What is the cost of living in Baghdad?

The cost of living in Baghdad is 76.6% cheaper than New York City (index: 23.4). Groceries are 69.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 67.7% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately IQD 754,072 per month. Local purchasing power index is 46.7 (NYC = 100).

🇮🇶 Iraq · #444 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Baghdad?

Q: Should I move to Baghdad?

Baghdad, Iraq has a cost of living 76.6% cheaper than New York City (index: 23.4). It is ranked #444 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 46.7 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

76.6% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-76.6%

vs NYC

IQD 754,072

1-BR, city centre

46.7

Purchasing Power

Weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Baghdad?

Cost breakdown: Baghdad

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

23.4 Affordable

Rent

12.1 Very affordable

Groceries

30.1 Very affordable

Restaurants

32.3 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

46.7 Weak

Rent in Baghdad

1-BR, city centre IQD 754,072/mo

1-BR, outside centre IQD 478,958/mo

3-BR, city centre IQD 1,339,247/mo

3-BR, outside centre IQD 892,880/mo

Save by going outside centre 37% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇮🇶 Erbil

Iraq

CoL index 21.8

Compare Erbil vs Baghdad →

🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

CoL index 23.2

Compare Kuala Lumpur vs Baghdad →

🇨🇳 Nanjing

China

CoL index 23.1

Compare Nanjing vs Baghdad →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Baghdad after tax, in seconds.

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