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Erbil🇮🇶

Iraq · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Baghdad
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

📊 Data estimated — figures are based on published regional averages and are updated quarterly. Last verified: May 24, 2026

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$350/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$220/mo
COL index32 (vs Switzerland=101)
Cheap meal$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2$10.00
Monthly groceries~$150

Infrastructure

Internet speed40 Mbps
Healthcare index52/100
Coworking spaces~3

Lifestyle

Safety index55/100
Air quality150 AQI — Unhealthy
Walkability50/100
Climate score55/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easemedium
Budget score85/100
Lifestyle score55/100
Overall nomad score
55/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Looking for a genuinely affordable nomad base with a difference? This city in Iraqi Kurdistan might surprise you. Your monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the center is around $350, dropping to $220 outside. You can feast on a cheap meal for $3, with even a mid-range restaurant only setting you back $10. Groceries are a very manageable $150/month. This suits adventurous, budget-conscious nomads or expats who value a low cost of living over a bustling digital nomad scene (it's small here). Internet is decent at 40Mbps, but don't expect blazing speeds or perfect reliability. Safety is moderate (index 55), but a major honest caveat: air quality is high (index 150), which might be a concern for some. English proficiency is low, so be prepared for a cultural immersion!

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Erbil.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Erbil as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Erbil averages around $350 per month, and the overall cost-of-living index sits at 32 (vs Switzerland = 101). Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Erbil safe for digital nomads?+

Erbil scores 55/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Erbil?+

Headline average internet speed in Erbil is around 40 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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