Urmia, Iran
Urmia is a major city in Iran with a population of 450,000.
Below Average vs Iran Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Urmia vs Iran Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 9.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ﷼ 75,000,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 450,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 24°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: ﷼2,800,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ﷼7000000/mo
Cost of Living
Urmia's cost of living index is 70 (Iran average = 100).
| Category | Urmia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70 | 100 | -30.0% |
| Housing | 75 | 100 | -25.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ﷼2,800,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ﷼7000000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ﷼8,750,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ﷼1,866,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Urmia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ﷼500000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ﷼76 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ﷼3 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ﷼200000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ﷼500000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ﷼1200079 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Urmia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Urmia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 24°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 39°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 42°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Urmia faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat in lowland regions.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Frequent droughts in much of the country.
Mountainous region (Zagros, Alborz) with landslides.
Frequent sandstorms in southern and eastern regions.
Zagros and Alborz mountains with avalanches.
Flash floods.
Mountainous regions experience severe winter.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 9%
- 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
Nowruz holiday is the longest break after summer. Saturday to Wednesday school week.
Universities & Higher Education
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 Urmia, Iran?
The cost of living index in Urmia is 70, which is Lower the Iran national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Urmia?
The median home price in Urmia is ﷼2,800,000,000. The housing index is 75.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Urmia is approximately ﷼7000000/mo.
Does Urmia, West Azerbaijan have income tax?
Urmia is in West Azerbaijan, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Urmia?
Urmia enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°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.