Sri Krishna
The cost of living in Qatar, or in any place, largely depends on your lifestyle and where you come from. Qatar is not a very expensive place to live in, and the government also cooperates small amounts of charge for several things including electricity, water, and other needs. Qatar hardly imposes taxes.
The only tax being raised is the import tax, but that is also quite reasonable. The citizens here get free electricity, water, and phone lines. The huge expenses that you may face with. Here are some of them – accommodation, which largely depends on your location of stay, apart from educational expenses if living with family.
However, most people travel to another country with the motive of just work and living, while noticing some of the things may be cheaper here, others may be quite expensive. The overall cost of living in Qatar is high compared to other GCC regions like Kuwait, Oman, KSA and Bahrain.
Somehow when compared to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) regions like Kuwait, Oman, KSA. The cost of living in Qatar is expensive. So, it is important to remember when we talk about the impressive salary that you need to live on, as well as save it.
Apart from the cheaper cost of petrol, many other daily goods are more expensive in Qatar, when compared to other countries. About 90% of food in Qatar is imported to other countries, and hence the basic foodstuffs may be pricey. Also, the cost of entertainment is expensive.
In 2018 dealers and traders Cost of Living Index placed Doha at 115th position, when surveyed about 209 cities, placing it below other major Middle Eastern cities like Dubai and Riyadh, these cities are relatively more expensive than Kuwait City and Muscat.
The overall cost of living in Qatar can be classified based on the- prices for specific quantities of the same goods and services across major Basket Groups.
Renters usually spend about one-third of average monthly expenses of an expat family, and accounts to one-third of CPI (Consumer Price Index), a cost of living measurement which compares real-time prices of common consumer goods, while comparison of same month, in the previous year. The CPI is usually calculated by comparing the cost of an average basket of goods purchased by residents in a particular month.
Table of Contents
- Electricity & Water
- Electricity:
- Water:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Education
- Clothes and Shoes
- Food
- Healthcare
- Communication
- Utilities / Entertainment / Miscellaneous
Electricity & Water
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation known as “KAHRAMAA” is the only distributor owner and operator in Qatar.
Qatar as per KAHRAMAA. Here are the tariff rates for residential villas and flats:
Electricity:
- For consumption between 1 and 2000 units, the tariff is 0.11 Qatari Riyals (QR) per unit.
- For consumption between 2001 and 4000 units, the tariff is 0.13 QR per unit.
- For consumption between 4001 and 15000 units, the tariff is 0.18 QR per unit.
- For consumption above 15000 units, the tariff is 0.26 QR per unit.
Water:
- For consumption between 1 and 20 cubic meters, the tariff is 5.5 QR per cubic meter.
- For consumption between 21 and 250 cubic meters, the tariff is 7 QR per cubic meter.
- For consumption above 250 cubic meters, the tariff is 10 QR per cubic meter.
Please note that these tariff rates are based on the information you provided and are subject to change. It is always recommended to consult the official sources or KAHRAMAA directly for the most up-to-date and accurate tariff information.
gas cylinders and LPG accessories from WOQOD. Here are the rates:
Gas Cylinders:
- SHAFAF (12 kg) NEW CYLINDER: QR 350
- SHAFAF (12 kg) NEW CYLINDER (with GAS): QR 365
- SHAFAF (6 kg) NEW CYLINDER: QR 275
- SHAFAF (6 kg) NEW CYLINDER (with GAS): QR 283
LPG Accessories:
- LOW-PRESSURE REGULATOR: QR 45
- MEDIUM PRESSURE REGULATOR: QR 64
- HIGH-PRESSURE REGULATOR: QR 100
- 1 MTR HOSE: QR 8
Accommodation
[Updated]
An accommodation cost is one of the costly expenses to live in Qatar, Doha. However, Qatar gives several housing options from studio flats to dwellings, depending on your budget and area.
According to Property Finder listings, an unfinished studio apartment in Doha is for QR 1,400 and an unfurnished three-bedroom apartment at QR 4,000.
Renting properties in Qatar is a common practice among many expatriates working in the country, with a significant portion benefiting from free or subsidized housing, utilities, and furniture as part of their employment packages. The rental market in Qatar offers a variety of options, ranging from unfurnished properties to fully furnished accommodations, each with its own set of features and price points.
