Skyline of Baghdad
Cost of Living: 100 7,700,000

Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad is a major city in Iraq with a population of 7,700,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Iraq Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income IQD 8,000,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Baghdad vs Iraq Average

Cost of Living
Baghdad: 100
Iraq Avg: 100
Housing Index
Baghdad: 115
Iraq Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: IQD 8,000,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 7,700,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 105°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: د.ع200,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: د.ع500000/mo

Cost of Living

Baghdad's cost of living index is 100 (Iraq average = 100).

CategoryBaghdadNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Priceد.ع200,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)د.ع500000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)د.ع625,000/mo
Price per Sq Ftد.ع133,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

د.ع
%
$90,000 down
%
%
د.ع

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Baghdad:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricityد.ع30000
Heating & Coolingد.ع20Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)د.ع78Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Waterد.ع10000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)د.ع25000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilitiesد.ع65098Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Baghdad scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
د.ع500000
Sunny Days
280
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
105°F / 42°F
Safety
10.0 homicides/100k
Population
7,700,000
Internet Speed
20 Mbps

Climate

Baghdad has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April90°F57°F2.8"
July105°F80°F1.5"
October85°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Baghdad faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 50°C.

Drought High Risk

Frequent droughts.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and flash floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter/Eid break (1-2 weeks)

Friday is the weekly holiday. Breaks for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Universities & Higher Education

4
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Baghdad, Iraq?

The cost of living index in Baghdad is 100, which is Lower the Iraq national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Baghdad?

The median home price in Baghdad is د.ع200,000,000. The housing index is 115.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Baghdad is approximately د.ع500000/mo.

Does Baghdad, Baghdad have income tax?

Baghdad is in Baghdad, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Baghdad?

Baghdad enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 105°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.