
When you have plans to stay in Iran for a while, and you’re wondering about the cost of living. In the past few decades, Iran’s economy has suffered consecutive unfortunate beatings, and the people are now dealing with the consequences, one of which is the unbelievably high cost of living. But how much is the actual cost of living and renting an apartment per month? How hard is it for a foreigner to live in Tehran? These are the questions that we intend to answer in the following article. Keep reading to unfold the truth.
The cost of living in Tehran and renting an apartment per month varies greatly depending on your lifestyle and living arrangements. While a minimum living standard in Tehran might cost around $400 per month, a more comfortable lifestyle could require significantly more, ranging from 200,000,000 to 400,000,000 IRR (around $250 to $500).
Here’s a breakdown of different cost scenarios:
Minimum Living Standard:
A person living on a minimum standard in Tehran might spend around 194 million rials per month, equivalent to approximately $243.
This could include necessities such as food, renting an apartment per month, and transportation.
Comfortable Lifestyle:
A more comfortable lifestyle could require between 200,000,000 and 400,000,000 IRR (around $250 to $500) per month.
This would likely include more expensive housing, better food options, and more recreational activities.
All essential factors to Consider:
Housing:
The cost of housing in Tehran, whether renting an apartment or purchasing one, can significantly impact the overall cost of living. Apartment rental prices in Tehran vary based on factors such as the apartment’s size (in square meters), the floor it’s located on, the neighborhood it’s in, the age and condition of the building, and whether it includes features like an elevator, parking, or furnishings.
For more information and details about the cost of renting an apartment per month in Tehran, you can take a look at Home Real Estate.
Food:
The cost of food depends on whether you eat out frequently, buy groceries, and what type of food you prefer. You can get a sandwich for $4. A sit-down main dish costs about $5-6. A decent meal and drinks for two people would cost approximately $10-$ 12. At the grocery store, you can get eggs, tomatoes, and bread for two people for around $6. Naturally, people prefer more meat and cheese, so that will result in a slight increase in cost.
Transportation:
Public transportation in Tehran is relatively affordable, but taxis and rideshares can be more expensive. It costs less than $1 to get on the Metro, and it’s decent. There is plenty of Snapp, which is the Uber equivalent here. Numerous motorcycles deliver food and goods, while many smaller, less expensive cars transport people.
Healthcare
Obtaining healthcare here is relatively inexpensive, but, like in the US, receiving excellent care is more costly. The doctors who realize they are good at what they do raise their prices and open fancier offices. There is a public health insurance system that subsidizes care, making out-of-pocket spending very cheap. Then there is the private health insurance system, which costs less than $50 per month, and your out-of-pocket expenses are also relatively negligible.
Entertainment
Entertainment spending is relatively low here because most people spend time socializing at home or taking local road trips with family and friends.
Income Taxes
One of the highest expenses in households has been income taxes. Iran isn’t much different, except that it has a robust cash-based system, making it difficult to determine how much tax revenue is generated from tax reporting. Iran has a similar income tax system to other Western countries.
Internet
You can pay $2 for one SIM card with 5 GB of internet.
Additional Tips for Budgeting in Tehran:
Inflation factor: Iran has a history of high inflation, so it’s essential to factor in the potential for rising prices.
Consider your lifestyle: Determine your priorities and how much you’re willing to spend on different aspects of your life.
Look for opportunities to save: Explore discounts, deals, and alternatives to reduce your expenses
Cost of Living | One Person | Family of Four |
Total with Rent | $430-$1620 | $1700-$6400 |
Total without Rent | $310-$420 | $1234-$1610 |
Renting an apartment per month | $120-$1200 | $480-$4800 |
Food | $300 | $1200 |
Transport | $6-$110 | $24-$400 |
Internet | $2.5 | $10 |
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of living in Tehran varies significantly based on lifestyle, but renting an apartment per month remains one of the most substantial factors affecting your budget. Whether you’re living modestly or comfortably, understanding housing costs is essential for planning. With careful budgeting, residing in Tehran can be both manageable and rewarding.