When planning to visit other countries, the first fact we consider is the cost. Most of the time we want to have an outlook of probable costing according to our budget.

If your planned country is Qatar, you may know that it is one of the world’s richest countries. This country contains the highest GDP per capita worldwide. Day by day, Qatar is going to be the top choice for ex-pats because of its reasonable living costs. As it is one of the wealthiest countries, you may fear its high living cost. But surprisingly most of the facilities are here tax-free.  It provides high facilities at a cheaper rate than other richest countries of the world. Here we are giving a clear idea for your easy understanding.

Cost of living in Qatar for Ex-pats and Travelers:

As we said before most of the facilities are tax-free and the government bears the cost like electricity, water, and home phone lines. Only a few things you have to pay as this country is largely dependent on imports.

Cost of transportation in Qatar:

As Qatar is dependent on its own petrol, transportation cost is quite reasonable in Qatar. In the case of public transport buses and Doha-metro rail can include your travel list. Public buses connect to all the cities from the capital. You must have a Karwar card in order to travel by public transport.

For a one-way short trip by bus QR, 2.50 will cost. According to your travel destination, the price range will be QR 2 TO QR 10 for a one-way trip. So your monthly transportation cost by bus will range from QR100 to QR 250. Doha-metro rail is another popular transportation in Qatar. It is a very fast and comfortable medium at a cheaper cost. For a single trip in a standard class, it costs QR2. You must recharge your Karwaa card before traveling unless karwaa card you can’t travel.

  • Karwa Bus: Starts at QR 2.50
  • Doha Metro: QR2.00
  • Karwa Taxi: Starts at QR10
  • Uber/ Careem: Starts at QR 8

Hiring private taxies are also popular and mostly used transport medium. Many companies offer private taxes at affordable prices. This media is also safe and cheap in price. The cost will start at QR10 and you have to pay QR2 for additional hours and waiting time. Moreover, day by day petrol and car prices are getting cheaper in Qatar. So private cars are increasing at a large rate.

Accommodation Costs in Qatar:

If you are a long-term traveler, you must worry about the rent fees or accommodation costs. Mostly it depends on your location and type of property. Actually, it varies from simple to luxurious villas. Moreover, you have to pay extra if the apartment furnishes. Most travelers pick their top choice that includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, playgrounds, etc with additional facilities.

The accommodation fee for a studio apartment at a cheaper cost can be QR1400. Also, three-bedroom apartments may vary from QR4000 to QR10000. So the average rent fee can cost QR600. It will rise higher in cases of luxurious villas or apartments. The cost will be about QR11000. Pearl Qatar consider the most expensive area in Qatar.

Food Cost in Qatar:

Qatar is mostly dependent on imported foods. So food pricing is comparatively high here. If you compare other countries like the UK, USA, etc, you may count extra money on food. But it is less costly than Thailand or Dubai. Though grocery items are high in cost, local foods and fruits are comparatively cheaper in price. Surprisingly you can get plain bread at a much cheaper price.

Here restaurants are also budget-friendly. All types of options you can get here on the basis of your budget. But you may feel the price is comparatively a little higher than in other countries. For example, for a three-course of meal for two people you may have to pay QR600. So on average, the cost can be QR200. Prices may go higher according to the fancier place you go.

In the case of alcohol, drinking at home will save much more money than going out with beer. As alcohol restricts in Qatar, so the price will go slightly higher than in other countries. It may range between QR 30-180.

Health Care Cost in Qatar:

Qatar government offers full free or partial financially supported healthcare. This healthcare applies to nationals, domestic workers, ex-pats, and their children. You can only access healthcare services if you have a healthcare card. For nationals and domestic workers, the cost of the card is QR50. On the other hand, for ex-pats and their children, it may cost QR 100. You must have to renew it every year through credit cards.

All the healthcare services are available in Hamad medical corporation hospital as well as the primary healthcare corporation health center. It offers free emergency treatment to all who register. If you injure, you may have to charge QR25 in government healthcare. On the contrary, if you want to go into private healthcare, you may charge QR100 to QR250. For a specialist consultant, you have to charge QR250 to QR600. Expats can also get private healthcare insurance on the basis of their condition. That may range between QR50 to QR400.

Clothing and Shopping Costs in Qatar:

As Qatar is the richest country in the world, it has so many luxurious shopping malls. Most of the malls are budget-friendly.  All the clothes, shoes, and shopping products are tax free in Qatar. So shopping is comparatively cheaper here than in other middle east countries. It is also much cheaper than its neighbor country like the United Arab Emirates. In the case of imported clothing, you may charge Lil bit more money.

Rarely needed any winter clothes here as it has a hot climate. Generally, people wear cotton clothes that make you comfortable in a hot climate.

Here is an approximate idea about the cost.

  • Jeans: QR100-QR350
  • Summer Dress: QR100-QR300
  • Running Shoes: QR250-QR500
  • Leather Business Shoes: QR200-QR500 

Education (Study) Costing in Qatar:

Moat of the ex-pat living in Qatar for their working purposes. They may have paid a significant amount of money for the educational purposes of their child. Qatar offers a free public educational system only for its citizens. For ex-pats, it may cost a significant amount of tuition fees.

There are many private schools that are very costly. Though their educational system is very quality. Actually, the cost of tuition fees depends on the school type and their followed curriculum. There are many schools only for specialized nations, like Indian schools, Filipino schools, etc. That may cost less than private schools.

Here is a probable cost that does not include uniform and transport fees.

  • Preschool/Kindergarten: QR1000-QR3000/Month
  • Primary School: QR18000-QR50,000/Year
  • High Schools: Upto QR70,000/Year

World’s most expensive country Qatar is seems to be much more expensive for general ex-pats. But in reality, it does not as expensive as it seems to be. It offers a luxurious lifestyle at a lesser cost. Expats who fear because of cost can easily afford their journey. Because there are so many budget-friendly options available for them. Finally, it is an ideal place for ex-pats with safety, luxury, and facilities.