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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Hawalli 2024
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Cost of Living in Hawalli

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to Hawalli, understanding the the cost of living in Hawalli helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Hawalli - Cost of Living in Hawalli

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Hawalli is around $500-700 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $900-1,200 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $400-600 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $700-900 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Hawalli varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $100,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Hawalli is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around $0.50. A monthly bus pass costs around $20. Taxi fares start at around $2.50 and increase depending on the distance traveled. Gasoline is also relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per liter.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Hawalli is relatively low. Basic food items such as bread, eggs, and milk cost around $1-2 per item. Fresh fruits and vegetables cost around $2-3 per kilogram. Meat and fish cost around $4-5 per kilogram. Packaged and processed foods cost around $2-3 per item.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Hawalli varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5-7 per person. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10-15 per person. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $20-30 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Hawalli is relatively low. Basic utilities such as electricity, water, and garbage collection cost around $50-60 per month. Internet and cable TV cost around $30-40 per month. Mobile phone plans cost around $15-20 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Hawalli varies depending on the grade level. Preschool tuition costs around $2,000-3,000 per year. Elementary school tuition costs around $3,000-4,000 per year. Middle school tuition costs around $4,000-5,000 per year. High school tuition costs around $5,000-6,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hawalli

"The cost of living in Hawalli is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices for apartments and houses are usually quite expensive, and the cost of food and other necessities can also be quite high. Transportation costs can also be quite high, as petrol prices are among the highest in the world. However, salaries in Kuwait are usually quite high, so many people are able to afford the cost of living in Hawalli," said one expat living in Hawalli.

Can I live in Hawalli on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hawalli for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in areas like Salmiya or Jabriya, as they tend to be more budget-friendly compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Salwa or Shaab. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500-$700 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I suggest using public transportation or taxis to get around. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, and taxis are relatively affordable if you don't use them too often. If you do decide to buy a car, make sure to budget for fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be strategic. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end establishments. I usually spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries and dining out.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be done on a budget. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting public parks, beaches, and museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to the cinema or attending concerts.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage is high. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use and consider investing in energy-efficient products to help keep your bills low.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Hawalli, Kuwait is possible, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation costs, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Hawalli.

Can I live in Hawalli on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hawalli for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in a high-end neighborhood like Salmiya or Jabriya, but you can still find a decent place to live in more affordable areas like Nugra or Hawalli itself. In terms of housing, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood. If you're willing to share an apartment with a roommate, you can cut down on your housing expenses even more. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will cost you around $100 to $150 per month, depending on your usage. When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public buses, which are quite affordable and reliable. A monthly bus pass costs around $30. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and fuel, which can add up quickly. Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Hawalli, especially if you're willing to try local cuisine and shop at local markets. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 per month on groceries and dining out, depending on your preferences. Entertainment options might be a bit limited compared to what you're used to, but there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit shopping malls, go to the movies, or enjoy outdoor activities like beach trips or desert excursions. Just keep in mind that some of these activities can be quite expensive, so you'll need to budget accordingly. Overall, living in Hawalli on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. If you can do that, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while experiencing a new culture and environment," said one expat living in Hawalli.

Can I live in Hawalli on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Hawalli for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in one of the more expensive neighborhoods like Salmiya or Jabriya. Instead, you could consider living in a more affordable area like Nugra or Maidan Hawalli. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but the cost of living is a bit lower.In terms of housing, you can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment in Nugra or Maidan Hawalli for around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. This should leave you with enough money to cover your other expenses, such as utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Keep in mind that the cost of living in Kuwait can be quite high, especially when it comes to imported goods and dining out. To save money, you might want to cook at home more often and look for local markets where you can buy fresh produce at a lower cost.Another sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. Owning a car in Kuwait can be expensive, especially if you're used to driving a high-end vehicle. Instead, you could consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem to get around. This will not only save you money on car payments and insurance but also help you avoid the hassle of dealing with traffic and finding parking.Finally, you might have to adjust your expectations when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of things to do in Kuwait, some of the more upscale options can be quite pricey. Instead of going out to fancy restaurants or high-end shopping malls every weekend, you could explore more affordable options like visiting local parks, attending cultural events, or checking out the various museums and historical sites in the area.Overall, living in Hawalli, Kuwait on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and focusing on more affordable options, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still experiencing all that Kuwait has to offer," commented an expat living in Hawalli.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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