Cost of Living in An Najaf - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $644 per month with rent, or $458 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $973 per month with rent, or $729 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,303 per month with rent, or $1,001 without housing.

Overall, An Najaf is 53–56% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (41% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.56 IQD 5,969
$2.28 IQD 2,985
$9.12 IQD 11.9K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$22.65 IQD 29.7K
$22.65 IQD 29.7K
$49.07 IQD 64.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.01 IQD 6,562
$4.63 IQD 6,059
$11.57 IQD 15.1K
Cappuccino
$2.51 IQD 3,286
$1.14 IQD 1,494
$4.61 IQD 6,040
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.37 IQD 481
$0.37 IQD 481
$0.73 IQD 962
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.26 IQD 341
$0.20 IQD 259
$0.55 IQD 723
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.92 IQD 5,130
$1.57 IQD 2,055
$5.09 IQD 6,661
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.02 IQD 2,639
$2.02 IQD 2,639
$5.77 IQD 7,561
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 IQD 1,325
$0.73 IQD 955
$1.49 IQD 1,949
White Bread (500g)
$0.83 IQD 1,083
$0.49 IQD 642
$1.29 IQD 1,685
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.52 IQD 1,988
$0.98 IQD 1,282
$4.95 IQD 6,476
Eggs
$1.66 IQD 2,174
$1.34 IQD 1,752
$2.24 IQD 2,928
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.79 IQD 4,959
$1.73 IQD 2,264
$7.86 IQD 10.3K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.79 IQD 6,271
$2.04 IQD 2,674
$7.02 IQD 9,186
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.63 IQD 13.9K
$9.05 IQD 11.8K
$16.88 IQD 22.1K
Apples (1kg)
$1.16 IQD 1,522
$0.76 IQD 993
$2.56 IQD 3,349
Banana (1kg)
$1.11 IQD 1,447
$0.71 IQD 930
$2.57 IQD 3,360
Oranges (1kg)
$1.02 IQD 1,335
$0.68 IQD 886
$2.48 IQD 3,249
Tomato (1kg)
$0.72 IQD 949
$0.29 IQD 374
$1.60 IQD 2,097
Potato (1kg)
$0.69 IQD 905
$0.39 IQD 506
$1.71 IQD 2,236
Onion (1kg)
$0.64 IQD 834
$0.29 IQD 373
$1.60 IQD 2,091
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.62 IQD 816
$0.26 IQD 339
$1.10 IQD 1,443
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.49 IQD 646
$0.37 IQD 482
$1.11 IQD 1,457
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.67 IQD 2,192
$1.54 IQD 2,021
$2.69 IQD 3,526
Wine (Bottle)
$13.72 IQD 18.0K
$6.17 IQD 8,076
$38.54 IQD 50.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.13 IQD 2,785
$1.49 IQD 1,946
$2.96 IQD 3,878
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.29 IQD 2,995
$1.96 IQD 2,565
$2.37 IQD 3,102
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.36 IQD 465
$0.31 IQD 411
$0.40 IQD 520
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.51 IQD 1,983
$0.91 IQD 1,192
$3.78 IQD 4,951
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.54 IQD 2,023
$1.35 IQD 1,772
$2.31 IQD 3,027
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.37 IQD 7,035
$3.80 IQD 4,976
$11.39 IQD 14.9K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.48 IQD 630
$0.36 IQD 466
$0.68 IQD 891
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$11.8K IQD 15.5M
$11.8K IQD 15.5M
$26.3K IQD 34.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$18.5K IQD 24.2M
$12.2K IQD 16.0M
$24.8K IQD 32.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.08 IQD 49.9K
$37.68 IQD 49.3K
$385 IQD 503.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.90 IQD 22.1K
$4.99 IQD 6,533
$38.09 IQD 49.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$37.16 IQD 48.7K
$34.65 IQD 45.4K
$57.8 IQD 75.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$28.77 IQD 37.7K
$19.66 IQD 25.7K
$37.53 IQD 49.2K
Cinema Ticket
$9.75 IQD 12.8K
$7.80 IQD 10.2K
$19.49 IQD 25.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$170 IQD 222.1K
$129 IQD 168.4K
$386 IQD 505.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$929 IQD 1.2M
$619 IQD 810.7K
$6,191 IQD 8.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.63 IQD 21.8K
$11.57 IQD 15.2K
$57.9 IQD 75.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.21 IQD 34.3K
$14.76 IQD 19.3K
$75.1 IQD 98.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$71.4 IQD 93.5K
$45.12 IQD 59.1K
$135 IQD 177.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$47.25 IQD 61.9K
$22.87 IQD 29.9K
$83.9 IQD 109.8K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$260 IQD 341.1K
$202 IQD 264.8K
$309 IQD 404.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$140 IQD 183.6K
$77.0 IQD 100.8K
$192 IQD 252.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$342 IQD 448.0K
$301 IQD 394.3K
$383 IQD 501.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$200 IQD 261.6K
$152 IQD 198.4K
$248 IQD 324.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,234 IQD 1.6M
$690 IQD 904.0K
$1,883 IQD 2.5M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$490 IQD 641.3K
$403 IQD 527.5K
$577 IQD 755.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$738 IQD 966.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.12
1.3
8

