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Cost of Living in Qatar

The cost of living in Qatar depends on your lifestyle, what you are used to, and where you will live. Qatar is, overall, not a very expensive place to live, especially given that there are no income taxes for individuals and automobiles and energy are fairly cheap. Accommodation is often the expat's largest expense.

Depending on where you originate from, you may also find that clothing, food, and healthcare in Qatar are more expensive than compared to other countries. For example, utilities in Qatar are cheaper than most European countries, while alcohol is much more expensive. Electronic goods are cheaper in Qatar than in Europe due to lower import duties. Eating out may cost you more, but personal goods (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) are comparative to European countries. Books, cinema tickets and DVDs may be more expensive than in Europe.

Typical rent prices vary largely by the location of your flat or villa in Doha. The approximate accommodation costs in Doha are:

• Single bedroom or studio: 3,000 QR monthly (unfurnished) or 4,500 to 5,000 QR monthly (furnished)
• Double bedroom apartment: +5,000 QR monthly (unfurnished)
• Double bedroom apartment: +6,000 QR monthly (furnished)
• Triple or four bedroom villa: 12,000-20,000 QR monthly

Prepare for your Housing Search in Doha

Before renting in Doha, you should consider:

• The best location to live in for your lifestyle and budget.
• The age of the property you want to live in (i.e. a new development or an older villa). You should also consider whether you want to live in a compound (offers extra services, such as security and leisure amenities, for a fee).
• The type of property you want to live in. There are pros and cons to living in a flat versus a villa.
• If you want to rent a furnished or unfurnished or semi-furnished property.
• The proximity of properties to schools, if you have children, and your workplace.

Flatsharing in Doha

Since the cost of living in Doha is rising, many lower-income residents in the city find flatsharing an economical option. Similarly, single men and women also find it to be a useful way to afford higher-priced flats in good locations. However, most expat families chose to rent their own flat or villa. Students studying at universities in Doha also rent their own flat, or secure residence through their school.

Typically, you can expect to pay one half, one third, etc. of the rent of a property, depending on the number of bedrooms.

To find available flatshare situations in Doha you can search EasyExpat's Qatar forums and Qatar classifieds.

Hostels in Doha

There are not many hostels in Doha with an average prices ranging from 140-500 QR/night (€100-€30/night). Many are accredited by Hostelling International.

Use the Recommended Partner tool below to find a hostel.