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Cost of living in Doha
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Doha.
One person, a month
QAR 3,601
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
QAR 12,800
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
QAR 7,606
A month
Gross salary, one person
QAR 101,000
to cover living costs in Doha
Doha's cost of living at a glance
Doha is among the more expensive cities in Qatar and one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Doha are QAR 3,601, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are QAR 12,800 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Doha may need a gross salary of at least QAR 101,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in QAR, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Doha compares
One person's monthly costs in Doha, excluding rent, are 1.7% higher than in the typical city in Qatar and 9.6% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Doha ranks
In Qatar
2nd of 3
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
10th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
90th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 90% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
2nd of 3
Cities in Qatar, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Doha
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Doha | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | QAR 7,606 | QAR 7,606 0.0% | QAR 2,707 +181.0% |
| Groceries | QAR 851 | QAR 801 +6.2% | QAR 1,024 −16.9% |
| Eating out | QAR 766 | QAR 710 +8.0% | QAR 577 +32.9% |
| Transport | QAR 110 | QAR 110 0.0% | QAR 146 −24.6% |
| Utilities | QAR 628 | QAR 624 +0.7% | QAR 637 −1.4% |
| Leisure | QAR 593 | QAR 593 0.0% | QAR 226 +162.4% |
| Total excluding rent | QAR 3,601 | QAR 3,540 +1.7% | QAR 3,286 +9.6% |
| Total including rent | QAR 11,207 | QAR 11,207 0.0% | QAR 6,099 +83.8% |
Typical = the median of 3 cities in Qatar and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Doha
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Doha
Doha is the 2nd most expensive city in Qatar for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Qatar is The Pearl-Qatar.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs QAR 7,606 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs QAR 4,829 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 58% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | QAR 7,606 | QAR 4,500– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | QAR 4,829 | QAR 3,500– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | QAR 13,624 | QAR 7,999– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | QAR 9,805 | QAR 6,999– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | QAR 16,313 | QAR 15,299– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | QAR 10,076 | QAR 6,879– |
Cost of everyday items in Doha
Groceries in Doha are around 9% more expensive than the average for Qatar, while eating out is around 18% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs QAR 7.55.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs QAR 5.21.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs QAR 23.00.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | QAR 7.55 | QAR 6.01– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | QAR 5.21 | QAR 2.99– |
| Eggs, 12 large | QAR 10.32 | QAR 6.01– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | QAR 39.40 | QAR 20.01– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | QAR 28.76 | QAR 13.01– |
| Beef round, 1kg | QAR 39.55 | QAR 28.00– |
| Apples, 1kg | QAR 7.76 | QAR 4.99– |
| Oranges, 1kg | QAR 6.09 | QAR 4.01– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | QAR 3.97 | QAR 2.00– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | QAR 5.94 | QAR 2.00– |
| White rice, 1kg | QAR 8.64 | QAR 4.48– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | QAR 5.14 | QAR 2.00– |
| Bananas, 1kg | QAR 6.20 | QAR 4.99– |
| Onions, 1kg | QAR 3.86 | QAR 2.52– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | QAR 1.82 | QAR 0.98– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | QAR 34.99 | QAR 9.99– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | QAR 7.51 | QAR 2.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | QAR 9.00 | QAR 4.99– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | QAR 23.00 | QAR 21.00– |
Eating out in Doha
A 0.5-litre draught beer typically costs QAR 44.51, making Doha one of the most expensive places in Qatar to buy a beer.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | QAR 50.01 | QAR 18.01– |
| Three-course meal for two | QAR 294 | QAR 150– |
| Fast food combo meal | QAR 28.00 | QAR 25.01– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | QAR 44.51 | QAR 34.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | QAR 48.99 | QAR 30.00– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | QAR 3.65 | QAR 2.52– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | QAR 1.57 | QAR 0.98– |
| Cappuccino | QAR 21.58 | QAR 9.99– |
Transport in Doha
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | QAR 2.00 | QAR 2.00– |
| Monthly public transport pass | QAR 110 | QAR 90.00– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | QAR 2.04 | QAR 2.00– |
| Taxi start | QAR 7.98 | QAR 7.00– |
| Taxi, per km | QAR 7.98 | QAR 4.99– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | QAR 50.01 | QAR 30.00– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | QAR 101,942 | QAR 84,993– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | QAR 76,814 | QAR 69,994– |
Utilities in Doha
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | QAR 356 | QAR 200– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | QAR 318 | QAR 299– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | QAR 118 | QAR 60.00– |
How is Doha for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of QAR 271,000 a year in Doha, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs QAR 2,779 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs QAR 13,624 a month.
