Cost of Living in Doha

In a recent survey of expatriates in Qatar, 80% expressed that they are happy to be living and working in the country. A large concentration of these happily employed people is in the capital city of Doha.

Housing

Land plots in suburban Doha are available for 400 QR or 109.89 USD per square meter.

If you are not ready to invest in real estate, then renting is your best option. A family of four can rent a furnished two-bedroom apartment for about 6000 QR or 1648.36 USD monthly. If you are single and on a limited budget, the monthly rent for a shared apartment is about 2500 QR 686.81 USD).

Food and Groceries

A complete meal can cost less than 36 QR or 10 USD if you are eating out. 

Places like McDonald's, KFC, Burger King and Dairy Queen can be found in the city. If you feel a sudden craving for cheeseburger, a combo meal costs about 20 QR (5.50 USD). 

Eating out is another major form of recreation for expats. The variety of restaurants offered in Doha is amazing, and there are definitely affordable options. A three-course dinner in a restaurant for example is only 50 QR (13.74 USD). 

Major shopping centres in Doha also carry more upscale restaurants such as TGI Fridays, Applebee's, Chili's, Fuddruckers, Bennigan's, Ponderosa Steakhouse and coffee shops like Starbucks. 

Grocery shopping is also a delight in Doha as far as costs are concerned. Food basics like milk cost 5 QR (1.37 USD) per litre, a dozen eggs about 9 QR (2.47 USD), while a kilo of white sugar costs about 5 QR (1.37 USD).  

You can certainly enjoy a home-cooked meal as a kilo of minced beef costs only around 10 QR (2.75 USD), while fresh salmon costs around 50 QR (13.74 USD).

Household products such as laundry detergent cost about 20 QR (5.49 USD), toothpaste about 10 QR (2.75 USD), and a bar of bath soap costs around 1 QR or 0.27 USD.

Clothing and Recreation

Although you may have to stock up on sleeved shirts and cotton pants for your life in Doha, you don't necessarily have to do all the buying in your home country. 

Shopping in Doha is a chore you'd definitely enjoy. Not only are the shopping malls grand and beautiful, the prices can also be affordable. A pair of jeans cost about 250 QR (68.68 USD), men's suits are priced around 400 QR (109.89 USD), while shoes cost around 200 QR (54.95 USD).

You should also check out the Villagio, a Venice-styled mall in Doha which carries a lot of Western brands. Be prepared though to pay a little more for imported buys. 

Families will enjoy a day strolling and playing around Doha's Corniche, which is a long seaside promenade that curves around Doha Bay. The Corniche gives an awesome view of the city's skyline and Palm Tree Island. You may also want to visit the Doha Zoo with the kids or go to the Doha Golf Club for some swing practice. 

You may also opt to enjoy a movie at any of the City Center's 14 cinemas. Ticket prices range from 15 QR to 25 QR (4.12 USD to 6.87 USD).