Baghdad vs. Cairo: Detailed 2026 Comparison

Okay, here is a detailed comparison between Baghdad and Cairo based on the provided data: # H2: Baghdad vs. Cairo: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Introduction

Climate Index

36.5 / 88.5

Cost of Living Index

34.2 / 22.8

Baghdad   Cairo

This analysis compares the cost of living and quality of life in Baghdad and Cairo for the year 2026. Both major cities present distinct economic and living environments. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, boasts a higher GDP per capita ($16,700 vs. $11,500) and generally lower Cost of Living Index (22.82 vs. 46.55). However, Baghdad offers significantly higher average salaries ($430 vs. $215). Key factors like healthcare quality, environmental conditions, and safety (reflected in Quality of Life and Pollution Index scores) show notable differences, requiring careful consideration for relocation or long-term stay decisions.

Key Economic & Living Cost Comparison

Health Care Index

36.9 / 46.3

Pollution Index

92.2 / 90.6

Baghdad   Cairo

At a glance, Cairo appears more affordable overall, with a lower Cost of Living Index. However, this is offset by significantly lower average salaries. Calculating the *net* cost involves comparing salaries to living expenses. For instance, Cairo's average salary ($215) is considerably lower than Baghdad's ($430), yet Cairo's rent (per sq. m. $485 vs. $258) and food costs are also lower. Transportation costs are vastly different, with Cairo's car prices ($29k-$34k) being much lower than Baghdad's ($40k-$50k), though fuel costs are slightly cheaper in Cairo. The crucial comparison is between average salary and the cost of basic necessities and housing.

Housing & Transportation

Property Price to Income Ratio

20.9 / 19.1

Purchasing Power Index

55.8 / 24.9

Baghdad   Cairo

Baghdad's housing market is characterized by much lower prices, with apartments costing significantly less per square meter ($258) compared to Cairo ($908). While rent in Cairo is also lower than some major global cities, it is still substantially higher than Baghdad's rent ($173-227/month vs. $100-200/month). Transportation costs are heavily skewed by the price of cars. A basic car in Cairo costs around $29k-$34k, while the same model in Baghdad costs nearly double ($50k-$60k). Fuel costs are slightly cheaper in Cairo ($0.39/L vs. $0.60/L), but public transport is generally more expensive in Baghdad ($0.41 start, $0.60/km) compared to Cairo's cheap local transport ($0.37 start, $0.20/km).

Healthcare, Environment & Safety

Quality of Life Index

60.1 / 76.5

Safety Index

46.3 / 50.2

Baghdad   Cairo

Cairo has a distinct advantage in healthcare quality, reflected in its higher Health Care Index (46.33 vs. 36.33). Cairo's Pollution Index is slightly lower (90.56 vs. 92.00), though both are high. The most significant difference lies in environmental conditions and safety. Baghdad suffers severely from environmental issues, with the highest Pollution Index (92.00) and a much lower Quality of Life Index (69.00 vs. 76.47). Cairo also has a lower Quality of Life Index, potentially impacted by high pollution, but Baghdad's score is considerably

Traffic Commute Time Index

53.1 / 49.6

Baghdad   Cairo