Cost Of Living in Qatar 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Qatar

Whether you're living in Qatar 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

11,000 QAR

per month
$3,000

850 QAR   $230
$30,000   110,000 QAR

Single

7,700 QAR

per month
$2,100

2,600 QAR   $700
$14,000   51,000 QAR

Couple

13,000 QAR

per month
$3,500

4,300 QAR   $1,200
$19,000   68,000 QAR

Family

17,000 QAR

per month
$4,700

6,000 QAR   $1,600
$26,000   94,000 QAR

Student

5,400 QAR

per month
$1,500

2,200 QAR   $590
$2,700   9,700 QAR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Qatar is 7,700 QAR. Expenses can range from 2,600 QAR at the minimum level to 51,000 QAR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Qatar is 13,000 QAR. Expenditure can range from 4,300 QAR to 68,000 QAR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Qatar is 17,000 QAR per month. Families spend anywhere from 6,000 QAR to 94,000 QAR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Qatar is 5,400 QAR. Students spend from 2,200 QAR to 9,700 QAR 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 Qatar


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1.4 QAR 1.6 QAR 1.8 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.44 $0.51
Fast food combo meal
12 QAR 24 QAR 40 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $6.6 $11
Restaurant meal for one
40 QAR 60 QAR 120 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $33
Fine dining meal for one
80 QAR 120 QAR 480 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $130
Soda or Soft Drink
1.7 QAR 2 QAR 2.4 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.55 $0.66
Cappuccino or latte
10 QAR 16 QAR 24 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.4 $6.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
8 QAR 9.6 QAR 12 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.6 $3.3
Loaf of bread
1.4 QAR 1.6 QAR 1.9 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.45 $0.52
12 eggs
6 QAR 8 QAR 12 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.2 $3.3
Fresh whole chicken
14 QAR 18 QAR 25 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $4.8 $6.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
16 QAR 24 QAR 48 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $6.6 $13
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
6.5 QAR 8.8 QAR 13 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $3.4
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
2.4 QAR 3.2 QAR 6 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.88 $1.6
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
4.3 QAR 5.6 QAR 9.2 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.5

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
10 QAR 12 QAR 24 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.3 $6.6
Average car full tank
60 QAR 80 QAR 160 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $44
Average car 1-day rental
60 QAR 80 QAR 120 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $33
Average car price
30,000 QAR 60,000 QAR 80,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,200 $16,000 $22,000
Bus ticket one way
2 QAR 3 QAR 6 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.82 $1.6
Car Service
80 QAR 120 QAR 240 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $66

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
150 QAR 460 QAR 3,100 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $130 $840
Utility Bill - Couple
210 QAR 640 QAR 3,400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $180 $940
Utility Bill - Family
180 QAR 510 QAR 2,800 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $140 $770
Internet and cable
60 QAR 120 QAR 160 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $33 $44
Mobile phone charges
48 QAR 80 QAR 240 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $22 $66

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
30 QAR 40 QAR 60 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $11 $16
One month gym membership
96 QAR 120 QAR 240 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $33 $66

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
71 QAR 100 QAR 150 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $27 $41
Woman dress
67 QAR 92 QAR 300 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $25 $82
Woman shoes
63 QAR 86 QAR 200 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $24 $55
Men's shoes
55 QAR 67 QAR 130 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $37
Men suit
60 QAR 75 QAR 400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $110
Regular t-shirt
30 QAR 40 QAR 120 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $11 $33

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,000 QAR 1,500 QAR 4,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
1,500 QAR 2,400 QAR 6,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $660 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
2,000 QAR 3,000 QAR 8,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $820 $2,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
200,000 QAR 300,000 QAR 600,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $82,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
240,000 QAR 400,000 QAR 1.5M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $110,000 $410,000
2-bedroom apartment
400,000 QAR 1.2M QAR 2.4M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $330,000 $660,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,200 QAR 1,500 QAR 2,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $410 $550
Double Bed
800 QAR 1,200 QAR 1,500 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $410
Single Bed
710 QAR 920 QAR 1,200 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $250 $330
Living Room
1,300 QAR 1,700 QAR 6,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $470 $1,600
Dining Table
600 QAR 800 QAR 1,500 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $220 $410
Sofa or Couch
800 QAR 1,100 QAR 2,400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $300 $660

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
800 QAR 1,200 QAR 2,400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $660
Fridge or Freezer
710 QAR 1,100 QAR 1,500 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $300 $410
Washing Machine
920 QAR 1,300 QAR 2,400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $370 $660
Stove or Cooker
860 QAR 1,100 QAR 1,500 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $300 $410
Mobile Phone
1,000 QAR 1,200 QAR 1,700 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $470
Laptop or Computer
1,100 QAR 1,300 QAR 2,400 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $660

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Qatar

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 Qatar 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 Qatar?

