Lome vs. Baghdad: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Lome, the capital city of The Gambia, and Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, based on available data. The analysis covers various aspects including housing, transportation, food, utilities, childcare, and safety, offering insights to help understand the relative advantages and disadvantages of living in these two distinct cities. The comparison is based on standardized datasets for cost of living and quality of life indicators. Data for Lome was sourced from The Gambia's economic and social indicators, while data for Baghdad was sourced from Iraq's national statistics and economic reports. All costs are presented in US Dollars (USD) to ensure comparability. The analysis focuses on key metrics such as housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare, safety, and education, providing a comprehensive overview of the living conditions in both cities.

Housing

Climate Index

64 / 36.5

Health Care Index

55.6 / 36.9

Lome   Baghdad

Housing costs in Lome are significantly lower than in Baghdad. A 3-bedroom apartment in Lome costs approximately $100 per month to rent, while in Baghdad, the cost is around $600 per month. Buying property is also cheaper in Lome, with prices around $100 per square meter, compared to $3,900 per square meter in Baghdad's city center. However, the overall cost of living in Baghdad is higher, reflecting not just housing but other expenses as well.

Transportation

Pollution Index

75.3 / 92.2

Safety Index

58.6 / 46.3

Lome   Baghdad

Transportation costs vary considerably between the two cities. In Lome, a local one-way ticket costs $0.50, while in Baghdad, it costs $1.52. Monthly public transport passes are also cheaper in Lome ($10) compared to Baghdad ($20). Fuel costs are much lower in Lome ($0.80 per liter) than in Baghdad ($0.58 per liter), but car prices are higher in Baghdad ($15,000 for a compact car) than in Lome ($9,000). Taxi services are more expensive per kilometer in Lome ($1.00) than in Baghdad ($0.76).

Food and Utilities

Traffic Commute Time Index

7 / 53.1

Lome   Baghdad

Food prices differ significantly between the two cities. Basic groceries are cheaper in Lome, with a loaf of bread costing $0.25 compared to $0.80 in Baghdad. However, restaurant meals are more expensive in Lome ($5 for an inexpensive meal) than in Baghdad ($9 for a mid-range meal for two). Utilities for an 85m² apartment are higher in Baghdad ($109 per month) than in Lome ($5 per month). Internet and phone plans are comparable, with Baghdad offering slightly lower broadband rates ($36 per month) compared to Lome ($6 per month).

Childcare and Education

Childcare costs are lower in Lome, with private preschools costing $40 per month compared to $181 per month in Baghdad. International primary school tuition is slightly lower in Lome ($2,400 per year) than in Baghdad ($3,614 per year). However, the quality of education and childcare services may differ significantly between the two cities.

Safety and Health

Safety is a major concern in Baghdad, with higher crime rates and less reliable public services. Lome has a lower crime rate and better public services, contributing to a higher perception of safety among residents. Healthcare access is better in Lome, with more reliable and affordable services compared to Baghdad, where access can be limited and costs higher. Lome offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and transportation, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. However, Baghdad provides higher quality of life in certain areas, including healthcare and education, though at a higher cost. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities, whether they lean towards affordability and basic services or higher quality at a greater expense.