Cost Of Living in Kuwait 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kuwait
Whether you're living in Kuwait or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: KWD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: KWD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: KWD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: KWD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: KWD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kuwait is 960 KWD. Expenses can range from 140 KWD at the minimum level to 6,400 KWD at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Kuwait is 1,600 KWD. Expenditure can range from 530 KWD to 8,500 KWD per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Kuwait is 2,100 KWD per month. Families spend anywhere from 750 KWD to 14,000 KWD.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Kuwait is 690 KWD. Students spend from 110 KWD to 4,600 KWD per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Kuwait
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
| 0.30 KWD | 0.40 KWD | 0.75 KWD |
Bag of apples
| 0.54 KWD | 0.70 KWD | 1.2 KWD |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 3,800 KWD | 7,500 KWD | 10,000 KWD |
Bus ticket one way
| 0.25 KWD | 0.38 KWD | 0.75 KWD |
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
| 250 KWD | 380 KWD | 1,000 KWD |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 25,000 KWD | 38,000 KWD | 75,000 KWD |
| $81,000 | $120,000 | $240,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 30,000 KWD | 50,000 KWD | 190,000 KWD |
| $97,000 | $160,000 | $610,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 50,000 KWD | 150,000 KWD | 300,000 KWD |
| $160,000 | $490,000 | $970,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
Expenditure to Income Ratio 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.
Spending to Income Ratio
82%
73% to 92%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 7% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 60% - 70% | 19% |
| 70% - 80% | 27% |
| 80% - 90% | 14% |
| 90% - 100% | 8% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 1% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kuwait is 82%
This means that on average, people spend around 82% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
74%
Spending-Income-Ratio
66%
83%
Couple
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
87%
Family
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
97%
How do people spend their money in Kuwait?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
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 Expenditure28%
28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)
| LOW | $100 32 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $1,400 420 KWD |
| HIGH | $14,000 4,200 KWD |
| Per Month |
People living in Kuwait typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 420 KWD with expenditure ranging from 32 KWD to 4,200 KWD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $17 5.3 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $230 69 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,300 690 KWD |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kuwait ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 69 KWD with 5.3 KWD and 690 KWD being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $35 11 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $450 140 KWD |
| HIGH | $4,500 1,400 KWD |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 11 KWD to 1,400 KWD on commuting with 140 KWD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.
Food and Groceries Cost26%
26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)
| LOW | $87 27 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 350 KWD |
| HIGH | $11,000 3,500 KWD |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kuwait is 350 KWD. The cost of groceries can range between 27 KWD to 3,500 KWD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services8%
8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $24 7.5 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $320 97 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,200 970 KWD |
| Per Month |
People in Kuwait allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 7.5 KWD to 970 KWD with 97 KWD being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $14 4.3 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $180 56 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,800 560 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 4.3 KWD to 560 KWD with 56 KWD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $21 6.4 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $270 83 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,700 830 KWD |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 83 KWD per month with 6.4 KWD being the minimum spent amount and 830 KWD being the maximum.
Other Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)
| LOW | $45 14 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $590 180 KWD |
| HIGH | $5,900 1,800 KWD |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Kuwait every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Kuwait manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 69% of the surveyed people in Kuwait said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 31% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kuwait
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 72% | 29% |
| Couples | 67% | 34% |
| Families | 62% | 39% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
43 KWD
$140 | 560 KWD
$1,800 | 5,600 KWD
$18,000 |
For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 560 KWD on average with savings ranging from 43 KWD to 5,600 KWD.
72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 67% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Kuwait?
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.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
43 KWD
$140 | 390 KWD
$1,300 | 2,600 KWD
$8,400 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 390 KWD with 43 KWD and 2,600 KWD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
220 KWD
$700 | 650 KWD
$2,100 | 3,500 KWD
$11,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 650 KWD with 220 KWD and 3,500 KWD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
300 KWD
$980 | 860 KWD
$2,800 | 5,600 KWD
$18,000 |
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 in Kuwait can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 860 KWD with 300 KWD and 5,600 KWD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Kuwait
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kuwait. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 7% |
| High Expenses | 10% |
| Debt and Loans | 20% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 16% |
| Inflation | 10% |
| Social Pressure | 4% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 7% of the people 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% 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.
Typical saving choices for people in Kuwait
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 10% |
| Gold | 9% |
| Savings Accounts | 18% |
| Retirement Accounts | 12% |
| Cash Savings | 14% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 7% |
| Bonds | 7% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 4% |
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.
Affordable living in Kuwait
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Kuwait?
Around 78% of surveyed residents 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.
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 residents 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 people 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
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 residents of Kuwait whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes76%
No24%
Based on the survey, 24% of the people living in Kuwait said that they don't have an emergency fund while 76% said that they do.