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$70   260 QAR
AVERAGE$910   3,300 QAR
HIGH$9,100   33,000 QAR
Per Month

People living in Qatar typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 3,300 QAR with expenditure ranging from 260 QAR to 33,000 QAR. 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, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$12   43 QAR
AVERAGE$150   550 QAR
HIGH$1,500   5,500 QAR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Qatar ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 550 QAR with 43 QAR and 5,500 QAR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$23   85 QAR
AVERAGE$300   1,100 QAR
HIGH$3,000   11,000 QAR
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 85 QAR to 11,000 QAR on commuting with 1,100 QAR 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$59   210 QAR
AVERAGE$760   2,800 QAR
HIGH$7,600   28,000 QAR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Qatar is 2,800 QAR. The cost of groceries can range between 210 QAR to 28,000 QAR. 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$16   60 QAR
AVERAGE$210   780 QAR
HIGH$2,100   7,800 QAR
Per Month

People in Qatar 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 60 QAR to 7,800 QAR with 780 QAR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$9.4   34 QAR
AVERAGE$120   440 QAR
HIGH$1,200   4,400 QAR
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 34 QAR to 4,400 QAR with 440 QAR 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$14   51 QAR
AVERAGE$180   660 QAR
HIGH$1,800   6,600 QAR
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 660 QAR per month with 51 QAR being the minimum spent amount and 6,600 QAR being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$30   110 QAR
AVERAGE$400   1,400 QAR
HIGH$4,000   14,000 QAR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Qatar 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 Qatar manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
65%
Not Saving
35%

Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Qatar said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Qatar

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles73%27%
Couples68%32%
Families63%37%

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

11% 20% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

350 QAR
$96
4,500 QAR
$1,200
45,000 QAR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% 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 4,500 QAR on average with savings ranging from 350 QAR to 45,000 QAR.

73% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 63% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Qatar?

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

14% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 QAR
$290
3,100 QAR
$860
21,000 QAR
$5,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 14% to 33% 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 3,100 QAR with 1,000 QAR and 21,000 QAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,700 QAR
$480
5,200 QAR
$1,400
28,000 QAR
$7,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,200 QAR with 1,700 QAR and 28,000 QAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,400 QAR
$670
7,000 QAR
$1,900
38,000 QAR
$11,000
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 in Qatar can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 7,000 QAR with 2,400 QAR and 38,000 QAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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 Qatar

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Qatar?


Yes
76%
No
24%

Around 76% of surveyed residents think that living in Qatar is affordable with proper budgeting while 24% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Qatar

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 options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Qatar have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% 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 Qatar whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes72%

No28%


Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Qatar said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Qatar

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 Leteracy71%


We asked residents of Qatar whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% 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 71% 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 Qatar have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 30% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 70% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance30%

Easily manages finances70%

Financial goals of people in Qatar

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Qatar, 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 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.

Saving Challenges in Qatar

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Qatar. 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 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Qatar

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%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Qatar

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Qatar and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Qatar 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:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Qatar:
AgeAmount
2531,000 QAR
3062,000 QAR
35110,000 QAR
40160,000 QAR
45230,000 QAR
50330,000 QAR
55390,000 QAR
60480,000 QAR
65580,000 QAR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Qatar about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job8%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Qatar

1,800 QAR
$500
5,500 QAR
$1,500
37,000 QAR
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Qatar


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
71%

According to the survey, 29% of the people in Qatar have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Qatar

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 Qatar goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

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

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Qatar pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% 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 Qatar

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan35%

15% of debtors in Qatar 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 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Qatar.


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 Qatar

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Qatar 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 costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Qatar

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


Rent Cost in Qatar

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,000 QAR 1,500 QAR 4,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
1,500 QAR 2,400 QAR 6,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $660 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
2,000 QAR 3,000 QAR 8,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $820 $2,200
3-bedroom apartment
2,400 QAR 4,000 QAR 11,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,100 $3,000
Furnished apartment
4,800 QAR 12,000 QAR 24,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,300 $6,600
Townhouse
4,000 QAR 6,000 QAR 17,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,600 $4,700
House
4,800 QAR 12,000 QAR 24,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,300 $6,600
Villa
6,000 QAR 15,000 QAR 24,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,100 $6,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Qatar ranges between 1,000 QAR and 4,000 QAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,500 QAR to 6,000 QAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,000 QAR and 8,000 QAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,400 QAR to 11,000 QAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Qatar is around 6,000 QAR while house rental costs can be as high as 12,000 QAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 6,000 QAR to 24,000 QAR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Qatar

