Iraq🇮🇶
At a Glance
How Iraq compares across key indices
Cost of Living
28 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
60/100
Healthcare
47/100
Quality of Life
109/200
Climate
42/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Iraq
Cost of Living
28
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
7
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
28
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
25
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Erbil (Irbil)
Cheapest$1,138/mo
Baghdad
$1,200/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Iraq — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
60/100
Crime Index
40/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
48/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
14 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 326 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Iraq
Iraq has 2 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,138 in Erbil (Irbil) to $1,200 in Baghdad. Baghdad leads on safety, scoring 46/100.
Erbil (Irbil)
$1,138/mo
Baghdad
46/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erbil (Irbil) | $1,138 | — | — | — | — |
| Baghdad | $1,200 | 46/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Iraq
Healthcare Index
47/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 99 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Iraq
Pollution Index
70/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 114 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Iraq
Average One-Way Commute
37minutes
Average
Traffic Index
165
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
191
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
7.0kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 42 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Iraq, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Iraq?
Iraq has a cost of living index of 28 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,138 in Erbil (Irbil) and reach $1,200 in Baghdad.
What is the cheapest city in Iraq for expats?
Erbil (Irbil) is the most affordable city in Iraq with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,138 for a single person including rent. Baghdad is the next most affordable at $1,200/mo.
Is Iraq safe for expats?
Iraq has a safety index of 60/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Baghdad scores highest on safety at 46/100.
How good is healthcare in Iraq?
Iraq scores 47/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Iraq cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Iraq's cost of living is roughly 72% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 93% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Iraq?
Iraq has a pollution index of 70/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Iraq
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
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Salary Calculator
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Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
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