Cost of living in Damascus

Damascus, the capital of Syria, is a city rich in history and culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Damascus, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5 on average, with a range between $2 and $8.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.5, with prices ranging from $20 to $40.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5, with a range between $5 and $6.6.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.8 to $2.6, imported beer $2 to $5, cappuccino $0.5 to $3, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $2.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.6 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.07.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.38 and $2.99, with an average price of $0.63.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1 to $2.52, averaging $1.97.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $0.5 to $2 per kg, while oranges range from $0.65 to $2 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.29 and $1 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.17 to $1 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.08 and $0.1, with a monthly pass priced between $9 and $25.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.1 and $4.88 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.5, with a cost of $0.5 to $1.7 per km and $3 to $15 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $150 to $500, averaging $282.23.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $100 to $300, averaging $145.72.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $250 to $800, averaging $541.17.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $100 to $477.61, averaging $262.93.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1875.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $500 to $1250, averaging $887.5.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $20 and $170, averaging $70.
InternetInternet services range from $32 to $100, with an average cost of $66.75.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 54 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$5.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$32.50

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$5.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.54

Cappuccino (regular)

$1.28

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.07

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$0.63

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.97

Local Cheese (1kg)

$3.35

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.61

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$5.49

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.01

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.80

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$3.00

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.63

Apples (1kg)

$1.00

Oranges (1kg)

$1.01

Potato (1kg)

$0.59

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.33

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.77

Tomato (1kg)

$0.86

Banana (1kg)

$2.13

Onion (1kg)

$0.61

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$10.02

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.10

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$17.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$4.21

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$18,500.00

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.00

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$1.25

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.45

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$21,000.00

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$33.00

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

13.75%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$48.33

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$1,650.00

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Very Expensive

About this index

Damascus Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Damascus offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, with affordable dining and housing options.
Transportation costs are minimal, especially for public transport, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
Grocery prices are generally low, but imported goods can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Damascus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Damascus presents an affordable living environment with low costs in dining, transportation, and housing.

While some imported goods and services may be pricier, the overall cost of living remains manageable for most residents.

Potential residents should consider the economic benefits of living in Damascus, especially if they are looking for a city with a rich cultural heritage and a lower cost of living.