Cost of Living in Arak - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $434 monthly including rent, or $245 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $658 with rent, or $372 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $881 including rent, or $500 for daily expenses alone.

Arak sits about 69% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (58% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.96 $2.96
$2.01 $2.01
$6.02 $6.02
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$13.97 $13.97
$11.98 $11.98
$49.90 $49.90
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.48 $2.48
$2.48 $2.48
$5.96 $5.96
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.64 $0.64
$0.52 $0.52
$2.10 $2.10
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 $0.94
$0.94 $0.94
$2.38 $2.38
Cappuccino
$1.26 $1.26
$0.59 $0.59
$2.05 $2.05
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36 $0.36
$0.29 $0.29
$0.95 $0.95
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 $1.03
$0.69 $0.69
$1.41 $1.41
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.63 $0.63
$0.52 $0.52
$1.03 $1.03
White Bread (500g)
$0.53 $0.53
$0.21 $0.21
$0.95 $0.95
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.84 $1.84
$1.17 $1.17
$5.36 $5.36
Eggs
$1.01 $1.01
$0.61 $0.61
$2.45 $2.45
Local Cheese (1kg)
$1.89 $1.89
$1.80 $1.80
$7.93 $7.93
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$1.94 $1.94
$1.64 $1.64
$4.86 $4.86
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.24 $8.24
$5.70 $5.70
$14.71 $14.71
Apples (1kg)
$0.89 $0.89
$0.47 $0.47
$1.55 $1.55
Banana (1kg)
$1.15 $1.15
$0.81 $0.81
$2.40 $2.40
Oranges (1kg)
$0.64 $0.64
$0.42 $0.42
$2.10 $2.10
Tomato (1kg)
$0.45 $0.45
$0.31 $0.31
$1.04 $1.04
Potato (1kg)
$0.38 $0.38
$0.24 $0.24
$0.95 $0.95
Onion (1kg)
$0.40 $0.40
$0.26 $0.26
$1.04 $1.04
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.32 $0.32
$0.19 $0.19
$0.97 $0.97
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.25 $0.25
$0.13 $0.13
$0.52 $0.52
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$0.62 $0.62
$0.41 $0.41
$2.43 $2.43
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.55 $0.55
$0.24 $0.24
$0.97 $0.97
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.46 $1.46
$0.61 $0.61
$3.03 $3.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.77 $1.77
$1.77 $1.77
$2.92 $2.92
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.43 $0.43
$0.10 $0.10
$0.76 $0.76
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$10.14 $10.14
$5.07 $5.07
$12.17 $12.17
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.37 $0.37
$0.25 $0.25
$1.04 $1.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.11 $0.11
$0.11 $0.11
$0.55 $0.55
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.26 $1.26
$1.03 $1.03
$5.13 $5.13
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.34 $0.34
$0.34 $0.34
$0.79 $0.79
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$44.2K $44.2K
$44.2K $44.2K
$101.5K $101.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$38.9K $38.9K
$34.7K $34.7K
$74.3K $74.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$9.97 $9.97
$9.97 $9.97
$34.90 $34.90
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$2.04 $2.04
$1.02 $1.02
$5.10 $5.10
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$5.73 $5.73
$1.99 $1.99
$9.95 $9.95
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$13.10 $13.10
$11.02 $11.02
$15.17 $15.17
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.29 $16.29
$7.33 $7.33
$25.25 $25.25
Cinema Ticket
$0.99 $0.99
$0.99 $0.99
$1.97 $1.97
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$60.3 $60.3
$49.18 $49.18
$205 $205
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,998 $1,998
$1,015 $1,015
$7,103 $7,103
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$12.98 $12.98
$10.92 $10.92
$87.2 $87.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$8.09 $8.09
$8.09 $8.09
$80.9 $80.9
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$44.54 $44.54
$44.54 $44.54
$198 $198
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$44.28 $44.28
$34.44 $34.44
$118 $118
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$309 $309
$218 $218
$401 $401
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$193 $193
$108 $108
$277 $277
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$485 $485
$366 $366
$605 $605
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$315 $315
$222 $222
$408 $408
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,345 $1,345
$997 $997
$1,694 $1,694
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$531 $531
$291 $291
$802 $802
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$372 $372
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
18.33
17
36

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $309 for a central one-bedroom, or $193 outside the center. At 83% of the average salary ($372), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $372, while typical expenses reach $434. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $86.0 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $14.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $10.14 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Taxi is among the 20 cheapest worldwide (out of 7,208 cities)

Gasoline is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Fast food meal is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Arak Median Internet Speeds (Updated March 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 Arak - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arak affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with bigger cities in Iran?
Arak offers a steady middle ground. You’ll find housing options that feel more budget-friendly than Tehran or Isfahan, with older apartments and newer blocks in walkable neighborhoods. Local markets and casual eateries deliver fresh, affordable meals, and cafés near university zones can be good for work sessions without breaking the bank. Public buses cover key areas, while rideshares and bicycles are viable for shorter hops. Consider seasonality – summers can push air-con costs, winters may shift heating needs. For many, “Cost of Living in Arak” reflects a practical balance between affordability and access. Tip: Map longer trips to reduce transit fees and pick a neighborhood that minimizes daily commute.
What should you focus on when searching housing and handling daily life in Arak?
When searching housing, prioritize proximity to transit lines, markets, and coworking spots. In Arak, you’ll find apartment blocks near the city center and quieter streets farther out; negotiate lease terms with receipts and utility inclusions in mind. For daily life, groceries and local eateries are reasonably priced, and many residents rely on buses or shared taxis. Hiring a local guide or agent can simplify a rental process if you’re not fluent in Persian. Arak living cost varies with district, but broad shopping and transport options help maintain flexibility for budgeting. Tip: Start with short-term stays to test neighborhoods before committing long-term.
How can you optimize your budget and quality of life, considering seasons and neighborhoods?
Build a simple budgeting framework: divide expenses into housing, food, utilities, transport, and recreation; set a flexible monthly cap and track actuals on a notebook or app. In Arak, seasonal climate matters – summers push cooling needs, winters increase heating, and tourist lulls can adjust service costs. Neighborhood fit matters: central university districts are louder but convenient; riverfront and hillside zones offer quieter living with walkable amenities; think about night-life, safety, and access to healthcare. Share spaces or co-working hubs can stretch you further, and cooking at home often lowers costs compared with dining out. Tip: visit neighborhoods at different times of day to gauge noise and accessibility.
How much does it cost to live in Arak per month?
Plan for roughly $434 a month in Arak if you're renting, or around $245 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in Arak in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Arak come to around $434 including rent, or roughly $245 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Arak?
Around $651 take-home puts you in a comfortable spot in Arak – enough for rent, food, bills, and a bit of savings. Drop below that and you'll probably need to share a flat, stick to cooking at home, or pick a neighborhood further out.
How much should I budget for housing in Arak?
Where you live in Arak makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $309; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $193. Overall, the market runs from $193 to $309 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Arak?
A monthly transit pass in Arak goes for roughly $10.14, 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 Arak?
Childcare averages $60.3 monthly at a private kindergarten in Arak. 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 Arak?
$1,000 stretches far in Arak – all-in monthly costs average only $434. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Arak a good city to live in long-term?
Arak offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, café culture, great local cuisine, and at around $434 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 Arak?
Monthly expenses in Arak run around $434, so putting money aside takes more than $651 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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