Cost Of Living For a Family in Kuwait 2024

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kuwait

Average monthly spending for families in Kuwait

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: KWD
750 2,100 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,900 $45,000

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Kuwait?

Families in Kuwait spend around 2,100 KWD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 750 KWD or as high as 14,000 KWD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kuwait


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kuwait

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

1.5 KWD 3 KWD 5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $9.7 $16

Restaurant meal for one

5 KWD 7.5 KWD 15 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $49

Fine dining meal for one

10 KWD 15 KWD 60 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $49 $190

Cappuccino or latte

1.3 KWD 2 KWD 3 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.5 $9.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

1 KWD 1.2 KWD 1.5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.9 $4.9

12 eggs

0.75 KWD 1 KWD 1.5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.9

Fresh whole chicken

1.7 KWD 2.2 KWD 3.1 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $7.2 $10

Pack of beef

2 KWD 3 KWD 6 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

Medium bag of rice

0.81 KWD 1.1 KWD 1.6 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.6 $5.1

Bag of tomatos

0.30 KWD 0.40 KWD 0.75 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.3 $2.4

Bag of apples

0.54 KWD 0.70 KWD 1.2 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.7
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kuwait


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

1.3 KWD 1.5 KWD 3 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $4.9 $9.7

Average car full tank

7.5 KWD 10 KWD 20 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $65

Average car 1-day rental

7.5 KWD 10 KWD 15 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $49

Average car price

3,800 KWD 7,500 KWD 10,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $24,000 $32,000

Bus ticket one way

0.25 KWD 0.38 KWD 0.75 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.2 $2.4

Car Service

10 KWD 15 KWD 30 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $49 $97
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kuwait


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

37 KWD 110 KWD 690 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $350 $2,300

Internet and cable

7.5 KWD 15 KWD 20 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $49 $65

Mobile phone charges

6 KWD 10 KWD 30 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $32 $97

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

3.8 KWD 5 KWD 7.5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $24

One month gym membership

12 KWD 15 KWD 30 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $49 $97
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kuwait


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

8.8 KWD 13 KWD 19 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $41 $61

Woman dress

8.3 KWD 12 KWD 38 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $37 $120

Woman shoes

7.9 KWD 11 KWD 25 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $81

Men's shoes

6.8 KWD 8.3 KWD 17 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $54

Men suit

7.5 KWD 9.4 KWD 50 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $160

Regular t-shirt

3.8 KWD 5 KWD 15 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $49
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kuwait


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

130 KWD 190 KWD 500 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $610 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment

190 KWD 300 KWD 750 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $970 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment

250 KWD 380 KWD 1,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$810 $1,200 $3,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

25,000 KWD 38,000 KWD 75,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment

30,000 KWD 50,000 KWD 190,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97,000 $160,000 $610,000

2-bedroom apartment

50,000 KWD 150,000 KWD 300,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $970,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kuwait


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

150 KWD 190 KWD 250 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $610 $810

Double Bed

100 KWD 150 KWD 190 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $490 $610

Single Bed

88 KWD 120 KWD 150 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $370 $490

Living Room

170 KWD 210 KWD 750 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $700 $2,400

Dining Table

75 KWD 100 KWD 190 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $320 $610

Sofa or Couch

100 KWD 140 KWD 300 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $440 $970
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kuwait


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

100 KWD 150 KWD 300 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $490 $970

Fridge or Freezer

88 KWD 140 KWD 190 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $610

Washing Machine

120 KWD 170 KWD 300 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $540 $970

Stove or Cooker

110 KWD 140 KWD 190 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $440 $610

Mobile Phone

130 KWD 150 KWD 210 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $490 $700

Laptop or Computer

140 KWD 170 KWD 300 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $540 $970
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kuwait

Family expenditure to income ratio in Kuwait

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Kuwait

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

86%

77% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Kuwait spend around 86% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 77% of their income while some as high as 97%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Kuwait

How do families spend their money in Kuwait?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW$780   240 KWD
AVERAGE$2,200   680 KWD
HIGH$14,000   4,400 KWD
Per Month

Families in Kuwait typically spend from 25% to 40% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 680 KWD with expenditure ranging from 240 KWD to 4,400 KWD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$120   37 KWD
AVERAGE$350   110 KWD
HIGH$2,300   690 KWD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kuwait ranges from 2% to 7% of total expenses with 4% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 110 KWD with 37 KWD and 690 KWD being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$240   75 KWD
AVERAGE$690   210 KWD
HIGH$4,500   1,400 KWD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 75 KWD to 1,400 KWD in a month on commuting with 210 KWD being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 9%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$440   130 KWD
AVERAGE$1,200   380 KWD
HIGH$8,100   2,500 KWD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Kuwait is 380 KWD. The cost of groceries can range between 130 KWD to 2,500 KWD. Families spend on average about 19% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 25% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$220   67 KWD
AVERAGE$690   210 KWD
HIGH$3,600   1,100 KWD
Per Month

Families in Kuwait allocate 5% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 67 KWD to 1,100 KWD with 210 KWD being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$120   37 KWD
AVERAGE$350   110 KWD
HIGH$2,300   690 KWD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 37 KWD to 690 KWD with 110 KWD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$340   100 KWD
AVERAGE$970   300 KWD
HIGH$6,300   1,900 KWD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 14% of the monthly expenditure of families with 7% and 22% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 300 KWD per month with 100 KWD being the minimum spent amount and 1,900 KWD being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$190   60 KWD
AVERAGE$560   170 KWD
HIGH$3,600   1,100 KWD
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Kuwait

What percentage of families in Kuwait are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
62%
Not Saving
39%

Almost 62% of surveyed families in Kuwait said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 39% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Kuwait

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

300 KWD
$980
860 KWD
$2,800
5,600 KWD
$18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 11% to 29% of their monthly income to their savings, with 19% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 860 KWD with 300 KWD and 5,600 KWD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Kuwait

Saving Challenges in Kuwait

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Kuwait. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 20% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Kuwait

Typical saving choices for families in Kuwait

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Kuwait

Affordable living in Kuwait

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kuwait?


