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Arak, Iran
Capital City

Follows Iran Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$600
Retiree Score
92.0
Safety Index
65.4
Healthcare
72 facilities

The population of Arak stands at a hefty 520,944, but don't let that fool you - this industrial hub is hardly a picturesque paradise. With the city's heavy focus on manufacturing, including nearly half of Iran's steel, petrochemical, and locomotive production, the air quality is likely to be a persistent headache. And let's not forget the frigid winters, where temperatures can plummet below -25°C.

The city's strategic location, 260km from Tehran, has made it a target - in 2025, Israel struck the local heavy water reactor during the Twelve-Day War, forcing an evacuation. Bureaucracy is another obstacle, as large swaths of the city were once personal fiefdoms of army commanders before being annexed by the state in the early 20th century.

In short, Arak is a gritty industrial powerhouse, not a picturesque Persian paradise. Unless you're in heavy manufacturing or don't mind the occasional missile strike, this city is probably not the right fit.

Can I afford Arak?

$

Arak

You could save

2,400/mo

Savings Rate80%

Monthly Costs

Rent $280
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$320

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
80/100
Retiree Score
(i)
92/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Iran Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
65
Safety
72
Healthcare
100
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $82
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $10
Mobile Plan (mo) $1
Gym (mo) *$10
Cinema Ticket $1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $280
1BR Outside (mo) *$184
3BR Center (mo) $600
3BR Outside (mo) *$368

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Shahrak-e-Gharb
Best For
engineers

Expat Life Notes

An industrial city in central Iran; very few expats outside of engineering roles.

Pros

  • ✓ Central location
  • ✓ Low cost of living

Cons

  • ✗ Severe air pollution
  • ✗ Industrial focus
  • ✗ Minimal English

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
-2°C°C - 35°C°C
Annual Rainfall
188 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Arak

Click any question to expand the answer.

Arak has a population of approximately 520,944 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $700 per month in Arak, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $280/month.

The nearest airport to Arak is IKA, approximately 199km away.

Arak is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 65.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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