Basra, Iraq
Basra is a major city in Iraq with a population of 2,500,000.
Below Average vs Iraq Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Basra vs Iraq Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 0.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: IQD 6,500,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 2,500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 290/year
- Summer High: 108°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: د.ع150,000,000
- 1BR Rent: د.ع350000/mo
Cost of Living
Basra's cost of living index is 88 (Iraq average = 100).
| Category | Basra | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | د.ع150,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | د.ع350000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | د.ع437,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | د.ع100,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Basra:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | د.ع30000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | د.ع8 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | د.ع102 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | د.ع10000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | د.ع25000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | د.ع65110 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Basra scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Basra has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 93°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 108°F | 83°F | 1.5" |
| October | 88°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Basra faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 50°C.
Frequent droughts.
Frequent sandstorms.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
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
Academic Schedule
Friday is the weekly holiday. Breaks for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
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 Basra, Iraq?
The cost of living index in Basra is 88, which is Lower the Iraq national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Basra?
The median home price in Basra is د.ع150,000,000. The housing index is 100.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Basra is approximately د.ع350000/mo.
Does Basra, Basra have income tax?
Basra is in Basra, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Basra?
Basra enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 108°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°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.