Amsterdam vs Baghdad: Cost of Living Comparison

Housing is the primary driver of the cost disparity. In Amsterdam, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically rents for between $2,100 and $2,800 USD. In contrast, a similar apartment in a central Baghdad district like Karrada or Mansour ranges from $500 to $900 USD. Property prices follow a similar trend; the price per square meter to buy an apartment in Amsterdam's center is roughly $9,500 USD, while in Baghdad, it remains significantly lower, usually under $2,000 USD.

Groceries in Amsterdam are roughly 80% more expensive than in Baghdad. Local markets in Baghdad offer fresh produce and staples at very low prices compared to Dutch supermarkets like Albert Heijn. Dining out shows an even larger gap: a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Amsterdam costs approximately $95 USD, whereas a comparable meal in Baghdad costs around $35 USD. Street food and local cafes in Baghdad are remarkably cheap, often costing less than $5 USD for a full meal.

Amsterdam is a world leader in cycling and public transit, but these services come at a price, with a monthly transit pass costing around $90 USD. Baghdad is heavily car-centric. While public transit is less structured, the cost of fuel is highly subsidized in Iraq; a liter of gasoline in Baghdad is approximately $0.40 USD, compared to over $2.10 USD in Amsterdam. Taxi fares in Baghdad are also significantly lower, though traffic congestion is a major factor in travel time.

Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, and garbage) for a standard apartment in Amsterdam average around $250 USD per month. In Baghdad, costs are lower but can be variable due to the necessity of paying for private neighborhood generators to supplement the national grid. Fitness and leisure are more expensive in Amsterdam, where a gym membership averages $60 USD, nearly double the $35 USD average in Baghdad. International cinema releases and Western-style entertainment are similarly priced higher in the Dutch capital.

There are currently no direct flight routes between Amsterdam (AMS) and Baghdad (BGW). Travelers typically take connecting flights through major regional hubs. The most common routes involve a layover in Istanbul (via Turkish Airlines or Pegasus), Doha (via Qatar Airways), or Dubai (via Emirates). Total travel time generally ranges from 8 to 12 hours depending on the connection duration. For those looking for the shortest transit, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul often provides the most frequent options.