Cost of Living in Qatar

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Official sources and on-the-ground experiences tell different stories about the cost of living in Qatar. The 2024 Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking places the capital, Doha, at 121st out of 226 cities surveyed, placing it well below other major cities in the region, such as Dubai and Riyadh in the UAE.

Qatar’s wealth is on par with other Gulf regional power players, and the country is among those countries with the highest GDP per capita in the world, creating the impression that all residents benefit from a high standard of living. In reality, Qatar has a wealth gap, with the highest echelons of society mostly made up of Qatari citizens. Below them are wealthier expats, middle management and unskilled workers.

Lucrative employment packages are the main draw for many expats, but salaries in Qatar are not as attractive as they once were, while goods and services have become pricier. Recent reports of pay cuts for expats, primarily those working for the government, are even more worrying.

This might make the country seem less appealing but, following financial and economic issues, there are still opportunities to make and save money in Qatar.

Cost of accommodation in Qatar

Rent prices in Qatar depend on the type of property and its location, and can be ridiculously high for expat accommodation. Prices also depend on whether a place is furnished or unfurnished, but it doesn’t hurt to negotiate a lower price.

Most expats in Qatar are based in Doha and choose to live in an area based on availability and its proximity to work or their children's school. Of course, some areas are more expensive than others.

Some expat salaries include a housing allowance that is either paid in monthly instalments or one lump sum, so it is good to double-check this. Others might include a shipping allowance, which could be used to bring over larger or more expensive items, depending on how long an expat intends to stay. Furniture, home accessories and electronics are expensive in Qatar, and local stores may not have the range or quality expats are used to.

Utilities are reasonably priced, but extra accommodation costs can add up. Some apartments have maintenance fees, so expats should determine whether the tenant or the landlord is responsible for paying those.

Cost of transport in Qatar

Petrol in Qatar is cheap, which adds to people's enthusiasm for cars in this part of the world and may explain the limited public transport system.

Hiring a driver and buying or renting a car are all viable options. While drivers might be less hassle, they may not allow as much freedom. Still, they might be economical for expats who only intend to travel for work and grocery shopping. There are plenty of car rental companies in Qatar, many of which offer better rates for longer lease periods.

Buying a new car is not a problem, but the high turnover rate of expats means that there are superb deals on used vehicles. When deciding on a car, it is important to note that most European and American car parts are costlier and harder to source than Asian brands.

Free parking in Qatar is available in certain public places and shopping centres, but parking and speeding violations come with hefty fines.

It is also essential to remember that Qatar is not the cheapest travel destination. Most employment packages offer expats a travel allowance or annual flights to their home country, but getting there is often expensive, especially during the summer and at the end of the year.

Cost of groceries in Qatar

Qatar imports most of its food products, so while expats may be able to find familiar brands, they will be far more expensive than local equivalents. Organic produce, meat, and dairy products are available but come at a price.

A small selection of local fruit, vegetables, and fish can be reasonable, while fresh Qatari flatbreads are downright cheap. Depending on the size of their family, expats may spend at least 10 percent of their salaries on food.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Qatar

There are several options when it comes to eating out in Qatar. Small, independent restaurants are cheaper and offer better value for money than the chain eateries and posh establishments found in hotels. Alcohol is expensive, can only be purchased from one warehouse and requires a permit, but drinking out is even steeper.

Cost of education in Qatar

Qatar's free public school system is almost exclusively for locals, so foreigners will have to pay for their children’s education. Although the quality of private education is good, it can be costly.

Many employers offer an education allowance, but it's good to verify this. School fees vary depending on the school and the child’s grade level. There will also be additional costs such as application costs, excursions, uniforms, and transport fees.

Cost of healthcare in Qatar

Healthcare in Qatar is distinguished by its high-quality and comprehensive coverage, with services available to all residents, including expats. However, the cost of healthcare can vary significantly, depending on whether individuals are covered under the public healthcare system or require private healthcare services. For those covered by the public system, many services are provided at little to no cost, thanks to government subsidies.

Expats not from the GCC region must secure private health insurance, which can be a considerable expense, particularly for those requiring frequent medical care or specialist treatments. Insurance plans vary widely in coverage and cost, so it's advisable to research and compare options thoroughly. Registered insurance providers offer a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets, but premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can be high.