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Cost of Living in Qatar

Qatar is a cheap country to live in if you go to the right place (this depends on your lifestyle and where you're coming from). The government doesn't charge a lot of most things such as water, electricity and home phone lines. Qatar has hardly any taxes. The only one that comes to mind is import tax, but even that is quite cheap. Qatar nationals get free water, electricity and phone lines which is great! Having mentioned that, the only major expense would be with accommodation as of 2008. Location does vary pricing, however living in the heart of the city could be quite expensive.

I've tried to make a general chart of pricing for people to get an idea of things. Remember though, if you are thinking about coming to the country to work and live, don't compare yourself so easily.

If you are coming with a family and have children, the two main things to think about are education and accommodation since they can be expensive (although prices are leveling off now and government initiatives to control rises). If you've been offered a position, most jobs will give you housing and/or school fees. My personal advice is to NOT be shy to negotiate your salary!

Note: $1 = QR3.5 (Rough Estimate)


FACT: Qatar has the third strongest currency in the world! (First is Kuwait, followed by Malta)

Transport System

Buses:
Buses are usually used by Blue-collar workers. Of course everyone is free to use them, however most people simply take taxis or rent cars. Petrol is cheap remember!

Bus Passes (Get them Al-Ghanem Bus Station with a Faresaver Photo Card)

One Month QR 120
One Week QR 30
One Day QR 6
One Trip QR 2

Taxis:
Taxi's can be found all over the country but I recommend calling limo services. Limo's are basically taxi's which you 'call' to pick you up. Limos cost QR10 compared to normal taxis.

Personal Drivers:
If you want to travel to and from a place regularly (like work), I suggest getting a personal driver. They can cost between QR400 and QR1000. An agreement can be made to take you to and from a location one or twice a day.

Renting Accommodation/Vehicle

Type of Accommodation Price per month (depends on location)
Apartment QR3,000 - QR8,000
Home QR5,000 - QR20,000
Villa QR8,000 - QR22,000
Car (Small Saloon) QR1,300 - QR3,000

Utilities

Facility Price (averages)
Internet QR200 - QR400
Telephone QR33
Mobile (3G) QR250 (connection) then QR50
Electricity QR200
Water QR200
Satellite QR1,700 (pay once for every channel in the world.)
Cable QR300

Mobile Tarriffs

Local Destinations Peak Time (6:00am -11:00pm) Off-Peak (11:00pm - 6:00am)
To Mobile or Home 0.35 0.30
SMS 0.30 0.20
MMS 0.90 0.90
MMS Video 1.20 1.20
Video Call 0.45 0.40

Per minute or Per Text


International Peak Time (6:00am -11:00pm) Off-Peak (11:00pm - 6:00am)
To Mobile or Home Varies
SMS 0.60 0.60
MMS 1.35 1.35
MMS Video 1.80 1.80
Video Call Please click here

Per minute or Per Text

Prices are different if you buy a pre-paid phonecard


Remember! Calling Landline to Landline is free!

RANDOM ITEMS PRICE COMPARISON

Item Qatar UK China Japan USA
QR 1 QR 6.2 QR 1.4 QR 2.5 QR 5.4
QR 4 QR 7 QR 3 QR 3.8 QR 5.5
Meat and Rice
QR 10
Fish and Chips
QR 44.8
Rice and Dumplings
QR 3
Bowl of Noodle
QR 8
Meat and Potatoes
QR 30
QR 50 QR 373 QR 126 QR 225 QR 164
QR 1,687 QR 4,108 QR 2,800 N/A QR 3,639
QR 20 QR 59 QR 18 QR 35 QR 36

The Price List and Comparison is accurate as of August 2007. The following documents are only a reflection of one hypermarket.
HOME LIST
(click here for mirror)
FOOD LIST
(click here for mirror)

General Information

Alcohol:
The price of alcohol in Qatar is cheaper than the UK (depends on the drink), although just a more than some European countries.

Electronics:
Electronics are MUCH cheaper than most countries. Qatar is the cheapest country in the world to buy mobile phones for example. You'll find shops all over Qatar selling a variety of products for all your needs. That's one thing you'll never find a shortage of.

Clothes:
Buying local clothes of course will be cheap. Designer labels are cheaper than most countries however not significantly. This is because Qatari people like to dress well and appearance is an important factor for them.

 

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