Cost of Living in Basra - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $556 (excluding rent), and $739 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,243 (excluding rent), and $1,978 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.91 IQD 5,128

$3.12 IQD 4,097

$11.72 IQD 15.4K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.14 IQD 33.0K

$19.33 IQD 25.4K

$38.68 IQD 50.7K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.09 IQD 9,293

$5.51 IQD 7,229

$7.87 IQD 10.3K

Cappuccino

$2.09 IQD 2,736

$0.78 IQD 1,018

$3.86 IQD 5,063

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

$0.47 IQD 617

$0.40 IQD 521

$0.81 IQD 1,056

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 IQD 450

$0.20 IQD 259

$0.80 IQD 1,050

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.85 IQD 5,046

$3.07 IQD 4,031

$7.69 IQD 10.1K

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.61 IQD 3,425

$1.51 IQD 1,977

$3.02 IQD 3,955

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 IQD 1,528

$0.75 IQD 981

$1.85 IQD 2,432

White Bread (500g)

$0.70 IQD 923

$0.39 IQD 508

$1.56 IQD 2,047

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.45 IQD 1,902

$0.78 IQD 1,017

$2.55 IQD 3,342

Eggs

$1.89 IQD 2,477

$1.55 IQD 2,027

$2.32 IQD 3,047

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.13 IQD 10.7K

$3.08 IQD 4,036

$10.18 IQD 13.3K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.18 IQD 9,410

$3.49 IQD 4,572

$11.97 IQD 15.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.95 IQD 17.0K

$9.03 IQD 11.8K

$16.60 IQD 21.8K

Apples (1kg)

$1.02 IQD 1,334

$0.76 IQD 998

$2.91 IQD 3,822

Banana (1kg)

$1.41 IQD 1,842

$1.17 IQD 1,535

$2.58 IQD 3,378

Oranges (1kg)

$1.05 IQD 1,372

$0.58 IQD 759

$1.72 IQD 2,251

Tomato (1kg)

$0.62 IQD 819

$0.19 IQD 255

$1.30 IQD 1,706

Potato (1kg)

$0.68 IQD 896

$0.37 IQD 486

$0.82 IQD 1,075

Onion (1kg)

$0.60 IQD 789

$0.39 IQD 508

$0.86 IQD 1,123

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.84 IQD 1,106

$0.20 IQD 259

$1.99 IQD 2,608

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.41 IQD 542

$0.20 IQD 257

$0.80 IQD 1,043

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.87 IQD 2,452

$3.75 IQD 4,917

Wine (Bottle)

$13.02 IQD 17.1K

$6.89 IQD 9,041

$19.15 IQD 25.1K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.99 IQD 3,921

$1.12 IQD 1,474

$2.99 IQD 3,921

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.78 IQD 4,959

$1.32 IQD 1,735

$3.78 IQD 4,959

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.40 IQD 522

$0.81 IQD 1,058

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$23.38 IQD 30.7K

$19.48 IQD 25.5K

$38.97 IQD 51.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.32 IQD 3,043

$3.86 IQD 5,067

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.24 IQD 2,938

$1.49 IQD 1,954

$2.32 IQD 3,041

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.81 IQD 8,929

$3.78 IQD 4,963

$11.35 IQD 14.9K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.59 IQD 774

$0.35 IQD 461

$0.80 IQD 1,045

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

$13.2K IQD 17.3M

$11.3K IQD 14.8M

$15.1K IQD 19.8M

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

$23.4K IQD 30.7M

$19.5K IQD 25.6M

$23.4K IQD 30.7M

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

$57.8 IQD 75.8K

$48.90 IQD 64.1K

$65.2 IQD 85.5K

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

$25.16 IQD 33.0K

$11.32 IQD 14.8K

$37.74 IQD 49.5K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.76 IQD 49.5K

$33.98 IQD 44.6K

$45.31 IQD 59.4K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.72 IQD 48.2K

$19.12 IQD 25.1K

$115 IQD 150.5K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.02 IQD 19.7K

$11.26 IQD 14.8K

$15.02 IQD 19.7K

Cinema Ticket

$7.74 IQD 10.1K

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

$98.9 IQD 129.7K

$64.9 IQD 85.0K

$233 IQD 306.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,825 IQD 5.0M

$1,913 IQD 2.5M

$5,738 IQD 7.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.01 IQD 55.1K

$7.64 IQD 10.0K

$76.4 IQD 100.2K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.28 IQD 26.6K

$19.01 IQD 24.9K

$22.82 IQD 29.9K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.1 IQD 94.5K

$57.9 IQD 76.0K

$100 IQD 131.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$41.83 IQD 54.9K

$15.57 IQD 20.4K

$54.5 IQD 71.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$451 IQD 591.8K

$200 IQD 262.0K

$764 IQD 1.0M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$134 IQD 175.3K

$91.7 IQD 120.2K

$191 IQD 250.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$919 IQD 1.2M

$574 IQD 753.0K

$1,531 IQD 2.0M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$655 IQD 859.4K

$378 IQD 495.8K

$1,134 IQD 1.5M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,597 IQD 2.1M

$1,001 IQD 1.3M

$2,309 IQD 3.0M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$804 IQD 1.1M

$507 IQD 664.6K

$1,160 IQD 1.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$777 IQD 1.0M

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.67

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

Last update: January 11, 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.