Middle East Updated
Average Cost of Living in Iran
The average cost of living in Iran ranges from $145 per month in Babol-Iran to $528 per month in Karaj-Iran, with a median monthly basket of $317 for a single person. We track 12 cities in Iran.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Iran at a glance | Headline numbers across 15 cities. |
| Cities in Iran | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Iran | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
12
Median monthly · single
$317
Average cost index
7.2
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Karaj-Iran /
Babol-Iran
Browse cities
12 cities shown
About cost of living in Iran
- How expensive is Iran?
- Iran has 15 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Babol-Iran is among the most affordable, while Karaj-Iran ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Iran?
- Budget anywhere from $145 per month in Babol-Iran (the cheapest tracked city) to $528 per month in Karaj-Iran (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Iran?
- Babol-Iran typically offers the lowest cost of living in Iran, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Iran has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Iran up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.