What is the cost of living in Erbil?

The cost of living in Erbil is 78.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 21.8). Groceries are 66.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 58.1% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately IQD 610,758 per month. Local purchasing power index is 49.3 (NYC = 100).

🇮🇶 Iraq · #467 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Erbil?

Q: Should I move to Erbil?

Erbil, Iraq has a cost of living 78.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 21.8). It is ranked #467 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 49.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

78.2% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

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

-78.2%

vs NYC

IQD 610,758

1-BR, city centre

49.3

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 Erbil?

Cost breakdown: Erbil

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

21.8 Affordable

Rent

8.8 Very affordable

Groceries

33.1 Very affordable

Restaurants

41.9 Affordable

Purchasing Power

49.3 Weak

Rent in Erbil

1-BR, city centre IQD 610,758/mo

1-BR, outside centre IQD 381,778/mo

3-BR, city centre IQD 961,334/mo

3-BR, outside centre IQD 566,759/mo

Save by going outside centre 38% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

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

🇮🇶 Baghdad

Iraq

CoL index 23.4

Compare Baghdad vs Erbil →

🇨🇳 Changsha

China

CoL index 21.8

Compare Changsha vs Erbil →

🇲🇾 Penang

Malaysia

CoL index 21.9

Compare Penang vs Erbil →

Ready to run the numbers?

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

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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