Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, is a city rich in history and culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Erbil, covering essential categories such as housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around $5.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $20.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A fast food meal costs about $4.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.14 per liter.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs cost $1.6.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs $0.57.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $5.34 per kg.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges cost $1.14 per kg.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $0.76 per kg.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice costs $1.53 per kg.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced at $0.76 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost $1.14 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $0.76 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.57.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.62 and $0.65 per liter.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - Taxi fares start at $1.53.

Housing Costs

  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages $343.38.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services cost approximately $30.52 for 60 Mbps or more.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $11.45.

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 November, 2024.
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.14
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.57
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.34
Oranges (1kg)
$1.14
Potato (1kg)
$0.76
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.53
Tomato (1kg)
$0.76
Banana (1kg)
$1.14
Onion (1kg)
$0.76
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.57
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.63
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.53
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$343.38
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$30.52
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$11.45
Erbil Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Erbil offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable housing and transportation options.

Grocery prices are reasonable, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Utilities, including internet and mobile plans, are also cost-effective, contributing to an overall affordable lifestyle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Erbil presents an affordable living environment with reasonable costs across various categories.

Whether you're considering a move or a visit, understanding these expenses can help you plan your budget effectively.