Qatar continues to be a preferred destination for expatriates and professionals seeking career growth and a high standard of living. The cost of living in Qatar in 2025 remains a significant factor for those planning to move or stay in the country long-term.
The country’s rapid development and booming economy continue to attract a wide variety of individuals seeking new opportunities. Whether you’re planning to move to Qatar or simply interested in the current lifestyle expenses, understanding the costs associated with housing, food, transportation, and general living expenses is crucial.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the factors that contribute to the cost of living in Qatar, focusing on housing, food, transportation, and other daily expenses that shape the life of residents.
This analysis will give an accurate and comprehensive view of what life is like in Qatar in 2025, offering key insights for those planning to move or those currently living in the country.
Overview of the Cost of Living in Qatar
Qatar is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and economic prosperity. However, living in this affluent country comes with its own set of financial obligations.
Various factors including the housing market, the price of groceries, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities influence the cost of living in Qatar. These expenses can fluctuate depending on personal preferences, family size, and lifestyle choices.
According to the data published by Numbeo, here is an estimate of the average monthly costs in Qatar to give you a general idea:
- For a family of four: Approximately 11,514.4 QAR (excluding rent).
- For a single person: Approximately 3,222.6 QAR (excluding rent).
These figures provide a rough estimate, but the actual cost will depend on various factors, including where you live and your personal spending habits.
Housing Costs in Qatar in 2025
One of the most significant expenses that residents in Qatar will face is housing. Rental prices vary depending on the location, type of property, and size of the apartment or house.
Average Rent in Qatar
For those living in the heart of the capital, Doha, rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in the city center can reach up to 5,600 Qatari Riyals (QR) per month. For a more spacious three-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay anywhere between 7,000 and 15,000 QR, depending on the specific location and amenities.
Rent Prices in Qatar (2025)
- 1-bedroom apartment in Doha city center: 5,598 QAR (range: 4,000 – 8,250 QAR)
- 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 3,648 QAR (range: 2,500 – 6,000 QAR)
- 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 9,744 QAR (range: 7,000 – 15,000 QAR)
- 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 6,995 QAR (range: 5,000 – 12,000 QAR)
On the other hand, properties located outside the city center are more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment outside of the center may cost between 2,500 and 6,000 QR, while three-bedroom apartments in these areas typically range from 5,000 to 12,000 QR per month.
Housing Market Trends in 2025
The real estate market in Qatar is experiencing a slight increase in rental rates, primarily due to the country’s growing population and influx of expatriates. However, rental prices are still considered to be competitive compared to other cities in the Gulf region, such as Dubai or Riyadh.
Expats, in particular, should be aware that the rental prices for furnished apartments tend to be higher than unfurnished ones, and additional costs like utilities and maintenance are often not included in the rent.
Cost of Buying a Property in Qatar
For those interested in purchasing property, the price per square meter in the city center of Doha averages around 17,960 QR. This is significantly higher than the price per square meter in the outskirts, which hovers around 12,938 QR. Real estate ownership in Qatar for expatriates is restricted to specific areas such as the Pearl-Qatar and Lusail, but with ongoing reforms and new initiatives, there are more opportunities for foreigners to invest in real estate.
Food Costs in Qatar in 2025
Food costs in Qatar can vary greatly depending on your shopping habits, where you shop, and the types of products you choose. While international food chains and supermarkets offer a wide range of products, local markets tend to offer more affordable prices for everyday items.
Grocery Prices
- Milk (1 liter): 7.74 QAR.
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): 5.66 QAR.
- Rice (1kg): 7.86 QAR.
- Eggs (12): 9.66 QAR.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg): 30.78 QAR.
- Beef Round (1kg): 38.41 QAR.
- Apples (1kg): 7.22 QAR.
- Bananas (1kg): 5.76 QAR.
These prices reflect the typical costs for common household items. Expatriates who are used to purchasing products from their home countries may find that some imported goods can be relatively expensive in comparison to local alternatives. Additionally, certain types of fruits and vegetables may fluctuate in price depending on seasonality.
Eating Out in Qatar
Qatar boasts a vibrant restaurant scene with diverse culinary offerings ranging from inexpensive local eateries to high-end international restaurants. The cost of dining out depends on where you go, with fast food and casual restaurants being more affordable, while fine dining establishments can be much more expensive.
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal: 25 QAR.
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant: 190 QAR.
- Combo Meal (McDonald’s or equivalent): 25 QAR.
- Cappuccino (regular): 18.13 QAR.
For those who enjoy eating out, Qatar offers a variety of options catering to all tastes and budgets. However, dining out frequently can add up quickly, especially if you prefer upscale restaurants.
Impact of Imported Goods on Food Costs
Due to Qatar’s reliance on imported food products, residents often face higher costs for international brands. For example, imported non-alcoholic beer is priced at around 15.69 QR for a 0.33-liter bottle.
Additionally, items like a bottle of non-alcoholic wine or domestic non-alcoholic beer can also be quite costly, averaging between 20.00 QR and 60.00 QR for each item.
