Doha cost of living,
I have been reading several areas of the forums, and still am not sure of the real costs, so I will ask here. Some of the other areas, the dates were old also. And I have read that the costs of renting, is coming down.
A job offer that I am looking at, with some benefits, will pay 15,164.00 QAR per month. (used currency converter to get that figure).
The job is in Doha, near the university, I am single, middle age, so do not go out to party (ie drink), and do not really have to have an expensive life style. My employment there will be long term. I will like to go out every now and then, for obvious reasons..... Don't think I will need to buy a car, as it sounds like you can rent or have a driver most of the time (costs??) Will be withing walking or biking distance from work.
What are the advantages to living in a 'compound', is that like an apartment complex or... Or is a free standing villa or house withing my reach. Also, what is the area that I am going to be working in like, good place to live?? Lots of questions, but look forward to good answers too...
I have read different forums stating the problems with finding good places to rent, and have read that Doha is very progressive and a good place to live. Any input would be greatly appreciated, as I do not have to decide until after the first of the year.
Thank everyone for the good answers. I will be talking with them this afternoon to find out what the additional benefits are.
Hello friend, i have been in Doha for sometime now and i can tell you with proves that your salary is small but okay for a single. You can save atleast 4000qr a month if you will follow my advice. i am an estate agent. prices of properties are failling dracstically so, you can get a bedroom and living room for maximum of 5000qr with water, electricity and adsl line included,feeding maximum of 2500qr, you can buy a car on loan, 2000qr will be deduct on monthly basis, base on the kind of car. So go for car of 2004 to 2007 as they are more cheaper. but i would advice you buy a fairly used car(but need to check it with computer before payment). If you need an accomodation, go for fully furnish please.... free standing villa is okay but if you like socialization you can rent an apartment or compound villa. Lastly you can get a cab you pay monthly, it less than 1500qr. we can talk more on 7353464 or 5744924
for a single this salary is more than enough man! expense you can increse or can reduce up to your living style. You can eat a Mc Donald Sandwich for 18 riyal and at the same time other sandwitch for 2 Riyal, depends on what you choose to spend.
If you are coming as a facilities director then i would say a salary of 15k a month is on the low side and would like to know if the company are providing your accommodation?
what other benefits
are you getting? Rent alone can be 10,000qr+ per month easily. You cannot walk or ride a bike in Doha. Remember, it's blazing hot (120 degrees) for several months of the year. Besides, there are few sidewalks and it is just downright dangerous. This is not a walking/bicycle riding kind of city. Either buy a car (prefered) or driver will cost you roughly 2000qr a month.
Seriously reconsider this offer. Everything is considerably more expensive here-except gas. You need to be making double or more of what you make in the US to survive.
Taylor gave you a very good estimate. I think that you will barely save around 1000 dollars.
Some reading
http://www.qatarliving.com/answers/cost-of-living/how-much-should-i-expect-to-save-in-20000-pm
Jut to have an idea.
Regards!!
Is it 15,164 QTR? Well a studio type here is 3-5 thou riyal amount including water n electricity, sometimes Internet is free but if not will cost you 200 per month. U need a car when it's summer as it's very hot, so that will cost you 1600-1800 per month depends where you willl hire a car? Also your food allowance as an American single will cost you roughly 1500 to 2000 thou. Well you need to find out about medical? Hospital is good here especially Hamad (public), but if you want private you need to make sure you had insurance as the cost is very expensive.
So if you will have Qtr 15,164, with out accomodation, insurance, car allowance, and sometimes food allowance, you got almost nothing left?
Good luck