Najaf, Iraq
Najaf is a major city in Iraq with a population of 900,000.
Overview
Najaf is a city in Najaf with a population of 900,000. Najaf is a major city in Iraq with a population of 900,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 300 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 21.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Iraq Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Najaf vs Iraq Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 0.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: IQD 5,500,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 900,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 300/year
- Summer High: 108°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: د.ع120,000,000
- 1BR Rent: د.ع300000/mo
Cost of Living
Najaf's cost of living index is 80 (Iraq average = 100).
| Category | Najaf | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 100 | -20.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | د.ع120,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | د.ع300000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | د.ع375,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | د.ع80,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Najaf:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | د.ع30000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | د.ع13 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | د.ع97 | 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
Najaf scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Najaf has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 93°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 108°F | 83°F | 1.5" |
| October | 88°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Najaf 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.
Demographics
The population of Najaf is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Central Statistical Organization (2020)
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 Najaf, Iraq?
The cost of living index in Najaf is 80, which is Lower the Iraq national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Najaf?
The median home price in Najaf is د.ع120,000,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Najaf is approximately د.ع300000/mo.
Does Najaf, Najaf have income tax?
Najaf is in Najaf, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Najaf?
Najaf enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 108°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.