Top expat cities

Iraq

Erbil

#1 Top 5 cities

Erbil is the most realistic base for most civilian expats in Iraq because it offers a stronger business environment, more modern housing, and relatively better predictability than much of the country.

Country overview

Population

1 612 700

Year-round temperatures

Day: 11°C až 42°C

Night: 3°C až 27°C

Climate

Very hot summers, milder winters, and dry conditions for most of the year.

Distance to the sea

780 km

Social atmosphere

4/10

Costs

Housing cost 6/10
Food cost 7/10

Business friendliness

5/10

Safety

2/10

Erbil is more predictable than much of federal Iraq, but terrorism, kidnapping, rocket and drone attacks, sudden airport closures, and limited emergency support still require strict employer-led security.

Natural disaster resilience

4/10

Erbil faces earthquake risk, extreme summer heat, drought and water stress, dust storms, flash flooding, and occasional severe winter weather.

Other scores

Other scores

Internet availability 7/10
Internet speed 6/10
Internet stability 4/10
Electricity stability 5/10

Community types

  • Corporate expats
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Long-term expats
  • Small business owners

Largest nationality groups

  • 🇸🇾Syrians
  • 🇹🇷Turkish
  • 🇮🇷Iranians

Pros / Cons

Pros

  • +International environment
  • +Wide housing options
  • +Quality services

Cons

  • −Severe security risk
  • −Infrastructure instability
  • −Higher living costs
  • −Smaller expat scene
  • −Uneven neighborhood quality