Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.8KIQD 27.2M
$18.1KIQD 23.7M
$23.1KIQD 30.2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.0KIQD 27.5M
$19.3KIQD 25.2M
$23.1KIQD 30.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$76.0IQD 99.5K
$60.2IQD 78.8K
$226IQD 295.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.72IQD 21.9K
$7.70IQD 10.1K
$30.81IQD 40.3K
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.19IQD 34.3K
$18.91IQD 24.8K
$30.25IQD 39.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$38.72IQD 50.7K
$22.67IQD 29.7K
$60.5IQD 79.2K
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.62IQD 21.8K
$5.93IQD 7,768
$18.91IQD 24.8K
Cinema Ticket
$7.78IQD 10.2K
$7.78IQD 10.2K
$11.68IQD 15.3K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$155IQD 202.4K
$117IQD 153.1K
$390IQD 510.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$3,464IQD 4.5M
$2,284IQD 3.0M
$4,949IQD 6.5M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$23.54IQD 30.8K
$11.39IQD 14.9K
$53.1IQD 69.6K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.32IQD 33.2K
$15.35IQD 20.1K
$61.4IQD 80.4K
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$44.08IQD 57.7K
$20.21IQD 26.5K
$131IQD 172.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$35.85IQD 46.9K
$15.19IQD 19.9K
$56.9IQD 74.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$237IQD 309.9K
$192IQD 251.2K
$307IQD 402.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$175IQD 229.7K
$150IQD 196.9K
$188IQD 246.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$581IQD 760.3K
$345IQD 451.9K
$1,074IQD 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$346IQD 453.6K
$269IQD 352.8K
$462IQD 604.7K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$799IQD 1.0M
$749IQD 980.4K
$898IQD 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$569IQD 745.3K
$502IQD 657.2K
$678IQD 888.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$567IQD 742.3K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
9
5
9
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: May 31, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $237 for a central one-bedroom, or $175 outside the center. At 42% of the average salary ($567), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $567, while typical expenses reach $747. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $182 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $27.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $23.10 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Taxi is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia
⭐Sulaymaniyah is cheaper than 79% globally but more expensive than 55% within Asia.
Sulaymaniyah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
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Fixed Broadband
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
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?
With 42% of the average paycheck going to rent, Sulaymaniyah is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How much does it cost to live in Sulaymaniyah per month?
Plan for roughly $747 a month in Sulaymaniyah if you're renting, or around $437 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 $567 technically covers the $747 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 $237; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $175. Overall, the market runs from $175 to $237 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Sulaymaniyah?
A monthly transit pass in Sulaymaniyah goes for roughly $23.10, 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 $155 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 $747. 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 $747. 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 $747, so putting money aside takes more than $1,121 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 $747 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.
Sulaymaniyah vs other spots: cost of living compared