Unfurnished properties in Qatar typically include essential amenities such as a kitchen unit, curtain rails, and lighting fixtures. While semi-furnished options may also be available, fully furnished properties tend to be less common and come at a higher cost.
Expatriate accommodations in Doha often feature amenities like swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Many villas and houses come with gardens, and there are also apartments and townhouses available for rent.
Some international companies secure long-term housing agreements for their employees, while individuals seeking self-accommodation have a limited but varied selection to choose from based on their preferences and budget constraints.
When deciding on a rental property in Qatar, factors to consider include budget, proximity to workplaces, desired living space (villa or apartment), number of bedrooms, and other amenities. Given Doha’s compact size, most areas offer easy access to the city center, schools, and the airport.
Monthly rents for apartments in Qatar vary depending on location and amenities. For instance, studio and single-bedroom apartments can range from QR 2,800 to QR 7,000, with bed space rentals averaging around QR 900. In upscale areas like the Pearl Qatar, a single-bedroom flat can start at QR 10,000, while two-bedroom units may range from QR 12,000 to QR 14,000.
In other areas, such as Umm Ghuwailina and Al Wakra, rental prices for two-bedroom apartments can vary from QR 6,500 to QR 5,000, respectively. Three-bedroom apartments in the city center typically range from QR 7,000 to QR 15,000 per month.
Given the cost of living in Qatar, particularly in terms of rental expenses, it’s essential for expatriates to carefully consider their housing options and budget allocations, especially if relocation is part of their employment agreement.
Transportation
Cost of transportation for public transport, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance, vehicle maintenance including in the form of purchase or lease of vehicle, petrol or diesel, public transport service maintenance, vehicle insurance and vehicle purchase is comparatively less. When compared to other cities.
The public transportation is bus and Doha metro apart from the taxi. The bus rides start from QR 2.50 for short trips while a single Metro ride costs QR 2.
To ride in the Karwa public bus, Krwa smartcards are needed. It costs from QR 10 to QR30.
You can also drive, if you don’t have a driving license you can register in a driving school in Qatar. The fees differ from QR 3,250 to QR 3,850 for a full course.
| Karwa Bus | Starts at QR 2.50 |
| Doha Metro | QR 2.00 |
| Karwa Taxi | Starts at QR 10 |
| Uber/Careem | Starts at QR 8 |
The cost of petrol keeps increasing since January 2021. According to June 2021, the 91 Premium petrol is at QR 1.85, 95 Super petrol at QR 1.90, and Diesel is at QR 1.75.
the public transportation options in Qatar, including the Doha Metro, Lusail Tram, Karwa taxis and buses, and ride-hailing services. Here are the details you provided:
Doha Metro Fares:
- Standard (including Family Class):
- Single Journey: QR 2
- Day Pass: QR 6
- Travel Card Cost: QR 10
- Goldclub:
- Single Journey: QR 10
- Day Pass: QR 30
- Travel Card Cost: QR 100
Karwa Bus Fares:
- Fares for Karwa buses start at QR 2.50 for short trips and can reach up to QR 9 for longer trips (such as Al Shamal to Abu Samra – the Saudi Border).
Karwa Smart Cards:
- Classic Card: QR 30 (Long-term, rechargeable)
- Limited Card: QR 10 (Good for 2 journeys within 24 hours)
- Unlimited Card: QR 20 (Good for unlimited journeys within 24 hours)
Doha Metro and Lusail Tram Services:
- Free buses, known as Metrolink, are available to transport passengers to and from Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations.
- Metroexpress is a ridesharing feeder service offered by the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
Education
In Qatar, educational expenses have been on the rise annually. While there is a free public school system available, it is exclusively accessible to Qatari nationals. Expatriates often turn to private education options, which can be costly but offer high-quality instruction.
Private education costs in Qatar can vary significantly, and in some cases, these expenses are covered by the employer as part of the employment package. Before signing any contract, it is advisable to confirm whether education benefits are included.
Understanding the expenses associated with private schooling is crucial, especially for families moving to Qatar with school-aged children, including those considering university education.
Private preschool or kindergarten full-day care for a single child may range from QR 1,000 to QR 3,000 per month. For international primary schools, yearly fees can vary from approximately QR 18,000 to QR 50,000, depending on the school and facilities provided. High school fees may amount to around QR 70,000 per year, excluding additional costs like uniforms and transportation.
