Cost of Living in Kuwait for Single Person & Family in 2024
Kuwait blends history and modernity in the Persian Gulf. Due to its great work prospects, tax-free salaries, and high quality of living, many expats and foreign professionals apply to this small but wealthy country.
Kuwait has a high cost of living, but the absence of income tax and substantial expat packages, including housing allowance, school benefits, and medical coverage, offset it. One can live well and lavishly amid its wide deserts and beautiful skyscrapers.
This article includes all the details regarding expenses in Kuwait. So, if you are planning to move there, then keep reading!
Table of Contents
Average Cost of Living in Kuwait for International Students
The average monthly expenses of an international student in Kuwait are as follows:
Average Cost of Living in Kuwait for Bachelors, Couples & Families
For efficient financial planning, it is essential to understand the typical cost of living in Kuwait, whether you are single, in a relationship, or raising a family. You can use the following table as a guide for your financial planning:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in Kuwait
The average cost of living in Kuwait's major cities is listed below:
Cost of Living in Kuwait City
The average cost of living in Kuwait City is as follows:
Cost of Living in Hawalli
The average cost of living in Hawalli is as follows:
Cost of Living in Salmiya
The average cost of living in Salmiya is as follows:
Cost of Living in Al Ahmadi
The average cost of living in Al Ahmadi is as follows:
Cost of Living in Farwaniya
The average cost of living in Farwaniya is as follows:
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Kuwait
Here are some key aspects to keep in mind regarding the cost of living in Kuwait: -
Location
The cost of living in Kuwait City and other urban areas is likely greater than in rural or suburban areas. In rural regions, people typically have less financial resources, but there is a greater scarcity of services and amenities.
Lifestyle
A person's choice of dining establishments, recreational pursuits, and entertainment options can significantly impact their cost of living. All of this drives expenses through the roof; Kuwait also offers abundant opulent vehicles and leisure activities, yet Kuwait is surpassed overall by certain other nations that are less friendly to the wealthy.
Housing
The cost of housing varies in Kuwait based on the type and location of the residence. Rent may increase significantly in popular and central areas, yet less prominent or typical areas provide more affordable options.
Getting Around
Kuwaitis drive a lot, even though the country's public transit system has improved. Car ownership, fuel, and maintenance expenses might raise expenditures (fuel is relatively cheaper due to Kuwait's oil resources).
Utilities
Depending on your consumption, utilities like water and electricity can change in price, but they are often inexpensive. For instance, a bag of apples costs more than 1KWD locally.
What is the Average Income in Kuwait?
In 2024, the average earnings in Kuwait are about KWD 9,600 annually. In contrast, the income needed to live comfortably in Kuwait will vary sharply depending on a person's selected lifestyle, family size, and place of residence. A generalised guideline is given below:
- Student: An annual income between KWD 4,000 and KWD 6,000 will be adequate for a student to enjoy the required living standard, covering all accommodation, food, and transport needs in Kuwait City and its suburban areas.
- Bachelor: Usually, the bachelor needs an income between KWD 6,000 and KWD 9,000 yearly to live a decent life, especially in big cities such as Kuwait City, considering the rent and groceries.
- Couple: Usually, couples prefer to spend KWD 9,000 to KWD 15,000 yearly on accommodation, transportation, groceries, and leisure activities in Kuwait.
- Families: An annual income of KWD 15,000 to KWD 25,000 is usually needed to support a family of four, including housing, education, transportation, and utilities.
The following table provides an overview of the average salary in Australia:
How Expensive is Kuwait Compared to Other Countries?
Kuwait is often considered to have one of the world's highest cost of living rates. Despite its wealth and economic stability, both supported by its abundant oil reserves, the country's high standard of living has come at a price.
Real estate is expensive in attractive locales, while import prices are growing. This is offset by subsidies for electricity, top-notch healthcare, and no income taxes. When considering a move to Kuwait, comparisons in cost of living are inevitable. Despite high housing and consumer product prices, public services and healthcare are world-class.
A comparison of Kuwait's average cost of living to that of other world's major economies is presented in the following table:
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Kuwait
If you're looking to keep your spending in check in Kuwait without sacrificing comfort, here are a few pointers to help you manage:
- You can use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to record your expenditures daily and weekly. If you take the time to look around, you might be able to identify some places to save money and make smarter decisions.
- Sharing housing or relocating to a less costly area are two great ways to cut rent costs. Avoid high-end apartments and search for more practical and reasonably priced options in areas further from the city centre.
- Kuwait's public transportation system is in its early stages of development, and the country's buses are the most affordable option for transit. If you really must have a vehicle, consider sharing it with a friend or coworker to divide the gas costs and repairs.
- Supermarkets are often very expensive, especially for imported goods. Try the local markets for some fresh cuisine and regional specialities. Most Kuwaiti markets provide better meats, fruits, and vegetables prices than supermarkets.
- Electricity bills can be rather high, especially in the summer. Using energy-efficient appliances, turning on the air conditioner only when required, and ensuring all windows and doors are securely sealed to prevent cold air from escaping readily can all contribute to a lower utility bill.
- With all the restaurants in Kuwait serving delicious, high-priced food, it's easy to make eating out a daily habit. Eat at nearby restaurants or create your meals. Explore the town's parks, beaches, and free cultural events instead of constantly shelling out cash for entertainment options like the movies or pricey shopping.
- Many restaurants and retailers in Kuwait offer discounts on holidays and during seasonal promotions. If you want to save money when shopping or eating out, watch for "deals" and sign up for loyalty programs.
- Most services have been adjusted to accommodate the needs of the expatriate population, which makes up a sizeable portion of Kuwait's population. Use expat networks and forums to find low-cost medical treatment, legal help, transportation, and more.
- To keep more money in your pocket, try to look for part-time employment and freelancing opportunities if your visa allows them. You can consider taking private English lessons, private tutoring, or perhaps freelance employment to help cover some of your living expenses.
Although it takes some forethought and self-control to live well on a budget in Kuwait, it is possible to do so by employing some tried-and-true methods. If you make wise decisions and are mindful of your finances, the average cost of living in Kuwait can become affordable and fulfilling.
