Cost of Living in Doha

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With one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, it's expected that Doha's cost of living might be quite high. On the contrary, it’s one of the more affordable Gulf-region destinations. The 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Index ranks Doha 126th out of 227 cities surveyed and shows that prices are competitive even among major world cities.

With tax-free incentives, the cost of living in Qatar's capital city can be quite attractive, but all this depends on the expat's employment package, their lifestyle choices and how they choose to spend their money.

Cost of accommodation in Doha

Accommodation in Doha is generally financed by an expat’s employer, and the type of housing arranged is based on the number of family members present.

Within expat compounds, rent often includes access to communal areas, such as a gym, pool and even mini-markets and nurseries. The prices of stand-alone villas are set by the landlord and/or owner. These tend to rise in cost annually, despite laws intended to protect renters. It is best to keep this in mind when arranging a lease.

There are areas in Doha where expats can own property. Among the most popular are the Pearl development project, a mix of commercial, retail and residential space (that includes apartments and villas) built on reclaimed land. Buying property is expensive and complicated, and most expats prefer to rent.

Cost of groceries in Doha

Qatar relies heavily on imports for nearly everything, from fruit and vegetables to meat and other goods, and food prices in Doha are therefore high. Buying local will always save a buck or two, but buying the brand names that expats recognise from home will cost a pretty penny. It’s best to shop around for certain items, as they can vary by several riyals depending on the outlet.

There is a range of grocery stores, from the bargain favourite Carrefour to the more expensive Mega Mart, which tends to feature international brands and speciality items, such as organically farmed eggs. There are also a host of neighbourhood shops and local establishments, such as Food World, Family Food Center, Al Meera, Lulu Hypermarket and Qmart.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Doha

Eating out and entertainment in Doha can be expensive for expats compared to their home countries. Doha is known for its high-end dining options and luxury leisure activities, which come at a premium. However, there are also more affordable options available for those looking to save money.

In terms of entertainment, expats can expect to find a diverse range of options, including cinemas, shopping centres, museums and theme parks. There is also a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs and lounges offering a variety of music and entertainment options.

Cost of schooling in Doha

Some employee packages include schooling for children, and many have a maximum number of children they will fund. Some policies afford school compensation for children from three years of age and others only from age five. These details vary, so it’s best to check with the expat's recruiter or the hiring business's human resources department from the onset of contract negotiations.

Expats should keep in mind that tuition at international schools is expensive and can increase depending on the child's age and if they are to be involved in after-school or extra-curricular activities.

The best schools and nurseries often have long waiting lists, so if expats are trying to decide between two schools or have a particular institution in mind, it’s best to get on the waiting list as soon as possible.

Cost of healthcare in Doha

Qatar’s Hamad hospital and clinic system provide free healthcare to citizens and residents. Expats need to obtain a health card either from the employer’s Human Resources office or via the hospital system directly to use these services. Emergency services are free, while visits to government clinics without a health card will incur a fee.

Expats should note that, because everyone in the country does have access to these services, lines can be agonisingly long and the appointment system is not as punctual as in other countries.

There are a variety of private hospitals in Doha that offer excellent outpatient and surgical care, and many expats have insurance policies included in their employment package that may cover the costs of these private service offerings. If such a policy is not included in the package, it can often be purchased from one of the private hospitals directly.

Expats can also pay in cash for services used, or obtain a similar policy via Qatar Insurance or similar companies in the city. That said, most complicated procedures and oncology are dealt with at Hamad, so if an expat does choose one of the other hospitals, a serious condition will likely mean a referral to specialists at Hamad, in which case a health card is essential.

Cost of transport in Doha

Doha has been upgrading its transport network recently and have well-established and maintained bus routes powered by Mowasalat. Buses, along with the new metro system and plans for developing an integrated rail structure, are a great and affordable way of getting around in Doha. Avoiding traffic by taking the metro also saves time.

Taxis, both private and public, are widespread. Public taxis are metered and while options such as Uber are also available, the costs do not differ greatly. During peak traffic hours, it's best to book a taxi in advance.

Quality used cars tend to have a high resale value in Qatar, and online platforms such as Qatar Living are updated regularly for more information on this. Car insurance varies based on the make and model of the car, as well as the number of accidents or traffic violations the owner has incurred. For those who own new cars, comprehensive insurance is required until the loan is paid off. In some cases, travel expenses may be covered by employment contracts, which may include initial flight tickets and even a car.