The cost of education can differ based on the type of school, curriculum, and the child’s educational level or grades. In addition to tuition fees, families should also consider other expenses like application fees, uniforms, and transportation costs.
For instance, in Indian schools in Qatar, annual tuition fees can range as follows:
- Kindergarten fees: QR 3,700 to QR 13,000
- Grade 12 fees: QR 7,000 to QR 18,000
Being aware of these educational costs and planning accordingly is essential to ensure a smooth transition and financial preparedness when relocating to Qatar for schooling purposes.
private and public schools in Qatar. Here’s a summary of the details you provided:
Private Schools:
- Private schools in Qatar require families to allocate funds for their children’s tuition and various school fees and expenses.
- Yearly tuition fees for primary students at private schools start from QR 22,696.
- Yearly tuition fees for secondary students at private schools start at QR 48,913.
- The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar provides approved school fees for the year 2023-2024, which can be viewed on their official website.
Public Schools:
- Qatar offers a number of public schools for Qatari children, GCC nationalities, children of Qatari women, and residents working in government sectors.
- For a comprehensive list of public schools in Qatar, it’s recommended to refer to the official website of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
In nutshell, Qatar provides a variety of services and outputs depending on one’s budget and needs, hence your costs will vary depending on your lifestyle.
Clothes and Shoes
In Qatar, the cost of clothing and footwear, including items like business suits, casual wear, children’s clothing, and accessories, can be relatively higher compared to other countries, especially when looking at designer labels.
Given the predominantly hot climate in the region, there is minimal need for winter clothing. The dress code for men in office settings typically involves a shirt and tie, except for formal events.
Currently, when shopping in Qatar, here are some approximate price ranges for various clothing items:
- A pair of jeans: QR 100 to QR 350
- Summer dress from chain stores like Zara or H&M: QR 100 to QR 300
- Nike running shoes: QR 250 to QR 500
- Men’s leather business shoes: QR 200 to QR 500
It’s worth noting that prices can vary based on the brand, quality, and where the items are purchased. While basic clothing may fall within these price ranges, designer or high-end labels could be significantly more expensive. Shopping around for deals and sales can help manage clothing expenses in Qatar.
Food
In Qatar, the daily cost of living is significantly influenced by food prices, including non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning materials. The prices for various food items such as baked goods, canned foods, baby products, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, oils, meats, pet food, ready-to-eat meals, sauces, snacks, seafood, soft drinks, spices, and herbs are relatively high compared to other countries.
Both local and imported food products are accessible in groceries, supermarkets, and wholesale markets in Qatar. Individuals can explore a range of options when it comes to purchasing food items. Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s website provides information on the daily prices of commodities, allowing consumers to compare food and non-food consumer goods to make informed purchasing decisions. This resource can be helpful for budgeting and managing expenses related to everyday essentials in Qatar.
| QFM Flour No.1 | QR 4.5 (1 kg) |
| Qatari tomato | QR 3/kg |
| Qatari cucumber | QR 3.5/kg |
| Syrian potato | QR 2/kg |
| Filipino banana | QR 5/kg |
| American red apple | QR 6/kg |
| Qatar Sheri (fish) | QR 9 – 18/kg |
| Qatar Hamour (fish) | QR 38/kg |
| Fresh milk | QR 7.25/1 Liter |
| White bread | QR 5 |
| Basmati rice | QR 14.75 (Tilda 1 kg) |
| Whole fresh chicken | starts at QR 14.75 |
| Brazilian beef topside (fresh) | QR 9.75 (300g) |
| Water (1.5L) | QR 1.25 |
| Eggs (Large) | QR 5.50 (6 pcs) |
| Sunflower Oil | QR 10.50 (1 Liter) |
Eating Out
You can pick any restaurants according to your budget. A meal for one at KFC differs from QR 15 to QR 34.
Expats may probably spend 10 to 20 percent of their salaries on food, every month. Given below are the current prices of the general food items, so as to get a clear idea about market prices.
| Food Item Price range |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) 5.00 – 7.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 4.00 – 7.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) 4.00 – 7.00 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) 6.40 – 15.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) 15.00 – 50.00 |
| Chicken Breasts (1kg) 13.50 – 40.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) 16.50- 45.00 |
| Apples (1kg) 6.50 – 8.00 |
| Banana (1kg) 4.50 – 7.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) 4.00 – 8.00 |
| Tomato (1kg) 4.00 – 9.00 |
| Potato (1kg) 2.00 – 5.00 |
| Onion (1kg) 2.00 – 4.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) 3.50 – 2.00 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) 1.25 – 3.00 |
Healthcare
The cost of healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner, hospitals private ward daily rate, private medical insurance, non-prescription medicine, medical aid contributions, are all comparatively more expensive than compared to other cities.
