512 cities covered · Currency: IRR (﷼) · Capital: Tehran
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ﷼166,950 ($3.98) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ﷼667,800 ($15.90) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ﷼50,085 ($1.19) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ﷼3,784,200 ($90.10) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ﷼612,150 ($14.58) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ﷼1,613,850 ($38.43) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ﷼467,460 ($11.13) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ﷼467,460 ($11.13) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ﷼122,430 ($2.92) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ﷼8,311,883 ($198) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ﷼5,782,180 ($138) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ﷼17,346,539 ($413) | per month |
Tehrān · pop. 14,148,000
Khorāsān-e Raẕavī · pop. 3,317,381
Eşfahān · pop. 2,219,343
Alborz · pop. 1,973,470
Fārs · pop. 1,565,572
Āz̄arbāyjān-e Sharqī · pop. 1,558,693
Khūzestān · pop. 1,325,000
Qom · pop. 1,201,158
Kermānshāh · pop. 946,651
Kermān · pop. 738,374
Āz̄arbāyjān-e Gharbī · pop. 736,224
Khūzestān · pop. 690,000
Gīlān · pop. 679,995
Sīstān va Balūchestān · pop. 587,730
Hamadān · pop. 554,406
Yazd · pop. 529,673
Ardabīl · pop. 529,374
Hormozgān · pop. 526,648
Markazī · pop. 520,944
Tehrān · pop. 448,129
Zanjān · pop. 430,871
Kordestān · pop. 412,767
Qazvīn · pop. 402,748
Lorestān · pop. 373,416
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Iran
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Iran
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Iran
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Iran
Living costs in Iran vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ﷼16,912,180 ($403) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.