Al-'amarah, a city in Iraq, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Al-'amarah, covering essential categories such as housing, transportation, groceries, and more.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.91 on average.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.58.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $2.67 per liter, averaging $1.83.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.72 and $0.8, with an average price of $0.76.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $1.53, averaging $1.51.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese averages $2 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $0.33 and $0.57, averaging $0.45.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets average $7.5 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost between $0.76 and $1 per kg, averaging $0.88.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.7 and $0.76 per kg, and lettuce averages $0.5 per head.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice costs between $0.95 and $1.25 per kg, averaging $1.1.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes range from $0.27 to $0.5 per kg, averaging $0.38.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost between $1 and $1.14 per kg, averaging $1.07.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced between $0.33 and $0.38 per kg, averaging $0.36.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round averages $8 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.3 and $0.34 per liter, averaging $0.32.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.64, with a cost of $1.25 per km and $10 per hour of waiting.
  • New Car (Toyota Corolla Sedan) - A new Toyota Corolla Sedan costs approximately $20,000.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $152.55 to $500, averaging $326.28.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $114.41 to $150, averaging $132.21.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $190.69 to $700, averaging $445.34.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $250.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $572.06.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services average $26.7.

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Iraq are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Iraq, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.91
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.58
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.83
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.76
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.51
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.45
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.50
Apples (1kg)
$0.88
Oranges (1kg)
$0.88
Potato (1kg)
$0.73
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.50
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.10
Tomato (1kg)
$0.38
Banana (1kg)
$1.07
Onion (1kg)
$0.36
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.32
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.64
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.25
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$326.28
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$132.21
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$445.34
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$250.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$26.70
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$22.76
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$572.06
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$500.18
Al-'amarah Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Al-'amarah offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, with affordable housing and dining options.

Transportation costs are minimal, especially for gasoline, making it economical for car owners.

Grocery prices are generally low, though some imported goods may vary in price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Al-'amarah presents an affordable living environment with low costs in housing, transportation, and groceries.

This makes it an attractive option for those looking to balance quality of life with cost efficiency.