Cost of Living in Kuwait

The fact is that most people move to Kuwait for the money. As there’s no tax, it offers some major financial benefits. The absence of taxation has a significant impact on the cost of specific basic items, such as cars, electronic goods, and gold. On the other hand, the cost of accommodation is high, as is that of most food items and household goods, since many are imported. However, there are usually plenty of cheaper local and regionally produced options that are equally good in quality.

One can say the cost of living in Kuwait is expensive. Your cost of living will obviously depend on your lifestyle. There are necessary items and services an average person needs to maintain an average lifestyle.

The calculation of the budget is based on average costs needed to lead a comfortable middle-class life in Kuwait. This is just an assumption and not entirely accurate; it’s for informational purposes only. It may not apply to high earners who earn in the thousands. Costs may vary from person to person. Average monthly major expenses for a single person, couple, and family with two children are shown below:

Housing in Kuwait

Housing is the most important factor that determines your lifestyle. The cost of accommodation may differ from place to place, and it also depends on the facilities offered.

One-bedroom apartment for rent in City Centre: KWD 160 to KWD 350.

One-bedroom apartment for rent outside City Centre: KWD 130 to KWD 250.

Two-bedroom apartment for rent in City Centre: KWD 300 to KWD 500.

Two-bedroom apartment for rent outside City Centre: KWD 250 to KWD 350.

Three-bedroom apartments for rent in City Centre: KWD 400 to KWD 800.

Three-bedroom apartments for rent outside City Centre: KWD 280 to KWD 500.

Single Accommodation: Generally, singles would share accommodation with a family or a group of friends. If you share accommodation with a family, you will get a separate room, mostly with an attached bathroom, costing from KWD 100 to KWD 150, depending on the flat rent. If you rent a flat with a group of friends, then per head rent may cost less than KWD 100.

Grocery Costs in Kuwait

Grocery costs for food and non-alcoholic beverages, cleaning materials, baked goods, baby consumables, canned foods, cheese, baking items, dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, oil, fruit juices, pet food, pre-cooked meals, sauces, snacks, seafood, soft drinks, herbs, and spices are relatively affordable compared to other places. However, prices vary depending on the brand choices.

Post-pandemic, the price of groceries in Kuwait increased significantly. Most vegetables now cost more than 1 KWD per kilogram.

Online Grocery Shopping in Kuwait

Education Costs in Kuwait

The cost of education for children is free for those working in the government or public sector. However, if you work in the private sector, you will need to pay for education. School fees vary, as each private school has its own policy. On average, private education costs between 300 KWD to 800 KWD per year.

Fees Structure Of Various Indian Schools In Kuwait

 

Extracurricular Activities for Kids in Kuwait

Extracurricular activities for kids, such as dancing, painting, cooking, and sports, typically cost between 15 KWD to 30 KWD per month in Kuwait. These activities provide valuable experiences and skills outside the regular school curriculum.

 

Utilities Costs in Kuwait

Basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas are subsidized to a certain extent by the government. The aim is to provide electricity and water at subsidized rates to benefit nationals.

Average monthly costs for basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) range from 5 KWD to 20 KWD.

Leisure Costs in Kuwait

This section includes expenses for sports, leisure, dining, clothing, and other entertainment, along with miscellaneous general expenses.

Dining:

• Meal for two in an inexpensive restaurant: 2 KWD to 4 KWD
• Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: 4 KWD to 12 KWD
• Meal for two in an expensive restaurant: 12 KWD to 25 KWD

Fitness and Sports:

• Fitness club, monthly fee per adult: 20 KWD to 60 KWD
• Tennis court rent (per hour on weekend): 5 KWD to 20 KWD

Entertainment:

• Cinema, 1 seat: 3 KWD to 5 KWD
• Cinema, 2 tickets: 7 KWD to 10 KWD

Clothing Costs in Kuwait

Clothing can be an expensive affair if you opt for designer labels. Here are the approximate budgets:

• Pair of jeans: 7 KWD to 25 KWD
• A summer dress from renowned stores like Zara or H&M: 8 KWD to 20 KWD
• A pair of mid-range Nike running shoes: 20 KWD to 35 KWD

Medical Costs for Expats in Kuwait

Every expat pays 30 KWD per person per year for health insurance. If you are working, your company will pay for you. Government health insurance is very beneficial for expats in serious cases, offering treatment at nominal prices.

Usually, expats prefer to go to a private clinic for general physician issues. For serious matters, people tend to visit government hospitals. If you have health insurance provided by your company, you are fortunate!

Here are the typical medical costs for expats:

• One visit to a government clinic: 2 KWD
• One visit to a private clinic: 7 KWD to 35 KWD depending on the hospital
• Public wards in a government hospital: 10 KWD per day
• Stay in a private room at a government hospital: 100 KWD
• Normal delivery at a government hospital: 100 KWD
• Normal delivery at a private hospital: 400 KWD to 900 KWD
• Caesarean delivery at a government hospital: 199 KWD to 250 KWD
• Caesarean delivery at a private hospital: 1000 KWD to 2000 KWD

Transportation and Car Costs in Kuwait

Bus transport is available throughout Kuwait for nearly 1 USD, while taxi fares could range from 1 KWD to 3-4 KWD.

Having a car is essential for a comfortable life in Kuwait due to limited public transport options and harsh summer conditions. When an expat arrives in Kuwait and obtains a driving license, they often opt for a secondhand car. A 4 to 5-year-old car typically costs around 3000 KWD.

Here are the typical monthly costs associated with owning a car:

• Petrol: 30 KWD to 40 KWD
• Car maintenance: 15 KWD to 25 KWD
• Car insurance: 15 KWD to 20 KWD per year

If your company provides a car, you can save 75 KWD to 100 KWD monthly.

Mobile and Internet Costs in Kuwait

Here are the typical costs for mobile and internet services in Kuwait:

• 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (local), no discounts or plans: 0.03 KWD to 0.07 KWD
• Internet (60mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): 5 KWD to 12 KWD
• Mobile internet plans: 3 KWD to 10 KWD

Maid Services Costs in Kuwait

Maid services are optional and depend on individual choice. Here are the typical costs:

• Maid per hour in a month: 25 KWD to 30 KWD
• Two hours per month: 50 KWD to 60 KWD
• Full-time maid (6 AM to 6 PM): 175 KWD to 250 KWD

Note: When negotiating a job contract, it’s the employer's responsibility to provide detailed cost of living figures for the country, which will help in deciding whether the proposed job is financially attractive.

If we missed something or made any mistakes, please let us know.