Doha scores 85/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | QAR 12,800 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | QAR 26,424 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | QAR 2,779 | QAR 1,300– |
| International primary school Annual | QAR 39,449 | QAR 21,998– |
Leisure and clothing in Doha
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | QAR 510 | QAR 150– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | QAR 82.16 | QAR 50.01– |
| Cinema ticket | QAR 44.98 | QAR 34.99– |
| Jeans | QAR 237 | QAR 150– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | QAR 229 | QAR 99.99– |
| Nike running shoes | QAR 395 | QAR 250– |
| Men's leather business shoes | QAR 327 | QAR 150– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Doha?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Qatar, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Doha. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Doha, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
QAR 101,163
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Doha, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- QAR 101,163
- Living costs
- QAR 101,163
- Tax and contributions
- QAR 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | QAR 101,163 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | QAR 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | QAR 101,163 |
| − | Rent | QAR 57,948 |
| − | Groceries | QAR 10,209 |
| − | Eating out | QAR 9,195 |
| − | Transport | QAR 1,320 |
| − | Utilities | QAR 7,535 |
| − | Leisure | QAR 7,112 |
| − | Other estimated costs | QAR 7,843 |
| = | Left over: savings target | QAR 0 |
QAR 101,163 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 0.0% effective tax rate and QAR 0 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
What it doesn't include
- Employee social contributions
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Doha costs an estimated QAR 4,829 per month. QAR 4,829 per month × 12 months = QAR 57,948 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Doha spends an estimated QAR 851 on groceries per month. QAR 851 per month × 12 months = QAR 10,209 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Doha spends an estimated QAR 766 on eating out per month. QAR 766 per month × 12 months = QAR 9,195 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Doha spends an estimated QAR 110 on transport per month. QAR 110 per month × 12 months = QAR 1,320 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Doha spends an estimated QAR 628 on utilities per month. QAR 628 per month × 12 months = QAR 7,535 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Doha spends an estimated QAR 593 on leisure per month. QAR 593 per month × 12 months = QAR 7,112 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. QAR 654 per month × 12 months = QAR 7,843 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Zero personal income tax on employment income. No employee social security contributions for non-GCC expatriates. Qatari nationals pay 7% SS (employer 14%), GCC nationals pay 5% (employer 10%) — not modeled here. Self-employment income on Qatar-source activities may be subject to corporate tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Qatar's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / GTA.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Doha: common questions
Is Doha expensive to live in?
Doha is among the more expensive cities in Qatar and one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about QAR 3,601 a month excluding rent, against QAR 3,540 in the typical city in Qatar (the median of 3 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Doha costs the same as or more than 90% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Doha?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least QAR 101,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Doha, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Qatar's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Doha?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs QAR 7,606 a month, and QAR 4,829 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about QAR 13,624 a month in the centre and QAR 9,805 outside it.
Doha is the 2nd most expensive city in Qatar for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Doha?
A family of four spends about QAR 12,800 a month on living costs excluding rent, or QAR 26,424 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of QAR 271,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs QAR 2,779 a month per child.
How does Doha compare with Qatar's other cities?
Doha ranks 2nd of 3 cities in Qatar for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 1.7% more than in the typical city in Qatar.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Qatar 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Qatar (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 3 cities in Qatar in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Doha's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Qatar and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.