Cost of Living: Iraq vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Iraq and Australia.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Iraq is 78.6% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 93.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $21 in Iraq for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 93.6%

Iraq is 93.6% cheaper

Property Prices 84.8%

Iraq is 84.8% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 84.5%

Iraq is 84.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 78.6%

Iraq is 78.6% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

Is Iraq cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Iraq is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Iraq are 78.6% lower than in Australia.

Where Iraq is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 93.6% cheaper
  • Property Prices 84.8% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 84.5% cheaper

Where Iraq is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Iraq: 4.58 $ Australia: 16.22 $
71.8% cheaper in Iraq

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Iraq: 307.67 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
77.7% cheaper in Iraq

Monthly public transport pass

Iraq: 33.19 $ Australia: 97.35 $
65.9% cheaper in Iraq

1 liter of milk

Iraq: 1.26 $ Australia: 1.53 $
17.6% cheaper in Iraq

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Iraq is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 78.6% on living expenses by choosing Iraq over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

78.6%

Iraq is 78.6% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

58.5%

Iraq is 58.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

58.1%

Iraq is 58.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

93.6%

Iraq is 93.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

27.0%

Iraq is 27.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

44.7%

Iraq is 44.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

34.4%

Iraq is 34.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

27.0%

Iraq is 27.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

80.8%

Iraq is 80.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

55.0%

Iraq is 55.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

78.0%

Iraq is 78.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

84.8%

Iraq is 84.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

84.5%

Iraq is 84.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Iraq Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 4.58 $ 16.22 $ 71.8%
Iraq is 71.8% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 22.90 $ 77.88 $ 70.6%
Iraq is 70.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.11 $ 9.73 $ 37.2%
Iraq is 37.2% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.22 $ 3.48 $ 36.2%
Iraq is 36.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.40 $ 2.62 $ 84.7%
Iraq is 84.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.20 $ 2.16 $ 90.7%
Iraq is 90.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.52 $ 1.51 $ 65.6%
Iraq is 65.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 5.69 $ 0.0%
Iraq is 0.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.66 $ 1.29 $ 106.2%
Iraq is 106.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 6.83 $ 7.97 $ 14.3%
Iraq is 14.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.77 $ 1.43 $ 23.8%
Iraq is 23.8% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.26 $ 1.53 $ 17.6%
Iraq is 17.6% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.83 $ 2.45 $ 66.1%
Iraq is 66.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.58 $ 2.05 $ 22.9%
Iraq is 22.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.77 $ 4.31 $ 58.9%
Iraq is 58.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 5.08 $ 8.89 $ 42.9%
Iraq is 42.9% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.24 $ 8.44 $ 49.8%
Iraq is 49.8% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 12.85 $ 13.88 $ 7.4%
Iraq is 7.4% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.05 $ 3.19 $ 67.1%
Iraq is 67.1% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.14 $ 2.75 $ 58.5%
Iraq is 58.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.02 $ 2.93 $ 65.2%
Iraq is 65.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.68 $ 4.30 $ 84.2%
Iraq is 84.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.65 $ 2.47 $ 73.7%
Iraq is 73.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.64 $ 2.14 $ 70.1%
Iraq is 70.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.61 $ 2.22 $ 72.5%
Iraq is 72.5% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 33.19 $ 97.35 $ 65.9%
Iraq is 65.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.99 $ 31.15 $ 93.6%
Iraq is 93.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.38 $ 2.92 $ 87.0%
Iraq is 87.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.29 $ 3.89 $ 41.1%
Iraq is 41.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.72 $ 1.88 $ 8.5%
Iraq is 8.5% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.97 $ 37.90 $ 84.2%
Iraq is 84.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.61 $ 1.18 $ 48.3%
Iraq is 48.3% cheaper
New Economy Car 17,921.76 $ 28,829.12 $ 37.8%
Iraq is 37.8% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 19,711.87 $ 22,658.59 $ 13.0%
Iraq is 13.0% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 97.27 $ 175.90 $ 44.7%
Iraq is 44.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 19.64 $ 26.66 $ 26.3%
Iraq is 26.3% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 32.57 $ 52.98 $ 38.5%
Iraq is 38.5% cheaper
Gym Membership 35.26 $ 47.43 $ 25.7%
Iraq is 25.7% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 14.23 $ 16.59 $ 14.2%
Iraq is 14.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 7.63 $ 14.28 $ 46.6%
Iraq is 46.6% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 131.97 $ 1,570.69 $ 91.6%
Iraq is 91.6% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 2,544.26 $ 12,354.33 $ 79.4%
Iraq is 79.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 23.71 $ 71.57 $ 66.9%
Iraq is 66.9% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 27.85 $ 50.87 $ 45.3%
Iraq is 45.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 58.18 $ 102.13 $ 43.0%
Iraq is 43.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 40.61 $ 109.73 $ 63.0%
Iraq is 63.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 307.67 $ 1,381.57 $ 77.7%
Iraq is 77.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 200.92 $ 1,095.96 $ 81.7%
Iraq is 81.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 548.06 $ 2,332.99 $ 76.5%
Iraq is 76.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 382.11 $ 1,729.44 $ 77.9%
Iraq is 77.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,201.52 $ 6,794.53 $ 82.3%
Iraq is 82.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 606.29 $ 5,084.33 $ 88.1%
Iraq is 88.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 552.52 $ 3,619.71 $ 84.7%
Iraq is 84.7% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 8.23 6.35 29.6%
Iraq is 29.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Iraq to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Iraq and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Iraq vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Iraq

Australia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Iraq Cost of living in Australia

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