Cost Of Living in Iran 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Iran
Whether you're living in Iran or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: IRR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: IRR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: IRR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: IRR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: IRR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Iran is 17M IRR. Expenses can range from 2.4M IRR at the minimum level to 110M IRR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Iran is 29M IRR. Expenditure can range from 9.5M IRR to 150M IRR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Iran is 38M IRR per month. Families spend anywhere from 13M IRR to 250M IRR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Iran is 13M IRR. Students spend from 1.9M IRR to 85M IRR per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Iran
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 25,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR | 83,000 IRR |
Restaurant meal for one
| 83,000 IRR | 120,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR |
Fine dining meal for one
| 170,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 1,000,000 IRR |
Cappuccino or latte
| 21,000 IRR | 33,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
| 17,000 IRR | 20,000 IRR | 25,000 IRR |
12 eggs
| 12,000 IRR | 17,000 IRR | 25,000 IRR |
Fresh whole chicken
| 28,000 IRR | 37,000 IRR | 52,000 IRR |
Pack of beef
| 33,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR | 100,000 IRR |
Medium bag of rice
| 13,000 IRR | 18,000 IRR | 26,000 IRR |
Bag of tomatos
| 5,000 IRR | 6,700 IRR | 12,000 IRR |
Bag of apples
| 8,900 IRR | 12,000 IRR | 19,000 IRR |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 21,000 IRR | 25,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR |
Average car full tank
| 120,000 IRR | 170,000 IRR | 330,000 IRR |
Average car 1-day rental
| 120,000 IRR | 170,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR |
Average car price
| 62M IRR | 120M IRR | 170M IRR |
Bus ticket one way
| 4,200 IRR | 6,200 IRR | 12,000 IRR |
Car Service
| 170,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 500,000 IRR |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 140,000 IRR | 1M IRR | 6.9M IRR |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 380,000 IRR | 1.3M IRR | 8.4M IRR |
Utility Bill - Family
| 670,000 IRR | 1.9M IRR | 12M IRR |
Internet and cable
| 120,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 330,000 IRR |
Mobile phone charges
| 100,000 IRR | 170,000 IRR | 500,000 IRR |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 62,000 IRR | 83,000 IRR | 120,000 IRR |
One month gym membership
| 200,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 500,000 IRR |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 150,000 IRR | 210,000 IRR | 310,000 IRR |
Woman dress
| 140,000 IRR | 190,000 IRR | 620,000 IRR |
Woman shoes
| 130,000 IRR | 180,000 IRR | 420,000 IRR |
Men's shoes
| 110,000 IRR | 140,000 IRR | 280,000 IRR |
Men suit
| 120,000 IRR | 160,000 IRR | 830,000 IRR |
Regular t-shirt
| 62,000 IRR | 83,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 2.1M IRR | 3.1M IRR | 8.3M IRR |
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
| 4.2M IRR | 6.2M IRR | 17M IRR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 420M IRR | 620M IRR | 1,200M IRR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 500M IRR | 830M IRR | 3,100M IRR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 830M IRR | 2,500M IRR | 5,000M IRR |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 2.5M IRR | 3.1M IRR | 4.2M IRR |
Double Bed
| 1.7M IRR | 2.5M IRR | 3.1M IRR |
Single Bed
| 1.5M IRR | 1.9M IRR | 2.5M IRR |
Living Room
| 2.8M IRR | 3.6M IRR | 12M IRR |
Dining Table
| 1.2M IRR | 1.7M IRR | 3.1M IRR |
Sofa or Couch
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
Fridge or Freezer
| 1.5M IRR | 2.3M IRR | 3.1M IRR |
Washing Machine
Stove or Cooker
| 1.8M IRR | 2.3M IRR | 3.1M IRR |
Mobile Phone
| 2.1M IRR | 2.5M IRR | 3.6M IRR |
Laptop or Computer
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Iran
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
86%
80% to 95%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 9% |
| 60% - 70% | 16% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 19% |
| 90% - 100% | 11% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Iran is 86%
This means that on average, people spend around 86% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
86%
Couple
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
90%
Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
84%
100%
How do people spend their money in Iran?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)
| LOW | $14 570,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $180 7.4M IRR |
| HIGH | $1,800 74M IRR |
| Per Month |
People living in Iran typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 7.4M IRR with expenditure ranging from 570,000 IRR to 74M IRR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $2.3 95,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $29 1.2M IRR |
| HIGH | $290 12M IRR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Iran ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1.2M IRR with 95,000 IRR and 12M IRR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.5 190,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $59 2.5M IRR |
| HIGH | $590 25M IRR |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 190,000 IRR to 25M IRR on commuting with 2.5M IRR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
| LOW | $11 480,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $150 6.2M IRR |
| HIGH | $1,500 62M IRR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Iran is 6.2M IRR. The cost of groceries can range between 480,000 IRR to 62M IRR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $3.2 130,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $41 1.7M IRR |
| HIGH | $410 17M IRR |
| Per Month |
People in Iran allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 130,000 IRR to 17M IRR with 1.7M IRR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)
| LOW | $1.8 76,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $24 990,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $240 9.9M IRR |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 76,000 IRR to 9.9M IRR with 990,000 IRR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $2.7 110,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $35 1.5M IRR |
| HIGH | $350 15M IRR |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1.5M IRR per month with 110,000 IRR being the minimum spent amount and 15M IRR being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $5.9 250,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $77 3.2M IRR |
| HIGH | $770 32M IRR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Iran every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Iran manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 58% of the surveyed people in Iran said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 42% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Iran
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 58% | 42% |
| Couples | 53% | 47% |
| Families | 48% | 52% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
590,000 IRR
$14 | 7.6M IRR
$180 | 76M IRR
$1,800 |
For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 7.6M IRR on average with savings ranging from 590,000 IRR to 76M IRR.
58% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 53% of couples said the same. 48% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Iran?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
590,000 IRR
$14 | 5.3M IRR
$130 | 35M IRR
$840 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 32% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 20% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 5.3M IRR with 590,000 IRR and 35M IRR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2.9M IRR
$70 | 8.8M IRR
$210 | 47M IRR
$1,100 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 8.8M IRR with 2.9M IRR and 47M IRR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
4.1M IRR
$98 | 12M IRR
$280 | 76M IRR
$1,800 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 39% |
| 10% - 20% | 30% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 5% |
| 40% - 50% | 4% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Iran can save anywhere between 9% to 27% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 12M IRR with 4.1M IRR and 76M IRR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Iran
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Iran. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 14% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 11% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 20% |
| Inflation | 13% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Iran
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 12% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 20% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Iran
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Iran?
Around 52% of surveyed residents think that living in Iran is affordable with proper budgeting while 48% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Iran
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options57%
Few low-cost options43%
Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Iran have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Iran whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes52%
No48%
Based on the survey, 48% of the people living in Iran said that they don't have an emergency fund while 52% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Iran
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy47%
We asked residents of Iran whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 53% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 47% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Iran have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 43% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 57% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance43%
Easily manages finances57%
Financial goals of people in Iran
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Iran, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 41% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 7% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 7% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 13% |
| Financial Independence | 5% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Iran
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Iran and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Iran is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Iran:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 65M IRR |
| 30 | 130M IRR |
| 35 | 230M IRR |
| 40 | 320M IRR |
| 45 | 490M IRR |
| 50 | 680M IRR |
| 55 | 810M IRR |
| 60 | 1,000M IRR |
| 65 | 1,200M IRR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Iran about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 14% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Iran 1.4M IRR
$33 | 13M IRR
$300 | 85M IRR
$2,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Iran
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 27% of the people in Iran have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Iran
Debt to income ratio
31%
23% to 40%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of the people's monthly income in Iran goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 17% |
| 40% - 50% | 14% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 20% - 30% | 11% |
| 10% - 20% | 13% |
| 0% - 10% | 26% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Iran pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Iran
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 9% |
| Auto Loan | 16% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 29% |
| Personal Loan | 42% |
9% of debtors in Iran confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Iran.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Iran
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Iran how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 51% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Iran
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Iran
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 2.1M IRR | 3.1M IRR | 8.3M IRR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 4.2M IRR | 6.2M IRR | 17M IRR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
Townhouse monthly rent cost
House monthly rent cost
Villa monthly rent cost
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Iran ranges between 2.1M IRR and 8.3M IRR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 3.1M IRR to 12M IRR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 4.2M IRR and 17M IRR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 5M IRR to 23M IRR. The average rent of a townhouse in Iran is around 12M IRR while house rental costs can be as high as 25M IRR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 12M IRR to 50M IRR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Iran
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 420M IRR | 620M IRR | 1,200M IRR |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 500M IRR | 830M IRR | 3,100M IRR |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 830M IRR | 2,500M IRR | 5,000M IRR |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 2,800M IRR | 4,200M IRR | 12,000M IRR |
Townhouse price
| 3,600M IRR | 8,300M IRR | 31,000M IRR |
| $85,000 | $200,000 | $740,000 |
House price
| 4,200M IRR | 25,000M IRR | 36,000M IRR |
| $99,000 | $590,000 | $850,000 |
Villa price
| 5,000M IRR | 28,000M IRR | 42,000M IRR |
| $120,000 | $660,000 | $990,000 |
The average price of a studio apartment in Iran can range from 420M IRR to 1,200M IRR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 500M IRR to 3,100M IRR. A villa can cost you 28,000M IRR on average with prices ranging from 5,000M IRR to 42,000M IRR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Iran will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 32 | x90 monthly income | 194 |
Property prices in Iran can be x90 to x194 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x90 multiples of the average monthly salary in Iran.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Iran is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
27% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 38,000 IRR | 500,000 IRR | 5M IRR |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Iran
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Iran
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 140,000 IRR | 1M IRR | 6.9M IRR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 380,000 IRR | 1.3M IRR | 8.4M IRR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 670,000 IRR | 1.9M IRR | 12M IRR |
Internet and cable cost
| 120,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 330,000 IRR |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 100,000 IRR | 170,000 IRR | 500,000 IRR |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Iran ranges between 140,000 IRR and 6.9M IRR with average being 1M IRR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 1.3M IRR with 380,000 IRR and 8.4M IRR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1.9M IRR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 120,000 IRR to 330,000 IRR with 250,000 IRR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 170,000 IRR but can range between 100,000 IRR and 500,000 IRR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Iran is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Iran
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Iran
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 25,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR | 83,000 IRR |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Iran is approximatly 50,000 IRR with meal cost ranging from 25,000 IRR to 83,000 IRR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 83,000 IRR | 120,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 83,000 IRR and 250,000 IRR with 120,000 IRR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Iran.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 170,000 IRR | 250,000 IRR | 1,000,000 IRR |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 170,000 IRR to 1,000,000 IRR with the average cost being 250,000 IRR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Iran.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 21,000 IRR | 33,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Iran is around 33,000 IRR. Price ranges between 21,000 IRR and 50,000 IRR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
| 17,000 IRR | 20,000 IRR | 25,000 IRR |
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Iran is 20,000 IRR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 25,000 IRR and the minimum being 17,000 IRR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
| 12,000 IRR | 17,000 IRR | 25,000 IRR |
A dozen eggs costs around 17,000 IRR on average with 12,000 IRR and 25,000 IRR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 28,000 IRR | 37,000 IRR | 52,000 IRR |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Iran is between 28,000 IRR and 52,000 IRR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 37,000 IRR.
