Qatar has become a global destination for tourism and its progressive business landscape. In recent years, the country has hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar Economic Forum 2024, Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024, and many more international events, with more being announced and scheduled until 2030.
Qatar also consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, adding to its appeal to visitors and migrants. If you're considering moving to Qatar, we're sure you have many questions regarding the cost of living, such as rent, transportation fees, food costs, utility bills, and other expenses.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here to give you some insight into the important expenses to consider when deciding to relocate to Qatar.
Note: All prices listed were researched on 24 June 2024 and are in Qatari Riyals. They are subject to change according to the current market rates.
RELATED: What is the cost of living in Qatar? (2023)
Qatar's labour law requires companies or sponsors to provide accommodation arrangements or compensation to employees. Either company housing is provided, or an accommodation allowance is included in the employee's salary package to allow the individual to fund their own living arrangements.
Accommodation options in Qatar include flats, villas, and even serviced apartments. Rent prices vary depending on location, whether the apartment or villa is furnished or non-furnished, and the inclusions of benefits and services.
A quick search on Property Finder reveals that a studio in Doha's business district, West Bay, starts at QR 3,300 per month for a standard furnished studio. A 3-bedroom flat, on the other hand, ranges from QR 8,000 - QR 16,000.
Studio apartments in higher-end areas such as The Pearl Island range from QR 4,500 to QR 12,000, with 3-bedroom apartments starting at QR 8,000 and up until QR 55,000 for more luxurious options.
If you're looking for more affordable options, consider areas like Al Thumama, where rent prices can start as low as QR 1,800 per month for unfurnished studios and range from QR 7,000 to 10,000 for 3-bedroom apartments. In Al Duhail, you can find studio apartments for QR 2,400, with 3-bedroom apartments starting at QR 4,500.
Al Mansoura, one of Doha's most populated residential districts, has rent starting from QR 2,800 for a studio, and 3-bedroom apartments start at QR 3,500.
Outside Doha, like in the Al Wakrah area, you can find studio apartments starting at QR 1,900, while 3-bedroom apartments start at QR 4,000.
Villas in Qatar start from QR 6,000 to QR 37,000, depending on the number of bedrooms and location.
Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, more commonly known as "KAHRAMAA", is Qatar's unified electricity and water service provider.
According to KAHRAMAA, the tariff rates for electricity and water for residential villas and flats:
| Electricity (layers) | Tariff (QR) |
| (1 - 2000) | 0.11 |
| (2001 - 4000) | 0.13 |
| (4001 - 15000) | 0.18 |
| above 15000 | 0.26 |
| Water (layers) | Tariff (QR) |
| (1 - 20) | 5.5 |
| (21 - 250) | 7 |
| above 250 | 10 |
READ MORE: Here's how you can pay KAHRAMAA bills in Qatar
Qatar's primary fuel supplier, WOQOD, also provides gas cylinders and residential LPGs, which can be conveniently purchased at supermarkets and petrol stations.
Below are the rates provided by WOQOD for their gas cylinders as well as other LPG accessories:
| Unit | Rates |
| 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 |
| LOW-PRESSURE REGULATOR | QR 45 |
| MEDIUM PRESSURE REGULATOR | QR 64 |
| HIGH-PRESSURE REGULATOR | QR 100 |
| 1 MTR HOSE | QR 8 |
Ooredoo and Vodafone are mobile and internet providers in Qatar that offer home internet services and mobile plans.
Ooredoo's pre-paid recharge packages start at QR 15, while its post-paid packages start at QR 100. Both are valid for 30 days.
Vodafone's pre-paid recharge packages start at QR 20, while its post-paid packages start at QR 110. Both are valid for 30 days.
Depending on the plan selected, these packages can include SMS, calls, mobile data, and even entertainment subscriptions.
Ooredoo's home internet services start at QR 365 per month, while Vodafone starts at QR 350. Both services include up to 1 Gbps internet speed, installation, WiFi device, and other benefits.
RELATED: Your guide to network services in Qatar [Internet & SIM]
Every neighbourhood in Qatar has multiple grocery stores, hypermarkets, and even small corner shops called "baqalas" that provide essential goods and commodities.
As Qatar is a melting pot of cultures, most stores offer imported goods that cater to different nationalities, with dedicated sections for Asian, European, and more. You will also find "Made in Qatar" products that feature locally grown and produced food and beverage items.
Here are the prices for everyday grocery items in supermarkets (prices may vary according to brand and shop):
| QFM Patent Flour No.1 | QR 4.25 - QR 4.5 (1kg) |
| Tomatoes (Oman) | QR 2 - QR 2.75/kg |
| Cucumbers (Qatar) | QR 2.5 per 500 g |
| Potato (Egypt) | QR 3.25 - 3.75/kg |
| Banana (Philippines) | QR 2.75 - QR 5.5/kg |
| Apples (Fuji) | QR 2.25 - QR 3.5/kg |
| Sheri (fish) | QR 10.75 - QR 18.75/kg |
| Hamour (fish) | QR 39 - QR 85.75/2 kg |
| Fresh milk (Baladna) | QR 15 (2 litres) |
| Milk bread (Qbake) | QR 5.75 (medium) |
| Basmati rice | QR 14.75 - QR 18.75 (1 kg) |
| Whole fresh chicken (Sadia) | QR 11.75 - QR 14.75 |
| Local beef bone in (Pakistani) | QR 17.35 - QR 18.75 (500 grams) |
| Water | QR 1.25 - QR 1.75 (1.5 litres) |
| Eggs | QR 5 - QR 7 (large 6 pcs) |
| Sunflower Oil | QR 12.50 - QR 18.25 (1.8 litres) |
RELATED:
Qatar's culinary scene continues to thrive, with restaurants offering diverse cuisines, innovative fusions, trendy cafes, and more at different price points.
