Cost of Living in Mosul - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $624 per month with rent, or $388 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,003 per month with rent, or $655 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,383 per month with rent, or $922 without housing.

Overall, Mosul is about 53% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (40% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.48 IQD 4,562
$1.23 IQD 1,605
$11.73 IQD 15.4K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.94 IQD 24.8K
$13.64 IQD 17.9K
$53.0 IQD 69.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.18 IQD 8,090
$4.63 IQD 6,068
$10.81 IQD 14.2K
Cappuccino
$1.61 IQD 2,111
$0.78 IQD 1,023
$7.76 IQD 10.2K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.40 IQD 525
$0.39 IQD 512
$0.79 IQD 1,037
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22 IQD 283
$0.22 IQD 283
$0.88 IQD 1,147
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.55 IQD 2,034
$1.17 IQD 1,529
$3.89 IQD 5,091
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.56 IQD 2,037
$1.56 IQD 2,037
$2.72 IQD 3,568
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.94 IQD 1,230
$0.75 IQD 986
$1.50 IQD 1,960
White Bread (500g)
$0.82 IQD 1,079
$0.39 IQD 513
$1.58 IQD 2,064
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.28 IQD 1,682
$0.94 IQD 1,232
$2.63 IQD 3,440
Eggs
$1.53 IQD 2,000
$1.05 IQD 1,380
$2.72 IQD 3,561
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.48 IQD 4,553
$1.54 IQD 2,014
$12.31 IQD 16.1K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.80 IQD 4,979
$1.50 IQD 1,963
$7.50 IQD 9,816
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.78 IQD 15.4K
$9.35 IQD 12.2K
$19.48 IQD 25.5K
Apples (1kg)
$0.68 IQD 887
$0.36 IQD 475
$1.82 IQD 2,387
Banana (1kg)
$1.07 IQD 1,406
$0.95 IQD 1,239
$1.51 IQD 1,974
Oranges (1kg)
$0.68 IQD 888
$0.37 IQD 489
$1.97 IQD 2,575
Tomato (1kg)
$0.46 IQD 603
$0.19 IQD 255
$1.57 IQD 2,050
Potato (1kg)
$0.45 IQD 590
$0.18 IQD 238
$0.96 IQD 1,255
Onion (1kg)
$0.58 IQD 753
$0.39 IQD 511
$1.18 IQD 1,547
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.44 IQD 580
$0.18 IQD 239
$1.11 IQD 1,449
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52 IQD 687
$0.29 IQD 382
$0.97 IQD 1,272
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.96 IQD 2,566
$1.57 IQD 2,056
$3.93 IQD 5,146
Wine (Bottle)
$7.53 IQD 9,859
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.43 IQD 1,873
$0.78 IQD 1,023
$2.33 IQD 3,055
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.88 IQD 2,462
$1.32 IQD 1,727
$2.64 IQD 3,455
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.36 IQD 473
$0.36 IQD 473
$0.73 IQD 959
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$75.8 IQD 99.3K
$30.33 IQD 39.7K
$94.8 IQD 124.1K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.56 IQD 2,042
$1.56 IQD 2,042
$3.90 IQD 5,113
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.47 IQD 1,922
$0.74 IQD 967
$3.67 IQD 4,812
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.62 IQD 6,049
$3.85 IQD 5,048
$10.06 IQD 13.2K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.58 IQD 754
$0.52 IQD 686
$1.04 IQD 1,357
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.3K IQD 22.7M
$15.4K IQD 20.1M
$23.1K IQD 30.2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.4K IQD 26.7M
$18.2K IQD 23.9M
$27.1K IQD 35.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$102 IQD 133.3K
$58.0 IQD 76.0K
$206 IQD 270.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.51 IQD 20.3K
$11.63 IQD 15.2K
$38.78 IQD 50.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.70 IQD 38.9K
$19.93 IQD 26.1K
$45.75 IQD 59.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.60 IQD 29.6K
$19.24 IQD 25.2K
$26.95 IQD 35.3K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$21.89 IQD 28.7K
$19.31 IQD 25.3K
$23.18 IQD 30.4K
Cinema Ticket
$9.45 IQD 12.4K
$7.55 IQD 9,893
$18.89 IQD 24.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$176 IQD 230.2K
$75.1 IQD 98.3K
$450 IQD 589.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,283 IQD 4.3M
$959 IQD 1.3M
$7,674 IQD 10.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$15.24 IQD 20.0K
$7.61 IQD 9,970
$91.4 IQD 119.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.50 IQD 25.5K
$15.61 IQD 20.4K
$78.0 IQD 102.2K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$26.76 IQD 35.0K
$26.76 IQD 35.0K
$153 IQD 200.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$25.49 IQD 33.4K
$15.30 IQD 20.0K
$115 IQD 150.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$152 IQD 198.9K
$114 IQD 149.8K
$381 IQD 499.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$87.8 IQD 114.9K
$77.2 IQD 101.1K
$193 IQD 252.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$265 IQD 347.3K
$192 IQD 251.4K
$1,152 IQD 1.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$286 IQD 374.3K
$141 IQD 184.7K
$578 IQD 757.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$814 IQD 1.1M
$707 IQD 926.3K
$964 IQD 1.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$925 IQD 1.2M
$299 IQD 392.0K
$1,904 IQD 2.5M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$475 IQD 621.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
14.33
5
19

