A lot of expatriates who are assigned to Qatar or retirees who want to live in Qatar after retirement ask what the cost of living in Qatar is. Is Qatar living too expensive? Or, is it just the same as other North American or European countries?

The cost of living in Qatar for you and your family will largely depend on the lifestyle that you are used to getting. Particularly in Doha, the cost of living index is relatively high, it is ranked as number 49 among 300 companies in terms of expensive living. Let us look at the basic necessities cost in Qatar so you can gauge if Qatar living is expensive or not.

1. Accommodation

Expatriates in Qatar usually rent apartments, villas or condominiums. Most apartments are unfurnished but furnished ones are also available. In most rentals, amenities like pools, gyms and playgrounds for children are available readily, and use of these is charged as part of the rental payment of the unit monthly.

A furnished studio or a single bedroom unit costs around 5,000 QAR to rent, which is approximately 1,370 USD. If you rent a villa with 4 bedrooms though, can cost to 20,000 QAR if it is in an expatriate compound

2. Grocery

The cost of food, non-alcoholic beverages and other household items necessary to keep daily life possible is comparatively on the expensive side compared to other countries. This is especially true if you end up wanting to buy internationally known food brands too.

For a two-person family, set aside around 1,800 QAR or roughly around 490 USD for this expense.

3. Utilities

The good thing about Qatar is that basic utilities like water, electricity, gas and phone lines are subsidized by the government. Thus, this particular expense will be a lot cheaper compared to other countries. Qatar living though, given the soaring high temperatures, will lead you to using your air conditioning system, especially in the summer months.

For a two-person family, utilities as a whole will cost around 1,100 QAR, approximately 300 USD. This low price off-sets the cost of living in Qatar a bit downwards.

4. Clothing

Even if clothing is a bit expensive in Qatar, Qatar living conditions will not require you to put too much layer of clothing on you given the hot temperature in the country.

For a two-person family, clothing for both people will cost around 1,100 QAR, approximately 300 USD.

5. Healthcare

If you are an expatriate, this particular item will not be a problem to you considering that this should be covered for you and your spouse by your employer. However, if this will not be covered monthly, then you will need to avail of an insurance health provider of your own.

For a two-person family, health care coverage for both people will cost around 1,300 QAR, approximately 360 USD on a monthly basis. This is a definite item that needs to be covered for you and your family.

As a whole, the cost of living in Qatar is not at all that different in most progressive countries.