Cost of Living in Kuwait

If you've ever considered moving to Kuwait, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Kuwait?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Kuwait and whether the reported $1964 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2243.16.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Kuwait
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

6.43 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

48.23 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.43 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cappuccino (regular)

4.61 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.53 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.36 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.41 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.85 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.79 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.81 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

4.42 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.55 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.31 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.03 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.7 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.67 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.3 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.11 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.93 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.81 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.5 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

--

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.05 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.96 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

46.62 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.22 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

3.22 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

9.65 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.33 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

20577.79 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

16905.5 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

40.94 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.13 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

29.33 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

111.0 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

49.35 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

11.25 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

312.53 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

5825.01 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

48.78 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

49.99 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

96.76 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

102.57 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

862.41 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

662.96 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1734.46 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1323.98 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

5478.08 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3118.82 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2243.16 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

5.27 %

Kuwait

How Safe Is Kuwait for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Kuwait

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Kuwait is a safe place to travel to, the crime rates are fairly low and the possibilities of foreigners being harmed in any way or attacked are highly unlikely. However, what makes Kuwait a country with a reputation of being unsafe is terrorism risks.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Bear in mind that hailing a taxi from the road is not recommended, particularly for women. There have been reports of passengers being harassed while doing so. Try to book a taxi in advance and use a reputable taxi company, or get to know a good taxi driver to drive you around Kuwait. Never try to drive yourself as driving standards in Kuwait are extremely poor.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Petty crime is not common in Kuwait, but you should still exercise all basic precaution measures you would at home or in any other country.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to weather and environmental hazards, sand and dust storms are common and flooding can occur occasionally. Since it's a Gulf state, Kuwait often experiences extremely high temperatures, so during the hottest months, the temperature regularly reaches as high as 50ÂșC, sometimes even higher.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violence towards foreigners is rare, so chances of getting mugged, attacked or kidnapped are low. However, you should avoid public gatherings or demonstrations of any kind as they can turn violent.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Kuwait. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by visitors. In June 2015, 27 people were killed, including foreigners and 227 people were injured in a terrorist attack during Friday prayers on a mosque in Kuwait during Ramadan.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams exist in Kuwait as much as in other destinations, so have your wits with you when interacting with locals. Double-check your change and negotiate everything in advance. Beware of young Arabs pretending to be the police. They often ask for documents like passports or civil IDs.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

It is recommended for women to avoid walking alone in isolated and poorly lit areas at night and to travel with a companion if possible. Since the beginning of 2007, there have been at least three attempted sexual assaults against foreign women in Kuwait City. Two of these assaults were committed by a person posing as a police officer.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A visa is required by all visitors to Kuwait, except the residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who have the right to enter and live in Kuwait without having to go through any particular formalities. All other countries can receive visas through the offices of Kuwait Airways. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of receiving a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Kuwaiti dinar is the official currency in Kuwait. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards widely accepted and used.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Kuwaiti summers (that lasts roughly from May to November) can be scorching hot, reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius. Between November and April, the climate is pleasant, and it is probably the best time to visit Kuwait, with cool nights and warm sunny days. During winter, in December and January, night temperatures occasionally touch the freezing point.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Kuwait International Airport is located about 15.5 km south of Kuwait City. It is the only civil airport in Kuwait.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kuwait, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Kuwait with other countries

Cost of living in countries