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 residents of 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 residents 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 of people 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 Fund | 6% |
| Debt Reduction | 30% |
| Retirement Savings | 7% |
| Education Funding | 9% |
| Homeownership | 16% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 12% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 7% |
| Financial Independence | 10% |
Around 6% of those who participated in the survey 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.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kuwait
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kuwait and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Kuwait is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Kuwait:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 3,900 KWD |
| 30 | 7,800 KWD |
| 35 | 14,000 KWD |
| 40 | 20,000 KWD |
| 45 | 29,000 KWD |
| 50 | 41,000 KWD |
| 55 | 49,000 KWD |
| 60 | 60,000 KWD |
| 65 | 72,000 KWD |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Kuwait about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 14% |
| Savings | 21% |
| Investments | 14% |
| Social Security | 9% |
| Annuities | 9% |
| Part-time Job | 8% |
| Real Estate | 16% |
| Dividends and Interest | 9% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kuwait 77 KWD
$250 | 690 KWD
$2,200 | 4,600 KWD
$15,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kuwait
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 24% of the people 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.
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 the people's monthly income in Kuwait goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly 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 Mortgage | 15% |
| Auto Loan | 25% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 23% |
| Personal Loan | 34% |
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 managementManaging 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 residents 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 |
|---|
| Never | 57% |
| Once a year | 21% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 3% |
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
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 250 KWD | 380 KWD | 1,000 KWD |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 300 KWD | 500 KWD | 1,400 KWD |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 600 KWD | 1,500 KWD | 3,000 KWD |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 500 KWD | 750 KWD | 2,100 KWD |
House monthly rent cost
| 600 KWD | 1,500 KWD | 3,000 KWD |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 750 KWD | 1,900 KWD | 3,000 KWD |
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 |
| $81,000 | $120,000 | $240,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 30,000 KWD | 50,000 KWD | 190,000 KWD |
| $97,000 | $160,000 | $610,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 50,000 KWD | 150,000 KWD | 300,000 KWD |
| $160,000 | $490,000 | $970,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 170,000 KWD | 250,000 KWD | 750,000 KWD |
Townhouse price
| 210,000 KWD | 500,000 KWD | 1.9M KWD |
House price
| 250,000 KWD | 1.5M KWD | 2.1M KWD |
Villa price
| 300,000 KWD | 1.7M KWD | 2.5M KWD |
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 |
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
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.
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.
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 / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Kuwait ranges between 8.2 KWD and 380 KWD with average being 58 KWD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 72 KWD with 21 KWD and 470 KWD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 110 KWD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and 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
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 |
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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kuwait is around 25%. This means that people 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 every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 150 KWD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 22 KWD and 1,000 KWD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 220 KWD per month. That number can be get as low as 75 KWD or a high as 1,200 KWD. 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.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Kuwait
Housing cost for a single person34%
34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)
| LOW | $160 49 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 350 KWD |
| HIGH | $7,500 2,300 KWD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)
| LOW | $27 8.2 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $190 58 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,200 380 KWD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $36 11 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $250 77 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,700 510 KWD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)
| LOW | $71 22 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $500 150 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,300 1,000 KWD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)
| LOW | $40 12 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $280 87 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,900 580 KWD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $22 6.8 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $160 48 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,000 320 KWD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $8.9 2.7 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $62 19 KWD |
| HIGH | $420 130 KWD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $80 25 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $560 170 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,700 1,200 KWD |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Kuwait
Housing cost for a couple31%
31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)
| LOW | $590 180 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $1,800 540 KWD |
| HIGH | $9,400 2,900 KWD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $69 21 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $230 72 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,500 470 KWD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)
| LOW | $210 64 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $620 190 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,300 1,000 KWD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost15%
15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)
| LOW | $240 75 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $730 220 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,900 1,200 KWD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $190 59 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $570 180 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,100 940 KWD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $100 32 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $310 96 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,700 510 KWD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $35 11 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $100 32 KWD |
| HIGH | $560 170 KWD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $290 91 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $880 270 KWD |
| HIGH | $4,700 1,500 KWD |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Kuwait
Housing cost for a family30%
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 |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $120 37 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $350 110 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,300 690 KWD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses7%
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 |
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 |
Healthcare Expenses9%
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 |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $120 37 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $350 110 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,300 690 KWD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
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 |
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 |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Kuwait
Housing costs for Student22%
22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)
| LOW | $83 26 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $540 170 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,600 1,100 KWD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $14 4.3 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $90 28 KWD |
| HIGH | $600 180 KWD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $24 7.5 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $160 48 KWD |
| HIGH | $1,000 320 KWD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)
| LOW | $69 21 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $450 140 KWD |
| HIGH | $3,000 920 KWD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $21 6.4 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $130 42 KWD |
| HIGH | $900 280 KWD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $17 5.3 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $110 35 KWD |
| HIGH | $750 230 KWD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $66 20 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $430 130 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,800 880 KWD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $52 16 KWD |
| AVERAGE | $340 100 KWD |
| HIGH | $2,200 690 KWD |
| Per Month |
