Cost of Living in Kuwait

The cost of living in Kuwait will likely be one of your biggest considerations when relocating to the country. You’ll have to get used to earning in a foreign currency, and the exchange rate may also be a shock since the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD or KD) is the strongest currency in the world.

Living expenses in Kuwait may differ greatly among expats, depending on their salary and any additional benefits they receive, their lifestyle, and how they choose to spend their money.

Unfortunately, with the national push for Kuwaitisation, securing a job and receiving lucrative employment packages in this Gulf state is no longer guaranteed. That said, if you are offered a job here, you can often negotiate for extra benefits. This is especially important for expat parents who have to consider the high tuition costs of international schools.

Thankfully, with a generous salary, prices may burden the wallet less than you might expect from this high-income country. Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2024 ranked the capital, Kuwait City, 119th out of 226 cities worldwide. This indicates that the city is far more budget-friendly than the many other expat destinations that ranked higher, such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

Cost of accommodation in Kuwait

Many expats move to Kuwait with accommodation provided by their employers. Employers own or lease apartments for their expat staff to reside in, and if you’re one of these lucky expats, you won’t need to worry about rent, utilities, or furniture costs.

That said, if you are responsible for your rent, you should expect over a third of your income to go towards accommodation expenses. We recommend checking whether utilities are included in the rental contract, as air-conditioning is necessary for summer, and could contribute to a high electricity bill.

Cost of groceries in Kuwait

A significant proportion of groceries in Kuwait have to be imported. So, buying typical food items that may have been more accessible at home could come at a steeper price. If you are on a specific diet, you may find that certain foodstuffs are excessively expensive or hard to find in some cases.

Local shops like Carrefour Kuwait offer lower prices, which is great if you are looking to reduce your grocery expenses. Tools like Pricena allow you to compare prices across several shops and find the most affordable.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Kuwait

Entertainment in Kuwait’s major cities can be limited to indoor experiences such as restaurants, cafés and malls, which may not be wallet-friendly. Still, Kuwait has plenty of restaurants offering diverse cuisine and street food options, which can help reduce your expenses.

Although Kuwait does not have many green spaces, there are always beaches, museums and archaeological sites to explore nearby. You must budget carefully to enjoy these delights, which can be quite pricey.

Cost of healthcare in Kuwait

Kuwait offers both public and private healthcare that is accessible to locals and expats alike. However, most expats prefer private medical facilities, which offer excellent care and short waiting times. Unfortunately, private hospitals are usually pricey.

Health insurance is essential, and expats must typically pay an amount towards public healthcare, whether they use it or not. Nonetheless, we recommend getting comprehensive private medical insurance to ensure complete coverage for any situation. The cost of private health insurance will vary based on your individual coverage level, your health status, and age.

Cost of transport in Kuwait

Buses, cars, and taxis are Kuwait's main forms of transport. Buses are cheap but not frequently used by expats who can afford to get around in Kuwait by car. You’ll find that expats brave enough to drive in Kuwait are happy to buy new or second-hand vehicles or rent a car, as petrol is reasonably priced in Kuwait.

Driving can be much more affordable here than in many Western countries but be aware of additional expenses, such as car insurance. Taxis are also relatively affordable, but it is advised to agree on a price with the driver before setting off.

Cost of education in Kuwait

Expat parents moving to Kuwait with their children must consider the cost of international schools when setting up their budget.

The country offers expats many schools with diverse curricula and quality facilities to choose from, but tuition costs are hefty. We encourage expat parents to negotiate a suitable education allowance as part of their relocation package to help manage the cost of education and schools in Kuwait.