7K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.95 IQD 2,554
$1.56 IQD 2,046
$2.34 IQD 3,062
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.81 IQD 2,376
$1.57 IQD 2,054
$2.35 IQD 3,074
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.48 IQD 5,864
$3.73 IQD 4,891
$7.47 IQD 9,781
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.36 IQD 466
$0.36 IQD 466
$0.99 IQD 1,302
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.1K IQD 19.7M
$15.1K IQD 19.7M
$18.8K IQD 24.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.7K IQD 23.1M
$17.3K IQD 22.6M
$26.9K IQD 35.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$107 IQD 140.0K
$95.5 IQD 125.0K
$229 IQD 300.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.75 IQD 18.0K
$7.57 IQD 9,917
$22.71 IQD 29.7K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$27.04 IQD 35.4K
$15.44 IQD 20.2K
$46.34 IQD 60.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.97 IQD 30.1K
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.82 IQD 10.2K
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.58 IQD 9,928
$7.58 IQD 9,928
$15.15 IQD 19.8K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$316 IQD 414.3K
$193 IQD 253.2K
$676 IQD 884.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$693 IQD 907.1K
$693 IQD 907.1K
$4,618 IQD 6.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.96 IQD 24.8K
$18.96 IQD 24.8K
$60.7 IQD 79.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$15.12 IQD 19.8K
$15.12 IQD 19.8K
$67.3 IQD 88.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$70.3 IQD 92.1K
$58.2 IQD 76.2K
$93.0 IQD 121.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$18.28 IQD 23.9K
$18.28 IQD 23.9K
$114 IQD 149.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$117 IQD 152.6K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$76.9 IQD 100.7K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$308 IQD 403.3K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$617 IQD 808.5K
-
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: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $117 for a central one-bedroom, or $76.9 outside the center. At 19% of the average salary ($617), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $617, while typical expenses reach $606. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $910.

Expect to spend about $152 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $30.31 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 96% of cities in Asia

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
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 $606 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 $606 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How much should you earn to live well in Al-mawsil?
Earning $910 monthly in Al-mawsil means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Al-mawsil?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Al-mawsil range from $76.9 to $117, 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 $30.31, 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 $316 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 $606. 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 $606 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 $606, so putting money aside takes more than $910 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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