Transportation Costs in Qatar in 2025
Transportation is another significant factor in Qatar’s cost of living. The country offers a mix of public transport options, including buses, taxis, and a growing metro system in Doha. The costs associated with each of these transportation modes can vary based on usage patterns.
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport): 2 QAR.
- Monthly Pass: 120 QAR.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): 8 QAR.
- Taxi (per km): 8 QAR.
Public Transportation
The cost of public transport in Qatar is quite affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs around 2.00 QR, while a monthly pass for regular use is priced at approximately 120.00 QR. This makes it accessible for individuals who rely on public transportation to get around the city.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are a popular choice for those who prefer more convenience. The base fare for a taxi ride is typically around 8.00 QR, with an additional charge of 8.00 QR per kilometer. For those who need to wait in a taxi for an hour, the cost can rise to around 32.50 QR.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also widely used in Qatar, and their rates are generally comparable to those of regular taxis.
Gasoline Prices and Vehicle Ownership
Fuel prices in Qatar are among the cheapest in the world. Gasoline costs approximately 2.07 QR per liter, making it highly affordable for residents who prefer to drive.
For individuals interested in buying a car, the price of a new vehicle, such as a Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla, can range from 59,000 QR to 120,000 QR.
For expats, owning a car can be a practical and convenient option due to the city’s sprawling layout and limited public transport options in certain areas. However, for those who live in the city center, the high cost of parking and limited space may discourage car ownership.
Utilities and Other Household Expenses in Qatar
Utility costs in Qatar can vary depending on the size of the apartment, the number of people in the household, and personal usage. Utility expenses generally include electricity, water, cooling, heating, and garbage disposal.
- Basic Utilities (for an 85m2 apartment): 353 QAR/month.
- Mobile Phone Plan (with 10GB data): 157.82 QAR/month.
- Internet (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data): 315.63 QAR/month.
While utility costs in Qatar can be relatively low compared to many other countries, the climate plays a significant role in energy consumption. Air conditioning is used extensively, particularly in the hotter months, which can lead to higher electricity costs.
Additionally, mobile phone and internet services are widely available, with several providers offering competitive rates for both data and voice plans.
Leisure, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Costs
Qatar is known for its luxurious lifestyle and abundance of leisure activities. From fitness clubs to cinema outings, Qatar offers a wide variety of entertainment options to suit all budgets.
Fitness and Sports
- Monthly Gym Membership: 420 QAR.
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour): 123.62 QAR.
- Cinema Ticket (International Release): 45 QAR.
For those interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, fitness clubs in Qatar are widely available, with memberships ranging from affordable to more premium options. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy activities like tennis, swimming, and golf, though fees for court rentals and lessons can add up.
Childcare and Education
For families with young children, childcare and education costs can be significant. Qatar has a variety of private and international schools, with tuition fees varying based on the institution.
- Preschool (Private, Full-Day, Monthly): 2,770.50 QAR.
- International Primary School (Yearly): 41,445.10 QAR.
The costs of childcare and education can vary greatly, with private schools and international institutions generally having higher fees. However, these schools offer high-quality education with curriculums from countries such as the US, UK, and others.
Miscellaneous Expenses in Qatar in 2025
Other miscellaneous expenses that affect the cost of living in Qatar include:
Healthcare Costs in Qatar
Qatar offers a robust public healthcare system, with additional options for private care.
- General consultation (private): 250 – 400 QAR
- Health insurance (annual): 2,000 – 4,000 QAR
The Hamad Medical Corporation provides affordable public healthcare, while expats often opt for private insurance for faster services.
Clothing and Personal Expenses
Clothing and footwear prices can fluctuate depending on brands and shopping locations.
- Pair of jeans (Levi’s 501): 217 QAR
- Summer dress (H&M/Zara): 198 QAR
- Nike running shoes: 358 QAR
Pet Care in Qatar
For those with pets, veterinary care and pet boarding services are readily available. However, these services can be expensive, with a veterinary consultation typically costing between 150 and 300 QR. Boarding fees for pets can range from 300 to 600 QR per day, depending on the type of facility.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Below is a breakdown of an estimated monthly budget for a single person and a family of four:
For a Single Person:
- Rent (1-bedroom): 3,648 QAR
- Food: 1,000 QAR
- Transport: 400 QAR
- Utilities and Internet: 700 QAR
- Total: 5,748 QAR
For a Family of Four:
- Rent (3-bedroom): 9,744 QAR
- Food: 3,000 QAR
- Transport: 1,000 QAR
- Childcare & Education: 7,000 QAR
- Utilities and Internet: 1,000 QAR
- Total: 21,744 QAR
Looking Ahead
While Qatar offers a high standard of living with world-class amenities and a thriving job market, the cost of living in 2025 remains relatively high compared to many other countries in the region. Housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and education represent the largest expense categories for residents.
However, despite these costs, Qatar’s tax-free income and relatively low gasoline prices help offset some of the financial burdens.
For expatriates planning to move to Qatar, understanding the financial demands of daily life is essential. By planning ahead and budgeting carefully, residents can enjoy the high quality of life the country has to offer while managing their expenses effectively.
