City Guide 2026
Iraq
Living in Baghdad
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Baghdad, Iraq.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,795
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
46.3/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
22°C
72°F average
Tourist Visa
30 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Basic
Cost of Living in Baghdad
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 | $748 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,250 | $2,113 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$325/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Baghdad
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
9.7°
Feb
11.8°
Mar
15.8°
Apr
21.6°
May
27.4°
Jun
31.6°
Jul
34.4°
Aug
33.7°
Sep
29.8°
Oct
23.7°
Nov
16.5°
Dec
11.3°
Air Quality (AQI)
155
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
4
days per month
Beach Distance
550 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
120 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Baghdad
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
35/100
Outdoor Activities
36/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
small
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Iraq
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 30 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | — |
Residency Pathway
Typically requires 5-10 years of continuous legal residency depending on the category.
Tax Overview in Iraq
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 15% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 15% |
| Dividend Tax | 15% |
| Interest Income | 15% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 15% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Investment Law No. 13 of 2006
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Baghdad?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Baghdad costs approximately $1,795-2,872/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,150/month.
Is Baghdad safe for expats?
Baghdad has a safety index of 46.3/100 (higher is safer). Baghdad requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 55/100.
What is the weather like in Baghdad?
Baghdad has an average annual temperature of 22°C (72°F). The warmest months reach 34.4°C and the coolest drop to 9.7°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 155.
What is the internet speed in Baghdad?
Average internet speed in Baghdad is 25 Mbps, which is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with large uploads. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Iraq?
Iraq uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 15% (long-term) and dividends at 15%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Investment Law No. 13 of 2006) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Baghdad long-term?
Iraq does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 30 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically requires 5-10 years of continuous legal residency depending on the category..
Is Baghdad good for digital nomads?
Baghdad has decent internet at 25 Mbps, a small expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 44/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Baghdad with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.