Job Discussion Forums

[Sheika Taylfetha]

Hi can anyone tell me whether the cost of living in Qatar is cheaper or more expensive than the UAE? Woud really love to know as accepting an offer probably depends on the answer. Thanks

[helenl]

How long is a piece of string? The short answer is, it depends on your lifestyle, what type of food you buy, where you live, are your accomodation and utilities paid by the employer, etc. etc.

I've known people who bought imported foodstuffs and produce and meats, partied on weekends, shopped at all the expensive stores, and managed to run through their monthly salary quite easily.

Local produce (or at least Egyptian, Syrian, Jordanian and Lebanese -there are some GCC produced veg but they are in the minority) is fairly cheap, usually of good quality - IMHO it tastes a lot better because it's not grown to travel far. Fish surprisingly can be expensive - Sherry is reasonable although not all that flavorful on its own. Meat, again from close by countries is reasonable but if you insist on top quality beef/lamb from NZ and OZ it starts to add up quickly.

Accomodation and transportation will be the biggest expenses and utilities if you have to pay for your own AC and water - it can add up quickly depending on the size of your accomodation and if you have a garden you want to maintain.

UAE vs Qatar - have heard from friends who made the leap to Qatar that accomodation prices are expensive but beginning to come down slowly, food is slightly more expensive relatively speaking for their consumption tastes, cars are 10 - 20 % more expensive.

[sanddweller]

I agree with helenl. It depends on your lifestyle and your wants. I live in the UAE and have visited Doha on occassion as a friend lives there. It comes down to wants and needs.

If you want to imbibe in Doha, it is very expensive. A few years ago, I paid nearly 30 dirhams, or 8 US dollars for a pint of beer in one of the hotels. Alcohol is very expensive there and much more under the radar. Having said that, in AD the price of a pint is increasing.

Legit teaching jobs in both countries provide housing and that is the biggest expense, though in Doha a friend had his cable, water and elecricity paid for by the UNI. That only happens, that I know of, at Sharjah U in UAE.

In short, if you plan to be frugal and living frugally and saving cash is the most important factor in choosing a job, go with the higher salary.

If having some luxuries and a comfortable lifestyle are important as well as savings, UAE is where I would want to be.