Cost of living in Balad
Balad, a city in Iraq, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Balad, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.63 on average, with a range between $3.81 and $11.44.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $22.88, with prices ranging from $15.26 to $38.14.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.3, with a range between $7.63 and $11.44.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1 to $3.81, imported beer $1.53 to $2.67, cappuccino $0.76 to $4.58, and Coke/Pepsi $0.38 to $0.76.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.36.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.4 and $1.25, with an average price of $0.87.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1 to $3.2, averaging $1.88.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.76 to $2.29 per kg, while oranges range from $0.57 to $2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.38 and $1 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.38 to $1.33 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.57 and $1.14 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.53, with a cost of $1.53 to $3.81 per km and $3.81 to $10 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $17,000 and $22,882.53, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $18,000 to $22,882.53.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost ranges from $114.41 to $500, averaging $288.33.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - The yearly cost ranges from $2,288.25 to $7,627.51, averaging $3,724.11.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $76.28 and $152.55, averaging $96.14.
- Internet - Internet services range from $20 to $45.77, with an average cost of $30.22.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Balad offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and reasonable taxi fares.
Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, making Balad a cost-effective choice for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Balad presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, grocery, and utility expenses.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs associated with many other cities, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.