Quebec City vs. As Sulaymaniyah: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison between Quebec City, Canada, and As Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, focusing on cost of living and quality of life metrics for 2026. Quebec City demonstrates a significantly higher cost of living, with a base cost index of 73.3 compared to As Sulaymaniyah's 28.47. However, As Sulaymaniyah exhibits substantially higher purchasing power due to its much higher average monthly net income ($760 USD equivalent) versus Quebec City's $3,600 USD equivalent. Safety levels are comparable between the two cities (74.83 vs. 74.8), but healthcare quality differs dramatically (52.6 vs. 87.3). As Sulaymaniyah has a considerably shorter commute time (20.33 vs. 42.3) but significantly higher pollution levels (44.69 vs. 52.3). The most striking difference lies in housing affordability, with As Sulaymaniyah having a Property Price to Income ratio of 5.99 versus Quebec City's remarkably low 0.36.

The cost of living disparity between these two cities is profound. As Sulaymaniyah presents extremely high expenses across nearly all categories when converted to USD equivalent, particularly for imported goods and services. A mid-range car in As Sulaymaniyah costs approximately $2.6 million USD, compared to $36,000 USD in Quebec City. Daily groceries for a family would cost around $1,000 USD in As Sulaymaniyah versus $300 USD in Quebec City. Utilities for an 85m² apartment are exorbitant at $1,312 USD per month in As Sulaymaniyah versus $120 USD in Quebec City. While Quebec City has higher local prices for certain items like gasoline ($4.6 USD/L) compared to As Sulaymaniyah's $0.9 USD/L, the overall purchasing power in Iraq is substantially higher due to the much higher average income. This creates a complex situation where the nominal costs are lower in Canada, but the purchasing power is significantly higher in Iraq.

Quality of life factors show mixed results. Safety levels are comparable between the two cities, suggesting similar personal security experiences. However, healthcare quality differs dramatically, with Quebec City offering significantly better medical facilities and outcomes. As Sulaymaniyah's shorter commute time (20.33 vs. 42.3 minutes) is a notable advantage, though its higher pollution level (44.69 vs. 52.3) negatively impacts environmental quality. The availability of international schools is limited in As Sulaymaniyah, with annual tuition fees around $3,000 USD, while Quebec City offers more established educational infrastructure. Cultural amenities are more developed in Quebec City, with easier access to arts, entertainment, and recreational activities. The political stability and infrastructure development in Quebec City provide a more predictable and developed environment for residents.

Economically, As Sulaymaniyah demonstrates much higher income potential with an average net salary of $760 USD equivalent versus Quebec City's $3,600 USD equivalent. However, this higher income is largely offset by the city's extremely high cost of living. The Property Price to Income ratio in As Sulaymaniyah is 5.99, indicating that housing costs are 6 times the average annual income, whereas Quebec City's ratio is just 0.36, meaning housing is extremely affordable relative to income. The average apartment price per square meter in As Sulaymaniyah is approximately $1.1 million USD equivalent, compared to just $21,000 USD in Quebec City. This dramatic difference in housing affordability, despite the higher income in As Sulaymaniyah, makes Quebec City significantly more accessible on the housing market.

The comparison reveals fundamental differences in lifestyle priorities. Quebec City offers a more stable, developed environment with better healthcare and cultural amenities, albeit at a higher cost of living. As Sulaymaniyah presents opportunities for higher income but comes with significant challenges including poorer healthcare quality, higher pollution, and extreme cost of living pressures despite the higher income. The decision between these cities depends heavily on individual priorities regarding healthcare access, environmental quality, and financial stability versus potential for higher earnings. Both cities present vastly different quality of life experiences that require careful consideration of personal circumstances and priorities.