Cost of Living in Qatar

Updated: April 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Qatar, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Qatar?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Qatar and whether the reported $3002 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $4189.26.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Qatar

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	8.16 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	54.41 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.8 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	--
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	--
Cappuccino (regular)	5.03 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	1.01 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.35 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.93 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.61 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.8 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.84 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	10.95 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	7.16 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	11.41 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.9 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.71 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.69 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.51 $
Potato (1 lb)	1.07 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.94 $
Lettuce (1 head)	1.4 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.5 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	--
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	--
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	--
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	6.67 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.54 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	40.81 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.72 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.54 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	9.11 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.56 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	19043.44 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	19778.84 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	118.62 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.22 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	89.72 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	111.08 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	31.49 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	12.24 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	739.06 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	10606.17 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	65.9 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	53.99 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	97.69 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	94.44 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	1736.83 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	1101.57 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	3218.34 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	2193.21 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	5480.03 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	3519.64 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	4189.26 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.94 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 8.16 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 54.41 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.93 USD, a loaf of bread 1.61 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.84 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.54 USD and a monthly pass around 40.81 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 118.62 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 111.08 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 31.49 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 739.06 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 10606.17 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 65.9 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 97.69 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1736.83 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 1101.57 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 5480.03 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 3519.64 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 4189.26 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.94% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Qatar

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Qatar is, generally, very safe to travel to. Apart from some natural threats to watch out for, you should have no worries about your safety. Crime rates are low and a few precaution rules should go a long way.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a heightened risk when it comes to transport in Qatar. Drivers may maneuver their vehicles erratically sometimes, and there are even some aggressive drivers driving at high speed. Also, keep in mind that outside of the capital, roads vary from good to very bad and some of them are poorly illuminated at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

As a tourist destination, it is expected that there is some pickpocketing in public places. You should still remain vigilant in crowded places and public places near tourist landmarks.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Keep in mind that temperatures can be extreme in Qatar, reaching as high as 50C. Haze, dust storms and sandstorms are common and even severe thunderstorms may occur.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging and kidnapping is also a very rare occurrence in Qatar, so it shouldn't be on your list of worries.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There have been terrorist attacks in the Gulf region, and the possibility of another attack is heightened. Attacks could occur anyplace, even at locations frequented by foreigners.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Even though Qatar is not known for scams, in tourist destinations you should always be cautious when receiving change, negotiating rides or any kinds of services, and also never pay for anything upfront.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Unaccompanied western women in Qatar may experience harassment. Generally, Qatar is safe for women, but you may encounter some whispers, catcalls, or receive unwanted attention in any other way which is usually annoying than it is dangerous.

Cost of Living in Qatar

Qatar

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing