Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.0KIQD 27.4M
$18.3KIQD 23.9M
$23.3KIQD 30.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.9KIQD 27.4M
$19.2KIQD 25.2M
$23.1KIQD 30.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$76.1IQD 99.6K
$60.2IQD 78.9K
$226IQD 295.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.47IQD 21.6K
$7.58IQD 9,931
$30.35IQD 39.7K
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.94IQD 35.3K
$19.44IQD 25.5K
$31.11IQD 40.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$38.52IQD 50.4K
$22.55IQD 29.5K
$60.1IQD 78.7K
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.02IQD 22.3K
$6.08IQD 7,957
$19.37IQD 25.4K
Cinema Ticket
$7.47IQD 9,776
$7.47IQD 9,776
$11.20IQD 14.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$154IQD 201.3K
$116IQD 152.3K
$388IQD 507.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$3,465IQD 4.5M
$2,284IQD 3.0M
$4,949IQD 6.5M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$23.94IQD 31.4K
$11.58IQD 15.2K
$54.1IQD 70.8K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.45IQD 33.3K
$15.43IQD 20.2K
$61.7IQD 80.8K
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$43.60IQD 57.1K
$19.99IQD 26.2K
$130IQD 170.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$36.26IQD 47.5K
$15.36IQD 20.1K
$57.6IQD 75.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$236IQD 309.5K
$192IQD 250.9K
$307IQD 401.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$177IQD 232.3K
$152IQD 199.1K
$190IQD 248.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$574IQD 751.2K
$341IQD 446.4K
$1,061IQD 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$351IQD 459.5K
$273IQD 357.4K
$468IQD 612.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$828IQD 1.1M
$776IQD 1.0M
$931IQD 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$571IQD 748.3K
$504IQD 659.8K
$681IQD 891.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$575IQD 753.3K
-
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: July 13, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $236 for a central one-bedroom, or $177 outside the center. At 41% of the average salary ($575), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $575, while typical expenses reach $752. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $184 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 $23.33 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 56% within Asia.
Sulaymaniyah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
Mobile
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Latency
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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?
About 41% 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 $752 a month in Sulaymaniyah if you're renting, or around $539 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 $575 technically covers the $752 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 $236; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $177. Overall, the market runs from $177 to $236 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Sulaymaniyah?
A monthly transit pass in Sulaymaniyah goes for roughly $23.33, 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 $154 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 $752. 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 $752. 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 $752, so putting money aside takes more than $1,128 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 $752 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.
Sulaymaniyah vs other spots: cost of living compared