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

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $260, dropping to $140 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 35% of the average salary ($738) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $738. With monthly costs around $644, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $966.

Groceries cost around $173 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $23.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

An Najaf is cheaper than 85% of cities worldwide and 59% within Asia.

An Najaf Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in An Najaf - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of An Najaf compare to other popular destinations for travelers and expats?
An Najaf offers a practical balance: essential services and amenities are accessible without the high price tag of many major cities. Cost of Living in An Najaf, Iraq tends to feel more affordable in areas with traditional markets, local eateries, and moderate housing options. You’ll find value in modest apartments, shared housing, and day-to-day groceries from nearby markets. Seasonal events may shift crowds, but costs stay relatively stable for longer stays and short visits alike. Tip: compare neighborhoods by proximity to services, and use local markets to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in An Najaf?
When searching for housing, start with neighborhoods near the old city center or university areas; options range from small studios to larger flats. For food, street stalls and fresh markets provide variety and value, while many people cook at home to manage costs. Transportation relies on shared taxis, local buses, and walking in central zones. Co-working spaces or cafes can be good bases for digital work, especially if you want reliable Wi-Fi and a social scene. An Najaf, Iraq living cost varies with your choices. Tip: test a few days of errands before committing to a lease.
What quality-of-life factors, budgeting frameworks, and seasonal patterns should you consider to find the right neighborhood fit?
Quality of life here blends pace and practicality. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate needs (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spends, and track weekly outlays in a way that reflects local routines. Choose a neighborhood that matches your routine – historic center for walkability and culture, or newer districts for amenities and quieter streets. The climate shapes energy use, so plan for hot summers with shade, water access, and comfortable evenings, plus local events that influence daily rhythms. Tip: visit at different times of day and week to sense crowds, noise, and safety before settling in.
What is the average cost of living in An Najaf?
A single person in An Najaf typically spends $644 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $458. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in An Najaf in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in An Najaf should plan on about $644 per month with rent, or $458 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in An Najaf?
You'll want at least $966 per month after taxes to live comfortably in An Najaf. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in An Najaf?
A central one-bedroom apartment in An Najaf runs about $260 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $140. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in An Najaf?
Food in An Najaf is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $173 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How cheap is food in An Najaf?
Groceries in An Najaf are cheap – a single person spends about $173 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
Can you live on $800 a month in An Najaf?
$800 a month in An Najaf? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $644, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Can you retire comfortably in An Najaf?
An Najaf makes a good retirement base. About $966 per month covers housing, healthcare, and everyday needs with enough left for some leisure and travel. It strikes a nice balance between cost and comfort.
How affordable is An Najaf?
An Najaf is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $644 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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