Cost of Living in Basra - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $538 (excluding rent), and $739 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,264 (excluding rent), and $1,976 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.77 IQD 4,933

$3.01 IQD 3,941

$11.31 IQD 14.8K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.47 IQD 32.0K

$18.82 IQD 24.6K

$37.66 IQD 49.2K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.99 IQD 9,140

$5.44 IQD 7,110

$7.76 IQD 10.1K

Cappuccino

$2.11 IQD 2,753

$0.78 IQD 1,024

$3.89 IQD 5,093

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

$0.43 IQD 564

$0.36 IQD 476

$0.74 IQD 965

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 IQD 447

$0.20 IQD 258

$0.80 IQD 1,044

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.81 IQD 4,982

$3.04 IQD 3,980

$7.61 IQD 9,951

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.71 IQD 3,538

$1.56 IQD 2,043

$3.12 IQD 4,086

Milk (1 liter)

$1.21 IQD 1,585

$0.78 IQD 1,017

$1.93 IQD 2,523

White Bread (500g)

$0.71 IQD 928

$0.39 IQD 511

$1.57 IQD 2,059

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.42 IQD 1,855

$0.76 IQD 992

$2.49 IQD 3,259

Eggs

$1.82 IQD 2,386

$1.49 IQD 1,952

$2.24 IQD 2,934

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.02 IQD 10.5K

$3.04 IQD 3,970

$10.04 IQD 13.1K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.11 IQD 9,304

$3.46 IQD 4,521

$11.87 IQD 15.5K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.06 IQD 17.1K

$9.11 IQD 11.9K

$16.74 IQD 21.9K

Apples (1kg)

$1.02 IQD 1,332

$0.76 IQD 996

$2.92 IQD 3,814

Banana (1kg)

$1.35 IQD 1,768

$1.13 IQD 1,474

$2.48 IQD 3,242

Oranges (1kg)

$1.05 IQD 1,374

$0.58 IQD 760

$1.72 IQD 2,255

Tomato (1kg)

$0.60 IQD 778

$0.19 IQD 242

$1.24 IQD 1,620

Potato (1kg)

$0.72 IQD 946

$0.39 IQD 514

$0.87 IQD 1,135

Onion (1kg)

$0.58 IQD 754

$0.37 IQD 486

$0.82 IQD 1,073

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.78 IQD 1,026

$0.18 IQD 241

$1.85 IQD 2,420

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.39 IQD 507

$0.18 IQD 241

$0.75 IQD 975

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.85 IQD 2,425

$3.72 IQD 4,863

Wine (Bottle)

$12.70 IQD 16.6K

$6.73 IQD 8,801

$18.69 IQD 24.4K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.97 IQD 3,886

$1.12 IQD 1,460

$2.97 IQD 3,886

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.85 IQD 5,036

$1.35 IQD 1,762

$3.85 IQD 5,036

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.39 IQD 512

$0.79 IQD 1,037

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$22.90 IQD 29.9K

$19.08 IQD 25.0K

$38.17 IQD 49.9K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.25 IQD 2,940

$3.74 IQD 4,895

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.25 IQD 2,949

$1.50 IQD 1,961

$2.33 IQD 3,053

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.77 IQD 8,852

$3.76 IQD 4,921

$11.28 IQD 14.7K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.58 IQD 763

$0.35 IQD 455

$0.79 IQD 1,031

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

$13.1K IQD 17.2M

$11.3K IQD 14.7M

$15.0K IQD 19.6M

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

$22.7K IQD 29.7M

$19.0K IQD 24.8M

$22.7K IQD 29.7M

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

$58.5 IQD 76.5K

$49.48 IQD 64.7K

$66.0 IQD 86.3K

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

$25.53 IQD 33.4K

$11.49 IQD 15.0K

$38.30 IQD 50.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38.83 IQD 50.8K

$34.94 IQD 45.7K

$46.59 IQD 60.9K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.66 IQD 47.9K

$19.09 IQD 25.0K

$115 IQD 149.8K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.26 IQD 20.0K

$11.45 IQD 15.0K

$15.26 IQD 20.0K

Cinema Ticket

$7.51 IQD 9,827

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

$96.4 IQD 126.0K

$63.2 IQD 82.6K

$228 IQD 297.5K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,781 IQD 4.9M

$1,890 IQD 2.5M

$5,671 IQD 7.4M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.03 IQD 55.0K

$7.64 IQD 9,990

$76.4 IQD 99.9K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.18 IQD 26.4K

$18.91 IQD 24.7K

$22.70 IQD 29.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$70.6 IQD 92.3K

$56.7 IQD 74.2K

$98.3 IQD 128.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$41.45 IQD 54.2K

$15.43 IQD 20.2K

$54.0 IQD 70.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$444 IQD 581.0K

$197 IQD 257.2K

$753 IQD 984.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$133 IQD 174.2K

$91.3 IQD 119.5K

$190 IQD 248.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$932 IQD 1.2M

$583 IQD 762.1K

$1,554 IQD 2.0M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$662 IQD 866.1K

$382 IQD 499.7K

$1,146 IQD 1.5M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,559 IQD 2.0M

$977 IQD 1.3M

$2,255 IQD 2.9M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$787 IQD 1.0M

$498 IQD 651.0K

$1,136 IQD 1.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$752 IQD 983.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.67

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Basra Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.