Last update: Oct 2026 Iraq 823.2K

Cost of Living in Sulaymaniyah

For one person, living costs in Sulaymaniyah are estimated at $665 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $14 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sulaymaniyah

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sulaymaniyah actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $665 monthly including rent, or $430 excluding housing.

$665 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,028 with rent, or $716 without housing.

$1,028 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,391 including rent, or $1,002 for daily expenses alone.

$1,391 /mo

Sulaymaniyah sits about 51% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (37% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.35 IQD 6,572
$4.01 IQD 6,066
$6.69 IQD 10.1K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$19.60 IQD 29.6K
$13.07 IQD 19.7K
$56.9 IQD 85.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.93 IQD 8,957
$5.60 IQD 8,459
$6.59 IQD 9,952
Cappuccino
$2.35 IQD 3,553
$0.64 IQD 969
$2.89 IQD 4,360
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 IQD 589
$0.31 IQD 474
$0.63 IQD 948
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22 IQD 333
$0.18 IQD 269
$0.35 IQD 523
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.25 IQD 4,917
$1.30 IQD 1,967
$3.90 IQD 5,900
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00 IQD 3,027
$1.67 IQD 2,522
$2.67 IQD 4,035
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.12 IQD 1,688
$0.82 IQD 1,240
$1.30 IQD 1,972
White Bread (500g)
$0.83 IQD 1,250
$0.40 IQD 603
$1.28 IQD 1,941
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.67 IQD 2,524
$1.01 IQD 1,533
$2.03 IQD 3,066
Eggs
$1.48 IQD 2,238
$1.17 IQD 1,764
$1.62 IQD 2,445
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.53 IQD 6,842
$3.40 IQD 5,132
$10.19 IQD 15.4K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.58 IQD 5,404
$1.63 IQD 2,457
$5.20 IQD 7,861
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.05 IQD 19.7K
$9.79 IQD 14.8K
$14.36 IQD 21.7K
Apples (1kg)
$1.10 IQD 1,663
$0.64 IQD 972
$1.29 IQD 1,943
Banana (1kg)
$1.12 IQD 1,686
$1.00 IQD 1,518
$1.34 IQD 2,024
Oranges (1kg)
$1.05 IQD 1,583
$0.68 IQD 1,025
$1.36 IQD 2,049
Tomato (1kg)
$0.59 IQD 897
$0.18 IQD 268
$0.69 IQD 1,039
Potato (1kg)
$0.46 IQD 690
$0.25 IQD 382
$0.64 IQD 969
Onion (1kg)
$0.62 IQD 942
$0.41 IQD 618
$0.67 IQD 1,020
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.64 IQD 965
$0.35 IQD 522
$0.69 IQD 1,044
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.43 IQD 646
$0.32 IQD 485
$0.64 IQD 969
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.04 IQD 3,077
$1.36 IQD 2,051
$3.05 IQD 4,615
Wine (Bottle)
$9.61 IQD 14.5K
$4.48 IQD 6,774
$16.01 IQD 24.2K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.68 IQD 2,537
$0.67 IQD 1,015
$3.36 IQD 5,073
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.27 IQD 1,925
$0.68 IQD 1,025
$2.03 IQD 3,074
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.52 IQD 780
$0.34 IQD 515
$0.68 IQD 1,030
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.41 IQD 29.3K
$19.41 IQD 29.3K
$21.36 IQD 32.3K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.03 IQD 3,060
$1.69 IQD 2,550
$2.03 IQD 3,060
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.01 IQD 3,041
$0.67 IQD 1,014
$2.68 IQD 4,055
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.51 IQD 6,820
$3.87 IQD 5,846
$6.45 IQD 9,743
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.57 IQD 854
$0.54 IQD 811
$0.70 IQD 1,057
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.9K IQD 27.1M
$15.0K IQD 22.6M
$19.9K IQD 30.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$16.4K IQD 24.8M
$13.0K IQD 19.6M
$17.0K IQD 25.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$86.4 IQD 130.6K
$65.9 IQD 99.5K
$198 IQD 298.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.77 IQD 14.8K
$6.52 IQD 9,846
$13.03 IQD 19.7K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.18 IQD 36.5K
$19.24 IQD 29.1K
$25.89 IQD 39.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$33.41 IQD 50.5K
$19.49 IQD 29.4K
$48.72 IQD 73.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.26 IQD 26.1K
$9.71 IQD 14.7K
$25.91 IQD 39.1K
Cinema Ticket
$6.73 IQD 10.2K
$6.73 IQD 10.2K
$6.73 IQD 10.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$152 IQD 229.3K
$133 IQD 200.8K
$332 IQD 502.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,479 IQD 3.7M
$1,944 IQD 2.9M
$4,537 IQD 6.9M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.44 IQD 24.8K
$13.15 IQD 19.9K
$46.04 IQD 69.6K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.23 IQD 33.6K
$13.33 IQD 20.1K
$30.01 IQD 45.3K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$37.34 IQD 56.4K
$26.56 IQD 40.1K
$59.8 IQD 90.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$33.57 IQD 50.7K
$13.42 IQD 20.3K
$50.3 IQD 76.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$185 IQD 278.9K
$132 IQD 199.2K
$396 IQD 597.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$149 IQD 225.6K
$133 IQD 200.6K
$166 IQD 250.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$423 IQD 638.5K
$300 IQD 453.7K
$500 IQD 756.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$302 IQD 456.7K
$259 IQD 391.5K
$389 IQD 587.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$707 IQD 1.1M
$673 IQD 1.0M
$808 IQD 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$536 IQD 810.5K
$438 IQD 661.1K
$657 IQD 992.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$488 IQD 737.3K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.77
1.3
9

