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Basra, Iraq
Capital City

Follows Iraq Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$770
Retiree Score
93.0
Safety Index
36.4
Healthcare
320 facilities

With a population of 1,326,564, Basra is Iraq's economic and industrial capital - but that comes at a cost. This port city on the Persian Gulf is consistently one of the hottest places on Earth, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 50°C. The bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, with the city's infrastructure struggling to keep up with rapid growth. And while Basra was the first city captured during the 2003 invasion, it has endured waves of violence and unrest ever since. For all its strategic importance, this city is best suited for those with a high tolerance for heat, red tape, and the occasional security threat.

Can I afford Basra?

$

Basra

You could save

2,230/mo

Savings Rate74%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$420

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
74/100
Retiree Score
(i)
93/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Iraq Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
36
Safety
320
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $71
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $51
Mobile Plan (mo) $25
Gym (mo) *$36
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $350
1BR Outside (mo) *$205
3BR Center (mo) $750
3BR Outside (mo) *$393

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Oil Compounds
Best For
energy professionals

Expat Life Notes

Iraq's port and oil center. Expat life is almost exclusively restricted to high-security oil compounds.

Pros

  • ✓ High hardship pay
  • ✓ Major oil industry roles

Cons

  • ✗ Severe safety risk
  • ✗ Extreme heat and dust
  • ✗ No independent expat life

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
8°C°C - 47°C°C
Annual Rainfall
236 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Basra

Click any question to expand the answer.

Basra has a population of approximately 1,326,564 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Basra, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Basra is BSR, approximately 15km away.

Basra is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 36.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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