How Much Does It Cost to Live In Iran?
The cost of living in Iran, as logic would have it, depends greatly on the particular area or city where you want to live.
Iran is a capitalistic country with a somewhat uneven distribution of wealth, which is why some people are very poor and some are extremely rich.
Those that are among the top rich 1% enjoy a living standard that can be seen in the most wealthy countries of the world.
However, there are people in Iran that can’t make ends meet.
There is also the middle class which is, on average, lower than the middle class in developed Western countries.
Iran : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Eating out can be relatively affordable in Iran, although prices between restaurants can vary sharply and you can expect restaurants, in general, to be a lot pricier than in third-world countries.
For example, a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost you about 29.95$.
MARKETS
Generally, the cost of everyday groceries is fairly cheap as in most countries, that is, cheaper than eating in restaurants, so tourists living in Iran who opt to cook at home will save a considerable amount of money.
Feel free to visit any supermarket, they offer a rich array of fairly cheap groceries, and cook away!
TRANSPORTATION
The cost of transportation around and in Iran is generally inexpensive.
Public transport is very affordable.
Some tourists choose to use taxis or hire a private driver to take them around.
However, renting or hiring a car in Iran can be expensive.
Instead, you can try maintaining a vehicle that is a cheaper version and the price of fuel is also cheap.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
If we’re speaking about Iran in general, paying bills in this country isn’t expensive.
Taking into consideration basic monthly utilities like electricity, water, heating, and cooling, it all amounts to 31$ a month, which is very affordable for a normal-sized apartment of about 85m2.
Monthly internet is somewhat expensive in comparison to that.
SPORTS & LEISURE
If you want to spend some quality time having fun in Iran or indulging in sports activities, you’ll need to pay up.
Namely, these activities are more expensive in Iran, especially renting out a tennis court per hour.
Tickets for cinema, however, are less expensive than in many other countries, for instance.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Those who like shopping can indulge in this pastime in Iran’s many stores, but before you do, check the prices twice as you might spend more than you wanted.
One pair of jeans costs around 50.57$, maybe less, while quality sneakers can go as high as 180.81$.
Your best bet is shopping for light pieces of clothing in chain stores like Zara or Bershka.
RENT PER MONTH
Renting out an apartment in Iran isn’t cheap, whether it’s in the suburbs or the city center.
Of course, you can pay less if you rent an apartment in a city that isn’t large or a tourist destination, but altogether it’s not a small investment.
An apartment for one, or possibly two people can cost around 465.47$ while a bigger apartment for a family can cost three times as much.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Iran
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.00 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.67 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.85 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.65 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.41 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.36 |
| Monthly Pass | $15.00 |
| Gasoline | $0.63 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $31.60 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.01 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $18.98 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $24.16 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $15.22 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $3.00 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $50.57 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $49.15 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $180.81 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $465.47 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $303.73 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1056.77 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Iran?
In Iran, it isn’t expected for the whole nation to spend all its money in markets.
Here, they spend in both on food and in supermarkets as well as on their monthly rent.
So, as much as the rent has got to be paid, the food is essential too.
The next chunk of expenses in Iran goes on transportation because even though it’s inexpensive, it’s necessary and Iran is a pretty big country filled with people that have to get to places.
Restaurants are next on the pie chart of necessities for Iranian people, which means there are still enough means for some people to sometimes go out and have a nice meal.
Average Costs Breakdown
Iran: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
With a minimum wage of about 632$, some Iranian people don’t have enough to cover their basic expenses, but the situation, in general, isn’t that bad, and the middle class can earn enough for a relatively normal life – meaning they have everything necessary for a living.
The average monthly salary is just short of 311.67$ which is enough to lead a normal life and make ends meet.
If you are a tourist that wants to live in Iran for a while, you will need around 700$ if you want to have enough for all necessities and emergencies, and 1000$ if you want to be completely relaxed.
Iran Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Iran Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cost of Living by City in Iran
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Tehran | 34.19 |
EXACTLY HALF GREAT FOM IRAN
Iranian's opinion
Hello there, I just wanted to say that some of these prices are not correct! For example, average clothes prices! We don’t pay 38 dollars for a dress! It’s too much🙄and also, as an Iranian who is living in this country, I should say there’s no risk of terrorism here😑we(normal people) don’t even have guns like European… But if you wanna visit here I recommend you to find an Iranian friend… It became everything easier and more safety
How much would u say u need in a month just to pay rent ?