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

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Salwa, understanding the the cost of living in Salwa 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 Salwa - Cost of Living in Salwa

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Salwa is around $1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $700 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $1,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Salwa, Kuwait is around $1,000 per square meter. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $400,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $300,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Salwa, Kuwait is around $0.50 per ride. The cost of a taxi ride in the city center is around $3.00. The cost of a taxi ride outside the city center is around $2.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Salwa, Kuwait is around $50 per week for a family of four. The cost of a loaf of bread is around $1.00. The cost of a liter of milk is around $1.50. The cost of a dozen eggs is around $2.00.
Restaurants The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Salwa, Kuwait is around $15 per person. The cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant is around $5 per person. The cost of a cup of coffee is around $2.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Salwa, Kuwait is around $100 per month for a family of four. The cost of electricity is around $50 per month. The cost of water is around $20 per month. The cost of internet is around $30 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition for preschool in Salwa, Kuwait is around $2,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around $3,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for middle school is around $4,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for high school is around $5,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Salwa

"The cost of living in Salwa is relatively high, as it is an affluent residential area. Housing expenses, such as rent for apartments and villas, can be quite expensive. The cost of utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, is also relatively high. Transportation costs, such as fuel and public transport, are moderate, while the cost of owning a car is relatively low due to low import taxes.Groceries and food prices in Salwa are generally higher than in other parts of Kuwait, as many residents prefer to shop at upscale supermarkets and dine at high-end restaurants. However, there are also more affordable options available for those on a budget. Healthcare costs in Salwa are also relatively high, as many residents opt for private healthcare services.Education costs in Salwa can be quite expensive, particularly for international schools, which are popular among expatriate families. However, there are also public schools available at a lower cost. Overall, the cost of living in Salwa, Kuwait is high, but it offers a high quality of life and a range of amenities for its residents," said one expat living in Salwa.

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

"I've been living in Salwa for a few years 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. Salwa itself is a relatively expensive neighborhood, so you might want to consider looking for accommodation in nearby areas like Mangaf, Mahboula, or Fintas. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer modern amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis to get around. The bus system in Kuwait is quite reliable and affordable, and taxis are also reasonably priced if you need to get somewhere quickly.Eating out can be expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can enjoy delicious Kuwaiti cuisine without breaking the bank. I'd recommend trying out some of the local shawarma and falafel places, as they're both tasty and budget-friendly.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like going to the cinema or attending concerts. Instead, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in Kuwait, such as visiting the beautiful beaches, exploring the local markets, or taking a stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade.In terms of shopping, you'll need to be mindful of your budget and prioritize your purchases. Shopping at local markets and discount stores can help you save money on groceries and household items. Additionally, you might want to limit your spending on luxury items and focus on the essentials.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Salwa, Kuwait is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By finding affordable accommodation, using public transportation, eating at local eateries, and prioritizing your spending, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this fascinating country," commented an expat living in Salwa.

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

"I've been living in Salwa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Salwa itself is a pretty nice area, but it can be a bit pricey. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in nearby neighborhoods like Rumaithiya or Sabah Al-Salem, which are more budget-friendly. You can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,000 a month.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here, so I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis to get around. The bus system is pretty reliable and affordable, and taxis are also reasonably priced if you need to get somewhere quickly. If you do decide to buy a car, make sure to budget for fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. There are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can enjoy delicious Kuwaiti cuisine, but you might have to cut back on dining at fancy restaurants. Cooking at home can also help you save money, and you can find most of the ingredients you need at local supermarkets.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting the beach, parks, or local markets. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies like golfing or attending concerts and events.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Kuwait is quite good, but you might want to consider getting private health insurance if you're used to a higher standard of care. This can be an additional expense, but it's worth it for the peace of mind.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Salwa, Kuwait is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Salwa.

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

"I've been living in Salwa for a few years 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 villa in one of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Rumaithiya or Jabriya. Instead, you could consider living in a more affordable area like Salwa itself, which is still a nice neighborhood with a good mix of locals and expats.In terms of housing, you can find a decent 2-3 bedroom apartment in Salwa for around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. If you're willing to share an apartment with a roommate, you can cut down on your housing costs even more. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water are usually included in the rent, so you won't have to worry about those expenses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Kuwait, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and gas is relatively cheap here. If you prefer not to drive, you can always use taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem, but that can add up over time.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Kuwait, especially if you're willing to try local cuisine and shop at local markets. You can expect to spend around $300 to $500 per month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Eating out at local restaurants can be quite cheap, with meals costing around $5 to $10 per person. However, if you prefer dining at high-end restaurants or international chains, you'll need to budget more for that.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of affordable options. You can find movie theaters, shopping malls, and parks throughout the city. Gym memberships can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on the facilities and location.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a large, spacious home or eating out at fancy restaurants every night. However, if you're willing to be flexible and adapt to the local lifestyle, you can definitely live comfortably in Salwa on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Salwa.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Cigna Global Health

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