Qatar, one of the most expensive cities in the middle east to live, because it is the richest country in the world (by GDP per capita) according to the International Monetary Fund. The capital of Qatar, Doha, is ranked 115th in Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2019, Prices are expected to rise even higher from 2020 because of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Accommodation Costs in Qatar
Rents are depended on types and locations of accommodation. It also depends on whether its furnished or unfurnished.
The Capital of Qatar is Doha and most of the expats also living in this area. Depends on the proximity to work or their kid’s school, Some areas are expensive than others.
Furniture, home accessories and electronics are expensive in Qatar, but there are some places you can cheaply find used furniture, one of the well known used furniture markets in Doha is Souq Haraj.
Utilities are reasonably priced. But Internet is expensive in Qatar, It can add QAR 200 – QAR 350 in your monthly expenses easily. Some Accommodations are available with free electricity, water and wifi, for a middle-class expat this kind of accommodation might be a good choice. Some landlords charging maintenance fees, so should take care of these things before choosing accommodation.
Transportation costs in Qatar
There is plenty of public transportation options in Qatar.Public transport in Qatar consists of buses, taxis and metro, all of them are easily available and convenient.
Famous Online Taxi services available in Qatar are Karwa (Qatar’s official), Uber, Creem and COLO. The Average Ride in city limit cost you 8.00 QR to 15.00 QR.
Public buses cover almost all area of Qatar. The Karwa buses are modern and air-conditioned. The bus fare is QR 3 to QR 4 (within Doha) and QR 4 to QR 9 (outside Doha). Opting Karwa Smart Card may be the best way to use the public bus in Qatar.
The Doha Metro is one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world. Mostly underground rail network which connects communities within Doha and its suburbs. It has three lines Red, Gold, and Green with an approximate overall length of 300 km and 37 stations. A single journey will cost QR 2 for standard cardholders, while a day pass will cost QR 6. A single journey will cost QR 10 for Gold Club members, while a day pass will cost QR 30.
Petrol prices are comparatively cheap in Qatar, so owning a car also a good option. Free parking in Qatar is available in certain public places and shopping centres, but parking and speeding violations come with hefty fines.
Food Expense in Qatar
All most all familiar food brands are available in Qatar along with Qatari products. Imported food is more expensive than local equivalents. Organic produce, meat and dairy products are also available.
Depending on the size of their family, expats will probably spend around 15% of their salaries on food.
There are plenty of options available for dining out. Almost all international food chains have branches here. 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 Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) warehouse and requires a permit, but drinking out is even more expensive.
Clothing Expenses in Qatar
Cost of clothing also expensive in Qatar, when compared to other cities. However, this is the case only when you look out for designer labels.
At present, when shopping, a pair of jeans may cost about QR 60 – QR 250 , T shirts Available from QR 20 – QR 200