Hamad Health Card:
- Qatari citizens and residents can receive free or subsidized healthcare services through the Hamad Health Card.
- The initial cost of the health card is QR 100 for residents, with a yearly renewal fee of QR 100.
Private Hospitals and Clinics:
- Qatar has numerous private hospitals and clinics that offer medical services.
- Consultation fees at private facilities can range from QR 50 to QR 500.
Employer Health Insurance:
- Some employers in Qatar provide health insurance coverage to their employees.
- It’s important to review your company’s policies and benefits to understand which medical services are covered and which health centers or providers are included in the insurance network.
In Qatar, the state healthcare system, primarily through the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), provides free emergency treatment to all registered individuals. Public health insurance is available in Qatar for a nominal annual fee of QR 200, offering access to quality healthcare services.
However, due to extended wait times for treatment at HMC, many expatriates opt for private healthcare services, which can be more costly than utilizing the public system. It’s essential for expatriates to review their job offer letters to determine if health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents is included and to understand any coverage exclusions.
The Qatari government has plans to implement a universal health insurance system in the future, which may mandate that companies provide health insurance for their employees.
To access subsidized public healthcare in Qatar, individuals can apply for a Health Card. The cost for a Health Card is QR 50 for Qatari nationals, GCC nationals, and domestic workers, while it costs QR 100 for expatriates and their children. The card must be renewed annually to continue accessing the benefits of subsidized healthcare services in Qatar.
Communication
The mobile and internet services in Qatar offered by Ooredoo and Vodafone. Here is a summary of the plans and rates:
Prepaid Plans:
- Ooredoo and Vodafone both offer prepaid recharge packages starting at QR 30. These packages typically include SMS, calls, and mobile data. The specific services and allocations may vary depending on the package chosen.
Postpaid Plans:
- Ooredoo’s postpaid plans start at QR 100 per month, while Vodafone’s postpaid plans start at QR 120 per month. The postpaid plans may include different services such as SMS, local and international minutes, and mobile internet, with varying allocations based on the chosen plan.
Home Internet:
- Ooredoo offers Ooredoo ONE Plans for home internet, starting at QR 365 per month for a 100 Mbps connection. This plan includes home installation, router devices, and additional accessories.
- Vodafone offers the GigaHome Essential plan for home internet, starting at QR 250 per month for a 20 Mbps connection. This plan also includes home installation, router devices, and additional accessories.
It’s important to note that these rates and plans are subject to change
Utilities / Entertainment / Miscellaneous
In Qatar, utilities like water, electricity, and gas receive government subsidies, as these services are owned by the government with the aim of providing affordable prices to benefit the local population. As a result, utilities in Qatar are relatively cheaper than in many European countries, although air conditioning costs can escalate during peak summer months.
Currently, the water tariff in Qatar is around QR 4.40 per cubic meter for a bulk amount of 20 cubic meters, while the electricity tariff is approximately QR 0.08 per kilowatt-hour for consumption up to 2,000 kilowatt-hours.
The cost of alcoholic beverages such as wines and spirits, where permitted, is slightly lower compared to the UK and some other countries, though still higher than average European prices.
Electronic goods like televisions, DVD players, computer hardware and software, and photographic equipment are generally less expensive in Qatar compared to Europe.
Personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care products, moisturizers, sunblock, pain relief tablets, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can be equally expensive in Qatar compared to other nations, depending on the brand.
The cost of books, cinema tickets, DVDs, and CDs tends to be relatively higher in Qatar compared to other cities.
When it comes to dining out, restaurant and eating costs like business dinners or family meals at restaurants are relatively expensive in Qatar. For example:
- A basic three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost QR 100 to QR 250
- A combo meal at fast-food chains like McDonald’s can cost QR 20 to QR 25
- Bottled water typically costs between QR 0.75 to QR 1 for a 0.33-liter bottle
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