Cost of Living in Zakho - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $606 (excluding rent), and $879 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,370 (excluding rent), and $1,792 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.52 IQD 9,839
$3.76 IQD 4,926
$11.28 IQD 14.8K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$23.32 IQD 30.5K
$14 IQD 18.3K
$54.4 IQD 71.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.67 IQD 11.3K
$7.54 IQD 9,864
$10.55 IQD 13.8K
Cappuccino
$3.27 IQD 4,286
$0.79 IQD 1,038
$7.88 IQD 10.3K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 IQD 634
$0.37 IQD 482
$0.75 IQD 976
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.2 IQD 262
$0.18 IQD 237
$0.73 IQD 960
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.92 IQD 2,515
$1.49 IQD 1,953
$3.73 IQD 4,889
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 IQD 2,702
$1.5 IQD 1,968
$2.63 IQD 3,448
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.34 IQD 1,753
$1.14 IQD 1,493
$1.52 IQD 1,987
White Bread (500g)
$0.87 IQD 1,133
$0.4 IQD 519
$1.6 IQD 2,088
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.85 IQD 2,426
$1.16 IQD 1,516
$2.7 IQD 3,533
Eggs
$1.92 IQD 2,520
$1.37 IQD 1,792
$2.74 IQD 3,585
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.25 IQD 9,486
$3.01 IQD 3,944
$12.06 IQD 15.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.58 IQD 5,994
$2.61 IQD 3,411
$7.44 IQD 9,736
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.47 IQD 18.9K
$10.51 IQD 13.8K
$19.46 IQD 25.5K
Apples (1kg)
$1.2 IQD 1,568
$0.79 IQD 1,032
$1.95 IQD 2,559
Banana (1kg)
$1.2 IQD 1,577
$0.99 IQD 1,294
$1.58 IQD 2,062
Oranges (1kg)
$1.15 IQD 1,501
$0.56 IQD 738
$1.98 IQD 2,588
Tomato (1kg)
$0.76 IQD 989
$0.37 IQD 482
$1.48 IQD 1,940
Potato (1kg)
$0.67 IQD 878
$0.37 IQD 484
$0.97 IQD 1,273
Onion (1kg)
$0.71 IQD 936
$0.37 IQD 487
$1.13 IQD 1,474
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.72 IQD 947
$0.37 IQD 480
$1.11 IQD 1,453
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53 IQD 689
$0.29 IQD 383
$0.97 IQD 1,275
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.74 IQD 3,588
$1.95 IQD 2,557
$3.92 IQD 5,128
Wine (Bottle)
$11.46 IQD 15K
$6.88 IQD 9,007
$22.93 IQD 30K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.39 IQD 1,818
$0.76 IQD 993
$1.97 IQD 2,579
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03 IQD 2,651
$1.37 IQD 1,794
$2.74 IQD 3,588
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.33 IQD 435
$0.33 IQD 435
$0.61 IQD 802
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$28.95 IQD 37.9K
$19.97 IQD 26.1K
$35.59 IQD 46.6K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.24 IQD 2,935
$1.49 IQD 1,952
$3.73 IQD 4,887
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.28 IQD 2,986
$1.15 IQD 1,500
$3.8 IQD 4,973
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.78 IQD 8,881
$3.77 IQD 4,937
$9.85 IQD 12.9K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.69 IQD 904
$0.59 IQD 769
$1.02 IQD 1,336
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.3K IQD 25.3M
$17.4K IQD 22.8M
$23.2K IQD 30.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.2K IQD 26.4M
$17.7K IQD 23.2M
$26.4K IQD 34.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$99.4 IQD 130.2K
$75.6 IQD 98.9K
$151 IQD 197.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.52 IQD 22.9K
$11.4 IQD 14.9K
$30.41 IQD 39.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.6 IQD 38.7K
$19.86 IQD 26K
$45.6 IQD 59.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$33.6 IQD 44K
$18.29 IQD 23.9K
$56 IQD 73.3K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.34 IQD 24K
$6.54 IQD 8,567
$20.87 IQD 27.3K
Cinema Ticket
$11.53 IQD 15.1K
$7.68 IQD 10.1K
$19.21 IQD 25.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$267 IQD 349.1K
$128 IQD 166.9K
$459 IQD 601K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,282 IQD 4.3M
$2,301 IQD 3M
$6,137 IQD 8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$32.54 IQD 42.6K
$18.91 IQD 24.8K
$90.8 IQD 118.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$49.34 IQD 64.6K
$15.43 IQD 20.2K
$77.2 IQD 101K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$80.7 IQD 105.6K
$56.3 IQD 73.7K
$150 IQD 196.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$77.9 IQD 102K
$38.52 IQD 50.4K
$116 IQD 151.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$232 IQD 303.2K
$183 IQD 239.3K
$366 IQD 478.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$161 IQD 210.2K
$138 IQD 180.1K
$172 IQD 225.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$587 IQD 767.8K
$349 IQD 456.3K
$1,085 IQD 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$300 IQD 392.3K
$233 IQD 305.1K
$435 IQD 569.5K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,183 IQD 1.5M
$859 IQD 1.1M
$1,683 IQD 2.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$505 IQD 661.7K
$337 IQD 441.1K
$528 IQD 691.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.67
5
7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Zakho - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Zakho compare on affordability, and who tends to find it good value for short or longer stays?
In Zakho, affordability depends on neighborhood and lifestyle, with services and daily basics offering a practical balance for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The Cost of Living in Zakho tends to be competitive by regional standards, with options that fit modest budgets and flexible stays. You can maximize value by choosing older central buildings or shared accommodations, and by shopping at local markets rather than importing goods. Seasonal demand around holidays can nudge prices briefly, so plan with a small buffer. Proximity to markets, cafes, and nature adds value that goes beyond price alone. Tip: mix local spots with occasional longer stays to smooth out the budget and stay productive.
What does daily life look like for a visitor or new resident in Zakho, from housing search to groceries and getting around?
Daily life centers on a compact, walkable footprint with markets, bakeries, and cafes near the old town. Housing searches often yield shared apartments or guesthouses in mid-range districts, while central locations offer quick access to services. Food options range from street fare to home cooking at small eateries; groceries from local markets reflect seasonal produce. Transport relies on walking, shared taxis, and occasional buses; a bike can be practical in milder seasons. For work or co-working, expect a few quiet spaces and flexible hours. Zakho living cost varies with neighborhood and market day. Tip: start near the bazaar, then expand outward to balance price and convenience.
What impacts quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit, and how can a visitor adapt to seasonal shifts?
Quality of life here benefits from a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed basics from flexible extras, with room to adjust during festival periods or market swings. Use a lightweight spending tracker to map groceries, transport, and dining out without getting overwhelmed. Neighborhood fit matters: look for areas with safe streets, good walkability, and reachable services; quieter pockets suit longer stays, while closer access to markets supports frequent errands. Seasonality can affect outdoor programs and crowd sizes at popular spots, so keep plans flexible. Tip: build a small buffer for travel and souvenirs, and rotate routes to discover affordable repeats and new favorites.
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