Yes
78%
No
22%

Around 78% of surveyed families think that living in Kuwait is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kuwait

Low-cost alternatives in Kuwait

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the families living in Kuwait have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families of Kuwait whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes76%

No24%


Based on the survey, 24% of the families living in Kuwait said that they don't have an emergency fund while 76% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Kuwait

Financial Literacy in Kuwait

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy73%


We asked family guardians and parents in Kuwait whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of Kuwait have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 21% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 79% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance21%

Easily manages finances79%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Kuwait

Financial goals of families in Kuwait

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kuwait, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction30%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence10%

Around 6% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 30% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Kuwait

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kuwait


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the families in Kuwait have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kuwait

Debt-to-income ratio in Kuwait

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of a family's monthly income in Kuwait goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%9%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%21%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Kuwait pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 9% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kuwait

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan34%

15% of debtors in Kuwait confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 25% of people and personal loans rose at 34%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Kuwait.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kuwait

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families of Kuwait how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kuwait

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kuwait

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kuwait

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

130 KWD 190 KWD 500 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $610 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

190 KWD 300 KWD 750 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $970 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

250 KWD 380 KWD 1,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$810 $1,200 $3,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

300 KWD 500 KWD 1,400 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$970 $1,600 $4,400

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

600 KWD 1,500 KWD 3,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,900 $9,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

500 KWD 750 KWD 2,100 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,400 $7,000

House monthly rent cost

600 KWD 1,500 KWD 3,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,900 $9,700

Villa monthly rent cost

750 KWD 1,900 KWD 3,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,100 $9,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kuwait ranges between 130 KWD and 500 KWD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 190 KWD to 750 KWD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 250 KWD and 1,000 KWD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 300 KWD to 1,400 KWD. The average rent of a townhouse in Kuwait is around 750 KWD while house rental costs can be as high as 1,500 KWD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 750 KWD to 3,000 KWD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kuwait

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

25,000 KWD 38,000 KWD 75,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment price

30,000 KWD 50,000 KWD 190,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97,000 $160,000 $610,000

2-bedroom apartment price

50,000 KWD 150,000 KWD 300,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $970,000

3-bedroom apartment price

170,000 KWD 250,000 KWD 750,000 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540,000 $810,000 $2.4M

Townhouse price

210,000 KWD 500,000 KWD 1.9M KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$700,000 $1.6M $6.1M

House price

250,000 KWD 1.5M KWD 2.1M KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$810,000 $4.9M $7M

Villa price

300,000 KWD 1.7M KWD 2.5M KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$970,000 $5.4M $8.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kuwait can range from 25,000 KWD to 75,000 KWD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 30,000 KWD to 190,000 KWD. A villa can cost you 1.7M KWD on average with prices ranging from 300,000 KWD to 2.5M KWD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kuwait will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


43 x128 monthly income 217
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kuwait can be x128 to x217 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x128 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kuwait.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 33% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kuwait is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


2.1 KWD 28 KWD 280 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kuwait

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kuwait

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

37 KWD 110 KWD 690 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $350 $2,300

Internet and cable cost

7.5 KWD 15 KWD 20 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $49 $65

Mobile phone bill and charges

6 KWD 10 KWD 30 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $32 $97

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 110 KWD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 7.5 KWD to 20 KWD with 15 KWD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 10 KWD but can range between 6 KWD and 30 KWD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kuwait is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kuwait

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kuwait

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

1.5 KWD 3 KWD 5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $9.7 $16

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kuwait is approximatly 3 KWD with meal cost ranging from 1.5 KWD to 5 KWD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

5 KWD 7.5 KWD 15 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $49

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 5 KWD and 15 KWD with 7.5 KWD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kuwait.

Fine dining meal for one price

10 KWD 15 KWD 60 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $49 $190

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 10 KWD to 60 KWD with the average cost being 15 KWD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kuwait.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1.3 KWD 2 KWD 3 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.5 $9.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kuwait is around 2 KWD. Price ranges between 1.3 KWD and 3 KWD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1 KWD 1.2 KWD 1.5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.9 $4.9

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kuwait is 1.2 KWD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1.5 KWD and the minimum being 1 KWD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

0.75 KWD 1 KWD 1.5 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.9

A dozen eggs costs around 1 KWD on average with 0.75 KWD and 1.5 KWD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1.7 KWD 2.2 KWD 3.1 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $7.2 $10

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kuwait is between 1.7 KWD and 3.1 KWD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 2.2 KWD.

Pack of beef price

2 KWD 3 KWD 6 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 3 KWD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

0.81 KWD 1.1 KWD 1.6 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.6 $5.1

A bag of rice in Kuwait costs around 1.1 KWD on average with prices rangeing between 0.81 KWD and 1.6 KWD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.30 KWD 0.40 KWD 0.75 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.3 $2.4

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.30 KWD to 0.75 KWD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.54 KWD 0.70 KWD 1.2 KWD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.7

A bag of apples costs 0.70 KWD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kuwait is around 25%. This means that families spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 130 KWD to 2,500 KWD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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