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Mahabad, Iran
Capital City

Follows Iran Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$630
Retiree Score
58.0
Safety Index
65.4
Healthcare
3 facilities

The population of this northwestern Iranian city has swelled to 168,393, but the employment rate has plummeted from a once-robust 95.8% down to just 88.8%. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's short-lived Kurdish republic brutally crushed by the Shah's forces in 1947. The bitter winter climate - Mahabad sits 1,300 meters above sea level - is another drawback. Overall, this Kurdish-majority city is better suited for those with a high tolerance for red tape and cold weather who can look past the heavy legacy of political violence.

Can I afford Mahabad?

$

Mahabad

You could save

2,370/mo

Savings Rate79%

Monthly Costs

Rent $280
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$350

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
79/100
Retiree Score
(i)
58/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
41/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Iran Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
65
Safety
3
Healthcare
70
Walkability
20
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) $57
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$51
Mobile Plan (mo) *$9
Gym (mo) *$9
Cinema Ticket $2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $224
1BR Outside (mo) *$147
3BR Center (mo) $480
3BR Outside (mo) *$294

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Gomrok
Best For
researchers

Expat Life Notes

A Kurdish-majority city in Western Iran; expat presence is purely researchers or occasional humanitarian workers.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful mountains nearby
  • ✓ Safe and hospitable
  • ✓ Authentic Kurdish culture

Cons

  • ✗ Geopolitical isolation
  • ✗ Minimal English prevalence
  • ✗ Lack of amenities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
232 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahabad

Click any question to expand the answer.

Mahabad has a population of approximately 168,393 people.

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

The nearest airport to Mahabad is TBZ, approximately 158km away.

Mahabad 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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