Cost of Living in Basra - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $584 (excluding rent), and $943 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,148 (excluding rent), and $2,013 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.82 IQD 4,997

$3.05 IQD 3,992

$11.44 IQD 15K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.56 IQD 32.2K

$18.89 IQD 24.7K

$37.8 IQD 49.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.03 IQD 9,212

$5.47 IQD 7,167

$7.81 IQD 10.2K

Cappuccino

$2.02 IQD 2,644

$0.75 IQD 984

$3.74 IQD 4,893

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.47 IQD 615

$0.4 IQD 519

$0.8 IQD 1,053

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 IQD 452

$0.2 IQD 260

$0.81 IQD 1,055

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.86 IQD 5,058

$3.09 IQD 4,041

$7.71 IQD 10.1K

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.86 IQD 6,369

$3.75 IQD 4,908

$5.24 IQD 6,868

Milk (1 liter)

$1.19 IQD 1,556

$0.76 IQD 998

$1.89 IQD 2,476

White Bread (500g)

$0.67 IQD 873

$0.37 IQD 481

$1.48 IQD 1,936

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.46 IQD 1,913

$0.78 IQD 1,023

$2.57 IQD 3,361

Eggs

$1.89 IQD 2,470

$1.54 IQD 2,021

$2.32 IQD 3,038

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.94 IQD 10.4K

$3.01 IQD 3,940

$9.95 IQD 13K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.1 IQD 9,300

$3.45 IQD 4,519

$11.85 IQD 15.5K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.11 IQD 17.2K

$9.15 IQD 12K

$16.81 IQD 22K

Apples (1kg)

$1.06 IQD 1,388

$0.79 IQD 1,038

$3.04 IQD 3,976

Banana (1kg)

$1.36 IQD 1,776

$1.13 IQD 1,480

$2.49 IQD 3,256

Oranges (1kg)

$1.01 IQD 1,320

$0.56 IQD 730

$1.65 IQD 2,166

Tomato (1kg)

$0.59 IQD 772

$0.18 IQD 240

$1.23 IQD 1,607

Potato (1kg)

$0.72 IQD 943

$0.39 IQD 512

$0.86 IQD 1,131

Onion (1kg)

$0.58 IQD 753

$0.37 IQD 485

$0.82 IQD 1,072

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.84 IQD 1,106

$0.2 IQD 259

$1.99 IQD 2,608

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.39 IQD 507

$0.18 IQD 241

$0.74 IQD 975

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.96 IQD 2,567

$3.93 IQD 5,148

Wine (Bottle)

$12.93 IQD 16.9K

$6.84 IQD 8,962

$19.01 IQD 24.9K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.02 IQD 3,957

$1.14 IQD 1,487

$3.02 IQD 3,957

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.74 IQD 4,899

$1.31 IQD 1,714

$3.74 IQD 4,899

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.39 IQD 511

$0.79 IQD 1,036

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$22.56 IQD 29.5K

$18.8 IQD 24.6K

$37.61 IQD 49.3K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.28 IQD 2,987

$3.8 IQD 4,973

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.31 IQD 3,029

$1.54 IQD 2,015

$2.39 IQD 3,136

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.76 IQD 8,854

$3.76 IQD 4,922

$11.27 IQD 14.8K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.58 IQD 764

$0.35 IQD 456

$0.79 IQD 1,032

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$13.4K IQD 17.5M

$11.4K IQD 15M

$15.3K IQD 20M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.2K IQD 30.4M

$19.4K IQD 25.3M

$23.2K IQD 30.4M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$57.2 IQD 74.9K

$48.38 IQD 63.4K

$64.5 IQD 84.5K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$25.88 IQD 33.9K

$11.65 IQD 15.2K

$38.82 IQD 50.8K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.86 IQD 49.6K

$34.08 IQD 44.6K

$45.43 IQD 59.5K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.68 IQD 48K

$19.1 IQD 25K

$115 IQD 150.1K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.41 IQD 20.2K

$11.55 IQD 15.1K

$15.41 IQD 20.2K

Cinema Ticket

$7.73 IQD 10.1K

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$97.8 IQD 128.1K

$64.2 IQD 84K

$231 IQD 302.4K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,812 IQD 5M

$1,906 IQD 2.5M

$5,719 IQD 7.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$41.34 IQD 54.1K

$7.51 IQD 9,839

$75.2 IQD 98.4K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.23 IQD 26.5K

$18.96 IQD 24.8K

$22.76 IQD 29.8K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.3 IQD 94.7K

$58.1 IQD 76.1K

$101 IQD 131.9K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$41.64 IQD 54.5K

$15.5 IQD 20.3K

$54.2 IQD 71K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$449 IQD 588K

$199 IQD 260.3K

$761 IQD 996.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$343 IQD 448.6K

$231 IQD 303K

$578 IQD 757.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$904 IQD 1.2M

$565 IQD 739.7K

$1,506 IQD 2M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$661 IQD 865.8K

$381 IQD 499.5K

$1,144 IQD 1.5M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,594 IQD 2.1M

$999 IQD 1.3M

$2,304 IQD 3M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$802 IQD 1M

$506 IQD 662.9K

$1,157 IQD 1.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$768 IQD 1M

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.67

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Basra - Frequently Asked Questions

Basra offers a mix of affordability and practicality that appeals to longer stays. Cost of Living in Basra, Iraq varies by district, with older neighborhoods often offering better value and newer compounds delivering comfort at a premium. Food markets, street fare, and casual eateries typically keep daily costs predictable, while utilities and cooling can swing with the season. Transport is relatively accessible, and you can mix walking, rideshares, and short commutes to balance costs. When planning, weight neighborhood vibe, access to amenities, and seasonal heat. Tip: Build a flexible budget that prioritizes housing, food, and transit plus a small contingency.

Basra daily life revolves around local markets, riverfront strolls, and practical shopping. Housing search centers on balance between location, size, and upkeep; expect a mix of older apartments and newer compounds with different price perceptions. Food options range from vibrant markets to affordable casual eateries; you can shop fresh produce daily to stretch meals. Transport is flexible: a combination of taxis, minibuses, and walking, with occasional ride hails depending on area. Co working spaces and cafes provide work friendly options if internet is stable. Basra, Iraq living cost tends to scale with season and district; plan around peak heat and demand for cooling. Tip: scout neighborhoods during different times of day to gauge noise, access, and vibe.

To keep life manageable, you can use a simple budgeting framework: fixed housing costs, flexible daily spending, and a small seasonal buffer. Expect utilities and cooling to rise in hot months, and plan for periodic outings to stay social without overspending. Neighborhood fit matters: riverfront or central districts offer walkability and amenities, while quieter inland areas can be more affordable. Shop at local markets, cook some meals at home, and time errands to avoid crowds. A reliable internet setup and a favorite cafe or coworking space can anchor your routine. Tip: review your budget monthly and adapt to shifting prices and weather.