Local cafeterias and shawarma joints dotted around the city serve tasty meals and dishes for as low as QR 10 as affordable options.
Numerous mid-range options are also available, from international restaurant chains to local establishments that offer main dishes priced between QR 30 and QR 50.
If you're looking to indulge, Qatar also has many world-class fine dining restaurants charging QR 70 and above for main dishes.
To have a more guided dining experience in Doha, check this out: Are you a foodie? Find all the dining offers here!
The public transportation system in Qatar has made it easier for residents and visitors to move around the city. There is the Doha Metro & Lusail Tram and its accompanying travel services, metrolink and metroexpress, Karwa taxis and buses, and ride-hailing services.
Transportation cards for Doha Metro and Karwa bus users can be purchased and topped up with credit, which is ideal for multiple uses. Alternatively, users can opt for single-journey tickets.
Karwa bus fares start at QR 2.50 for short trips and can reach QR 9 for longer trips (Al Shamal to Abu Samra - the Saudi Border). There are also Karwa Smart Cards that can be purchased for multiple uses:
Price | Duration | |
| 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 |
As for the metro, fares will vary depending on the classification of your metro card.
| STANDARD (including Family Class) | goldclub | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Journey | QR 2 | QR 10 |
| Day Pass | QR 6 | QR 30 |
| Travel Card Cost | QR 10 | QR 100 |
The Doha Metro & Lusail Tram users can also benefit from free bus services called metrolink and ridesharing feeder services called metroexpress to and from its stations.
Ride-hailing apps are available for those who prefer to travel by taxi or car. The standard fare for Karwa Taxi and Uber's UberX starts at QR 7. Karwa Economy, a more affordable transportation option, was recently introduced, with fares starting at QR 6.
RELATED: Your guide to public transportation in Qatar: how to get around
For those who opt to drive and get their driver's license in Qatar, several driving schools offer courses with fees ranging from QR 3,250 to QR 5,020 for full courses. The prices for driving school fees may vary and change over time.
You will undergo a driving test at the end of your driving courses. Once you pass, your driving license will be issued immediately. Fees are QR 250 (valid for 5 years) for non-Qataris and QR 500 (valid for 10 years) for Qataris.
Once you have obtained your driver's license, you can buy or rent a car to easily reach your destinations.
As of writing, the fuel prices in Qatar are as follows: QR 1.95 per litre for Premium Gasoline, QR 2.10 per litre for Super Gasoline, and QR 2.05 per litre for Diesel. These prices are updated monthly.
In 2023, the average price for 91 Premium Petrol was 1.93, the 95 Super Petrol price remained at 2.10, and the Diesel price consistently at 2.05 throughout the year.
So far in 2024, from January to July, fuel prices have remained consistent, with 91 Premium Petrol at 1.95, 95 Super Petrol at 2.10, and Diesel at 2.05 for the past seven months.
Fuel prices in Qatar have been quite stable, especially in 2024, compared to 2023, when there were slight changes in the price of 91 Premium Petrol.
Qatari citizens and residents are eligible to obtain a Hamad Health Card to receive free or subsidized healthcare services at the government medical facilities under Hamad General Hospital and the Primary Health Care Corporation. The Hamad Health Card costs QR 100 for residents and has a QR 100 yearly renewal fee.
Alternatively, numerous private hospitals and clinics offer medical services in Qatar, with consultation fees ranging from QR 50 to QR 500.
Some companies provide health insurance. Be sure to check with your company to confirm which medical services are covered at which facilities.
RELATED: Insurance companies in Qatar
Families must allot funds for children's tuition, school fees, and expenses. There are many public and private schools in Qatar, and some cater to specific nationalities and communities.
Primary students' yearly tuition fees at private schools vary drastically depending on the school chosen.
South Asian and South East Asian community schools are relatively more affordable, with fees starting at QR 4,252 per annum for preschool, QR 4,777 for primary, and QR 6,090 for secondary education.
American schools start at QR 13,205, and British schools start at QR 16,700 for preschool per year.
RELATED:
According to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar, registration in public schools is available for the following categories:
Please check here for a list of public and private schools in Qatar.
Compared to the previous year, the cost of living in Qatar has seen a slight decrease, especially with accommodation expenses. According to Cushman & Wakefield's Real Estate Market Review, the residential market in Qatar has stabilized after a period of fluctuation ahead and after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Because of the rise of new properties, tenants have focused more on availing accommodation in newer, modern buildings, resulting in a decrease in rental prices for older buildings.
Utilities, transportation, and healthcare expenses have remained consistent.
In addition to the costs listed above, it is important to consider miscellaneous expenses, such as luxuries, entertainment, hobbies, and more. Remember that the cost of living in Qatar depends heavily on your lifestyle and priorities.
RELATED
What are your thoughts on the cost of living in Qatar in 2024? Let us know in the comments! Please share this article- it keeps us going!
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.
How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!
