Top expat cities

Iran

Mashhad

#5 Top 5 cities

Mashhad has major-city services and religious importance, but for more Western-oriented expats it can be socially and practically less straightforward than other leading Iranian cities.

Country overview

Population

2 307 177

Year-round temperatures

Day: 8°C aĆŸ 34°C

Night: -1°C aĆŸ 20°C

Climate

Dry climate with hot summers and colder winter nights.

Distance to the sea

520 km

Social atmosphere

3/10

Costs

Housing cost 9/10
Food cost 9/10

Business friendliness

2/10

Safety

1/10

Nationwide arbitrary-detention, unrest, and terrorism risks apply, while strict social rules and limited consular assistance make the city particularly difficult for many foreign residents.

Natural disaster resilience

4/10

Mashhad faces earthquake risk, chronic drought and water stress, extreme summer heat, cold winter episodes, and occasional flash flooding.

Other scores

Other scores

Internet availability 5/10
Internet speed 3/10
Internet stability 1/10
Electricity stability 4/10

Community types

  • Students
  • Long-term expats
  • Couples

Largest nationality groups

  • đŸ‡ŠđŸ‡«Afghans
  • đŸ‡”đŸ‡°Pakistanis
  • đŸ‡źđŸ‡¶Iraqis

Pros / Cons

Pros

  • +Lower living costs
  • +Quality services
  • +Affordable housing

Cons

  • −Severe security risk
  • −Infrastructure instability
  • −Smaller expat scene
  • −Less dynamic environment
  • −Mixed city reputation