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

Last update: October 18, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sulaymaniyah $665
Groceries & Markets
$162
Accommodation & Living
$149
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$120
Eating Out
$104
Clothing & Footwear
$49
Sport & Entertainment
$47
Getting Around
$34

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $185 for a central one-bedroom, or $149 outside the center. At 38% of the average salary ($488), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $488, while typical expenses reach $665. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $162 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $20.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $19.41 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 92% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
01:44 1:44 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
823,199
💱 Currency
Iraqi Dinar IQD ع.د
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to IQD – Iraqi Dinar Converter

Iraqi Dinar exchange rates as of October 20, 2026: 1 USD = 1,511 IQD (10,000 IQD = 6.62 USD). 1 EUR = 1,699 IQD (10,000 IQD = 5.89 EUR).

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Sulaymaniyah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sulaymaniyah - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sulaymaniyah a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads when it comes to everyday costs?
Many find that Cost of Living in Sulaymaniyah offers solid value, with rents that are generally more affordable than larger regional cities and groceries, meals, and services that fit a practical budget. You can choose modest, functional apartments or shared spaces that make housing predictable. Local markets and casual eateries supply nourishing options at modest prices, and you can walk or cycle in many neighborhoods to save on transport. Community and café culture support productive days without high costs for work spaces. Slight seasonal shifts affect energy and dining routines, but the overall rhythm stays manageable for a nomad schedule. Tip: map a simple budget focusing on housing, food, transport, and occasional experiences to stay flexible.
What should you know about daily life in Sulaymaniyah, including housing search tips, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life revolves around markets, cafes, and walkable neighborhoods. When searching for housing, start with neighborhood pros and cons: closer to the river and city center gives convenience but can raise rent, while quieter outskirts often offer more space for the same budget. For food, you’ll find fresh produce at markets and a mix of home-style and modern eateries; cooking at home helps stretch a budget. Transport relies on a network of minivans, shared taxis, and walking; many places are bikeable in good weather. For work, look for coworking spaces or quiet cafés with reliable Wi-Fi, and ask locals about safe hours and access. Sulaymaniyah living cost helps you plan with confidence. Tip: When budgeting, start with a baseline for housing and food, then add flexible funds for transport and occasional outings.
How can you approach budgeting and neighborhood fit for a sustainable lifestyle, including seasonality and ways to save?
Quality of life comes from fit as much as price. Build a simple budgeting framework: categorize expenses by housing, food, transport, and personal perks, then review weekly. Seasonality matters: summer heat can shift energy use, winter coolness may alter heating routines, and holidays can alter open hours and market crowds. For neighborhood fit, explore a mix of central and hillside areas to balance access and calm, and use longer walks or casual rides to connect with communities. Practical savings come from cooking at home, buying seasonal produce, and leveraging public transit or car-share options when possible. Tip: test neighborhoods at different times of day to see how they feel.
How much of a salary does housing take in Sulaymaniyah?
About 38% of the average paycheck in Sulaymaniyah goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
How much does it cost to live in Sulaymaniyah per month?
Plan for roughly $665 a month in Sulaymaniyah if you're renting, or around $430 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.
Can you get by on an average income in Sulaymaniyah?
An average salary of $488 technically covers the $665 monthly cost of living in Sulaymaniyah, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much should I budget for housing in Sulaymaniyah?
Where you live in Sulaymaniyah makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $185; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $149. Overall, the market runs from $149 to $185 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Sulaymaniyah?
A monthly transit pass in Sulaymaniyah goes for roughly $19.41, 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 Sulaymaniyah?
Childcare averages $152 monthly at a private kindergarten in Sulaymaniyah. 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 Sulaymaniyah?
$1,000 stretches far in Sulaymaniyah – all-in monthly costs average only $665. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Sulaymaniyah expat-friendly?
Expats in Sulaymaniyah enjoy low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, café culture, and monthly costs average around $665. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Sulaymaniyah?
Monthly expenses in Sulaymaniyah run around $665, so putting money aside takes more than $998 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can you backpack through Sulaymaniyah cheaply?
Budget travelers love Sulaymaniyah – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $665 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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