Iraq: cost of living

How fast are prices rising in Iraq?

Consumer prices in Iraq rose 0.7% in August 2026 compared with July, and 3.3% compared with August 2025, according to the Statistics Authority's consumer price index release.

The general index stood at 110.9 in August 2026. Prices fell 1.2% in May after rising 1.7% in April, so a single month can be misleading; the annual rate gives a steadier picture. The Central Bank of Iraq said on 19 September 2026 that it was meeting all requests for dollars at the official rate, after reports of rising prices and market exchange rates.

Official sources: Statistics Authority: CPI release, August 2026 · Central Bank of Iraq: statement, 19 September 2026

What is the poverty rate in Iraq?

17.5% of Iraq's people lived below the national poverty line in 2023, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. At the international extreme poverty line of US$3.00 a day (2021 prices), the figure is 0.5%.

The national line reflects the cost of basic needs in Iraq, set from the national household survey, so it is much higher than the international extreme poverty line. The Ministry of Planning, of which the Statistics Authority is part, runs Iraq's household surveys.

Official sources: World Bank: poverty at national lines, Iraq · World Bank: poverty at $3.00 a day, Iraq

What is the inflation rate in Iraq?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Iraq at 0.3% in 2025. The peak was 53.2% in 2006 and the low -10.1% in 2007. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 1.9%; Iraq is 16th highest of 18. World rank, highest first: 147th of 165.

How much do people in Iraq spend?

In 2024, household consumption per person in Iraq was $2,596, according to the World Bank. Since 2007 it has ranged from $1,872 (2008) to $2,673 (2012). It is 10th highest of 16 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is $3,237. World rank, highest first: 98th of 153.

How many people in Iraq live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Iraq was 0.5% in 2023. That compares with 0.6% in 2012. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 35th highest.

How many people in Iraq are poor?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2023, is 17.5%. Of 39 countries with 2023 data, 26th highest.

What is Iraq's Gini coefficient?

In 2023, the Gini index in Iraq was 29.8, according to the World Bank. It was 29.5 in 2012. World rank, highest first: 44th of 59.