it will depend on what your company is offering you with regards to salary and benefits. Try and get a housing and education allowance if possible as that is your most expensive outlay. Read up on the "Sample budget" on the bottom tight of this page as that is a good estimate. Compared to South Africa, there is not a lot of outdoor activities to participate in unless you join a club etc. The country is not big enough plus it is too hot during the day to go out. It can be a total cultural shock in some aspects. There is however, a South African community here and if you get into contact with them via facebook I am sure those with children will be able to give you a lot more info and advice. you can look up South Africans in Qatar under groups to get the link.