Pack of beef price
| 33,000 IRR | 50,000 IRR | 100,000 IRR |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 50,000 IRR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
| 13,000 IRR | 18,000 IRR | 26,000 IRR |
A bag of rice in Iran costs around 18,000 IRR on average with prices rangeing between 13,000 IRR and 26,000 IRR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
| 5,000 IRR | 6,700 IRR | 12,000 IRR |
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 5,000 IRR to 12,000 IRR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
| 8,900 IRR | 12,000 IRR | 19,000 IRR |
A bag of apples costs 12,000 IRR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Iran is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 2.7M IRR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 390,000 IRR and 18M IRR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 4M IRR per month. That number can be get as low as 1.3M IRR or a high as 21M IRR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2.4M IRR to 45M IRR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Iran
Housing cost for a single person30%
30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)
| LOW | $21 870,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $150 6.2M IRR |
| HIGH | $980 41M IRR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $3.4 140,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $24 1M IRR |
| HIGH | $160 6.9M IRR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.6 190,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $33 1.4M IRR |
| HIGH | $220 9.2M IRR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $9.2 390,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $65 2.7M IRR |
| HIGH | $440 18M IRR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $5.1 220,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $37 1.5M IRR |
| HIGH | $240 10M IRR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $2.9 120,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $20 860,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $140 5.7M IRR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $1.1 48,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $8.2 340,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $54 2.3M IRR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $10 430,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $73 3.1M IRR |
| HIGH | $490 21M IRR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Iran
Housing cost for a couple27%
27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)
| LOW | $77 3.2M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $230 9.7M IRR |
| HIGH | $1,200 52M IRR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $9.1 380,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $31 1.3M IRR |
| HIGH | $200 8.4M IRR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $27 1.1M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $82 3.4M IRR |
| HIGH | $440 18M IRR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $32 1.3M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $95 4M IRR |
| HIGH | $510 21M IRR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $25 1M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $75 3.1M IRR |
| HIGH | $400 17M IRR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $14 570,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $41 1.7M IRR |
| HIGH | $220 9.2M IRR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $4.5 190,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $14 570,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $73 3.1M IRR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $39 1.6M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $120 4.9M IRR |
| HIGH | $620 26M IRR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Iran
Housing cost for a family26%
26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)
| LOW | $100 4.3M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $290 12M IRR |
| HIGH | $1,900 79M IRR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $16 670,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $45 1.9M IRR |
| HIGH | $290 12M IRR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $32 1.3M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $91 3.8M IRR |
| HIGH | $590 25M IRR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $57 2.4M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $160 6.9M IRR |
| HIGH | $1,100 45M IRR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $29 1.2M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $91 3.8M IRR |
| HIGH | $470 20M IRR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
| LOW | $16 670,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $45 1.9M IRR |
| HIGH | $290 12M IRR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $44 1.9M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $130 5.3M IRR |
| HIGH | $830 35M IRR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $25 1.1M IRR |
| AVERAGE | $73 3.1M IRR |
| HIGH | $470 20M IRR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Iran
Housing costs for Student18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $11 460,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $72 3M IRR |
| HIGH | $480 20M IRR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $1.8 76,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $12 510,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $80 3.4M IRR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $3.2 130,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $21 890,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $140 5.9M IRR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $9.1 380,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $60 2.5M IRR |
| HIGH | $400 17M IRR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $2.7 110,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $18 760,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $120 5.1M IRR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $2.3 95,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $15 630,000 IRR |
| HIGH | $100 4.2M IRR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $8.6 360,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $57 2.4M IRR |
| HIGH | $380 16M IRR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $6.8 290,000 IRR |
| AVERAGE | $45 1.9M IRR |
| HIGH | $300 13M IRR |
| Per Month |
