Cost of Living in Qatar for an Indian Family

Qatar is an exciting Middle East country rich in culture and tradition and accommodates global citizens. Qataris are tolerant and amicable people, making the country a safe and friendly place to live, even for Indians. Many Indians live peacefully and enjoy Qatar’s festivals, scenery, weather, and culture.

While Qatar and India intensify cooperation and strengthen their partnership, Indians in Qatar enjoy a convenient and peaceful life. However, the cost of living for Indians in Qatar depends on the job type and salary.

Indians living and earning in Qatar have minimal issues making ends meet, but the expenses can challenge tourists. We’ll discuss the cost of living in Qatar for Indian families more in-depth to improve your knowledge.

Monthly Rent

Fountain in front of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. The Middle East

Qatar is one of the most expensive countries due to the high cost of house rentals. Rent is a critical factor for visiting Indian families as the monthly fee is more elevated in Qatar than in India. The income of an Indian family determines their type of home and cost of living in Qatar.

Many Indians control their living expenses and get housing with lesser facilities outside the city for lesser prices. However, an average Indian family in Qatar can expect to pay $1007 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. But Indians with high-paying jobs live in story buildings in The Pearl Qatar, the most expensive housing area in the country’s capital.

While a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $1451, you pay more in exotic regions. For example, three-bedroom apartments in the city center cost around $2746 and two stories cost about 3100$ in Doha and Gharafa.

Restaurants

Food is relatively inexpensive in Qatar restaurants, and Indian families can enjoy local delicacies at a lesser price. Breakfasts are relatively cheaper than lunch or dinner for Indians in this country. While there are expensive restaurants where the prices are through the roof, Indian families can find inexpensive options in Qatari cities.

For example, Indian families can get a decent three-course meal for two people for 50$ and food for one person at a cheap restaurant can cost around 7$. While food prices vary in Doha, where the average daily food cost is $49, it is cheaper in neighboring cities.

Furthermore, the average food price in restaurants costs $19 per person. Water in most average restaurants in Qatar costs around $0.27, while domestic beer costs $49. Furthermore, there are cheap Indian restaurants in Qatar where families can enjoy different meals at a lesser price.

Markets

DOHA, QATAR – FEBRUARY 13, 2018: The Souq Waqif is one of the most popular tourist places in city, this historical neighborhood boasts preserved old buildings, multitude of souvenir stores and cafes, on February 13 in Doha

Groceries are cheap in Qatar than in other areas worldwide because the Qatari government does not collect taxes on these items.

Indian families in Qatar can get groceries from the central market and Al Meera or Lulu Hypermarket. For example, Indians can expect to pay $1.41 for a loaf of bread and $1.71 for a liter of milk. Furthermore, rice sells for $3 per kg in the Qatari market, and Indians can get cheese for $15 per kg.

The prices for grains, dry goods, vegetables, and fish are relatively lower than in other markets globally. Finally, Indian families can save a lot of money on groceries by visiting the less fancy stores in the city.

Clothing and Shoes

There are some mouthwatering bargains for purchasing shoes and clothing in Qatar due to culture and Government policies. Qatari government does not tax electronics, shoes and dresses like groceries, making them affordable for Indian families.

While prices for shoes, electronics and clothing are relatively low, a few clothing are expensive compared to others. For example, a visiting or residential Indian family can expect to pay around $60 for quality Levi’s jeans and over $90 for a pair of running shoes.

Furthermore, a beautiful summer Zara dress at a chain store can cost an average Indian family $54, while a pair of Adidas walking shoes go for $93. Various Indian stores in Qatar sell local attires at lower prices, and visiting families can benefit.

Transportation

Doha, Qatar- October 29 2020 – Qatar metro station interior. doha metro

Transportation in Qatar is affordable for Indian families. Getting around with a bus can challenge Indians with a white-collar job, but visitors and tourists can benefit. Indian families working in Qatar should purchase a car as buses do not service several parts of different cities.

New cars can cost more than Qatar’s average Indian monthly salary, so investing in a secondhand car is the solution. While the price of gasoline is low in Qatar, renting a car can be pocket draining.

Furthermore, licenses, registrations and insurance are relatively cheap for visiting or residential families. For example, a one-way bus ticket costs $1.37, while the price of gasoline per liter costs $0.54 in Qatar. Indian families living in the country can reduce transportation costs with a monthly pass at a fee of $27.46.

Utilities

Indian families in Qatar should expect to pay over 140$ in monthly utility bills. While those running air conditioning all day or taking long hot showers pay more in utilities, it is affordable for an average family. Qatar is home to excellent internet services at low prices, making phone service and bills low.

Furthermore, Indian families enjoying uninterrupted power supply pay lower fees than other countries. For example, basic electricity, water, cooling, heating and garbage cost $65.71 in Qatar. Indian families can also enjoy one minute of prepaid mobile tariff local at $0.17, while internet cable and unlimited data cost a monthly fee of $88.15.

Wrapping Up

Residential or visiting Indians in Qatar pay lower bills except for rent. Although the monthly salary of an average Indian in Qatar is 3300$ monthly, it is enough to cover basic expenses.

But a large part of the payment goes for rent. While rent is expensive in Qatar, other basic living necessities are relatively cheap in the country. Indian families can expect to pay lower prices for food, groceries, electronics, shoes and clothing as the Qatari government ensures tax-free items.

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