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $152, dropping to $87.8 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 32% of the average salary ($475) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $475 – below monthly costs of $624. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $145 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $19.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $75.8 – above the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 90% of cities in Asia

Mosul 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 Mosul - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mosul, Iraq stack up in terms of affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with larger regional capitals, Cost of Living in Mosul, Iraq tends to be more affordable for daily essentials and housing, especially if you choose local options over imported goods. Value is strongest in traditional neighborhoods where rents are reasonable and street markets offer fresh produce, bread, and prepared meals at modest prices. You shape your budget by how you socialize, dine out, and how you arrange housing – shared or furnished units can cut costs without sacrificing comfort. Expect differences between central areas and outlying districts, with utilities and services occasionally less predictable than in bigger cities. Seasonality and occasional utility outages can influence your actual spend. Tip: Start with a short stay in a couple of areas to calibrate value before committing long-term.
What does daily life look like in Mosul, Iraq for housing, food, transport, and errands, and how should you approach the housing search?
Daily life centers on practical choices. Housing options range from modest apartments to shared spaces, with flexible terms that help you test a neighborhood before committing. Local markets and modest eateries let you eat well without breaking the bank, while groceries and fresh produce stay affordable when you shop daily and avoid impulse buys. For getting around, taxis and ride-hailing services cover many routes, and walking or cycling can be feasible in compact areas. Co-working options exist in select venues, but a reliable connection matters most for remote work. Mosul, Iraq living cost remains a helpful lens as you compare neighborhoods. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to compare rents, transit, and grocery costs across districts.
With budgeting in mind, what’s the overall quality of life in Mosul, and what sustainable strategies help you stretch a budget across seasons and neighborhoods?
Quality of life in Mosul comes from steady routines, flexible budgeting, and neighborhood fit. Build a practical framework: core monthly needs (housing, utilities, food, transport) plus a buffer for one-off costs or activities. Save by cooking at home, purchasing seasonally, and choosing local services over western imports. Plan for seasonality – hot summers push cooling needs; milder winters ease heating costs and allow outdoor activities. For neighborhood fit, consider access to markets, cafes, and safe corridors, plus proximity to work or coworking spaces. Tip: Keep a simple tracking method, revisit your budget every month, and adjust as you sample different areas.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Mosul?
All in, Mosul runs about $624 monthly with rent, or $388 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What are the monthly living expenses in Mosul as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Mosul should plan on about $624 per month with rent, or $388 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Mosul?
You'll want at least $935 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Mosul. 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 does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Mosul?
In Mosul's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $152 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $87.8. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Mosul per month?
Private kindergarten in Mosul costs about $176 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Mosul?
A gym membership in Mosul runs about $22.60 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Mosul?
$1,200 a month in Mosul? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $624, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Mosul?
Quality of life in Mosul is genuinely good – highlights include great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $624. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Mosul budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Mosul is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $624 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Mosul?
Mosul is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $624 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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