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
200,000 QAR 300,000 QAR 600,000 QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $82,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
240,000 QAR 400,000 QAR 1.5M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $110,000 $410,000
2-bedroom apartment
400,000 QAR 1.2M QAR 2.4M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $330,000 $660,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.3M QAR 2M QAR 6M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370,000 $550,000 $1.6M
Townhouse
1.7M QAR 4M QAR 15M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470,000 $1.1M $4.1M
House
2M QAR 12M QAR 17M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $3.3M $4.7M
Villa
2.4M QAR 13M QAR 20M QAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $3.7M $5.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Qatar can range from 200,000 QAR to 600,000 QAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 240,000 QAR to 1.5M QAR. A villa can cost you 13M QAR on average with prices ranging from 2.4M QAR to 20M QAR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Qatar 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 x127 monthly income 216
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Qatar can be x127 to x216 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x127 multiples of the average monthly salary in Qatar.



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 Qatar 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.


17 QAR 220 QAR 2,200 QAR
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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Qatar

Housing34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$250   920 QAR
AVERAGE$760   2,800 QAR
HIGH$5,100   18,000 QAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$42   150 QAR
AVERAGE$130   460 QAR
HIGH$840   3,100 QAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$56   200 QAR
AVERAGE$170   610 QAR
HIGH$1,100   4,100 QAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$110   410 QAR
AVERAGE$340   1,200 QAR
HIGH$2,200   8,200 QAR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$63   230 QAR
AVERAGE$190   690 QAR
HIGH$1,300   4,600 QAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$35   130 QAR
AVERAGE$110   380 QAR
HIGH$700   2,600 QAR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$14   51 QAR
AVERAGE$42   150 QAR
HIGH$280   1,000 QAR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$130   460 QAR
AVERAGE$380   1,400 QAR
HIGH$2,500   9,200 QAR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Qatar

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$390   1,400 QAR
AVERAGE$1,200   4,200 QAR
HIGH$6,200   22,000 QAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$59   210 QAR
AVERAGE$180   640 QAR
HIGH$940   3,400 QAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$140   510 QAR
AVERAGE$420   1,500 QAR
HIGH$2,200   8,200 QAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$160   600 QAR
AVERAGE$490   1,800 QAR
HIGH$2,600   9,500 QAR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$130   470 QAR
AVERAGE$390   1,400 QAR
HIGH$2,100   7,500 QAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$70   260 QAR
AVERAGE$210   770 QAR
HIGH$1,100   4,100 QAR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$23   85 QAR
AVERAGE$70   260 QAR
HIGH$370   1,400 QAR
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$200   720 QAR
AVERAGE$600   2,200 QAR
HIGH$3,200   12,000 QAR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Qatar

Housing30%

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

LOW$520   1,900 QAR
AVERAGE$1,500   5,500 QAR
HIGH$8,200   30,000 QAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

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

LOW$130   480 QAR
AVERAGE$370   1,400 QAR
HIGH$2,100   7,500 QAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

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

LOW$290   1,100 QAR
AVERAGE$840   3,100 QAR
HIGH$4,600   17,000 QAR
Per Month

Healthcare9%

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

LOW$130   480 QAR
AVERAGE$370   1,400 QAR
HIGH$2,100   7,500 QAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW$82   300 QAR
AVERAGE$230   850 QAR
HIGH$1,300   4,700 QAR
Per Month

Education14%

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

LOW$230   830 QAR
AVERAGE$660   2,400 QAR
HIGH$3,600   13,000 QAR
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

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

LOW$200   720 QAR
AVERAGE$560   2,000 QAR
HIGH$3,100   11,000 QAR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Qatar

Housing22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW$140   520 QAR
AVERAGE$360   1,300 QAR
HIGH$640   2,300 QAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$24   86 QAR
AVERAGE$59   220 QAR
HIGH$110   390 QAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$42   150 QAR
AVERAGE$100   380 QAR
HIGH$190   680 QAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$120   430 QAR
AVERAGE$300   1,100 QAR
HIGH$530   1,900 QAR
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$36   130 QAR
AVERAGE$89   320 QAR
HIGH$160   580 QAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$30   110 QAR
AVERAGE$74   270 QAR
HIGH$130   490 QAR
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$110   410 QAR
AVERAGE$280   1,000 QAR
HIGH$510   1,800 QAR
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$89   320 QAR
AVERAGE$220   810 QAR
HIGH$400   1,500 QAR
Per Month
Doha  
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