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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Salmiya helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Salmiya - Cost of Living in Salmiya

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Salmiya is around $500-700 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800-1000 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 Salmiya 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 $70,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $70,000 to $150,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Salmiya is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ride 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 Salmiya is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50, a liter of milk costs around $1.00, and a dozen eggs costs around $2.00. Prices for fruits and vegetables vary depending on the season, but are generally quite affordable. A kilogram of potatoes costs around $1.00, and a kilogram of apples costs around $2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Salmiya is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15.00. Prices for alcohol are higher than in other countries, with a bottle of beer costing around $5.00 and a bottle of wine costing around $20.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Salmiya is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $30.00, while the average monthly cost for water is around $10.00. The average monthly cost for internet is around $20.00, while the average monthly cost for cable television is around $30.00.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Salmiya varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition ranges from $500 to $1,000 per month. Elementary school tuition ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month. Middle school tuition ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per month. High school tuition ranges from $3,000 to $4,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Salmiya

"The cost of living in Salmiya is generally considered to be high. Rent prices for apartments and villas are expensive, and groceries and other everyday items can also be costly. Eating out in restaurants is also expensive, and transportation costs can add up quickly. However, salaries in Kuwait are usually high enough to cover the cost of living in Salmiya," said one expat living in Salmiya.

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

"I've been living in Salmiya 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. Salmiya has a mix of upscale and more budget-friendly neighborhoods. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in areas like Block 10 or Block 12, where you can find more affordable housing options. Avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Marina and Salem Al Mubarak Street, as rents there can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on utilities and groceries. Electricity and water can be expensive in Kuwait, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. When it comes to groceries, shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, as they can be quite pricey. Also, consider cooking at home more often instead of eating out, as dining out can quickly eat into your budget.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation in Salmiya is quite affordable, and you can get around easily using buses and taxis. If you're planning to drive, be prepared for high fuel costs and parking fees, especially in the more popular areas of Salmiya.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Salmiya, such as visiting the beach or parks, you'll need to be selective about the more expensive options like shopping at high-end malls or going to fancy restaurants and bars.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Salmiya is possible, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, utilities, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Salmiya.

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

"I've been living in Salmiya 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 adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Salmiya is a popular area for expats, so the cost of living can be a bit higher than in other parts of Kuwait. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the older parts of Salmiya, where you can find more reasonably priced accommodations. You might have to sacrifice a bit on the size or modernity of the apartment, but it's still possible to find a comfortable place to live.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Kuwait, especially if you're used to driving a luxury vehicle. I'd recommend getting a more budget-friendly car or even using public transportation, which is quite reliable and affordable here. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also available and can be cost-effective if you don't need to travel long distances daily.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. There are plenty of more affordable dining options in Salmiya, including local eateries and fast food chains. You can also save money by cooking at home, as groceries are relatively inexpensive in Kuwait.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you might have to be more selective about how you spend your free time. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting the beach, parks, or local markets. You might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to the cinema or shopping at high-end malls.In terms of neighborhoods to avoid, I'd say that the more upscale areas like Salwa and Bida'a might be out of your budget, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher than in Salmiya. Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Salmiya is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle," said one expat living in Salmiya.

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

"I've been living in Salmiya for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of location and housing options.Salmiya is a popular area for expats, and it has a good mix of affordable and more upscale neighborhoods. If you're looking to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the older parts of Salmiya, like Block 10 or Block 12. These areas have more reasonably priced apartments, and you can find a decent 2-bedroom place for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Keep in mind that these apartments might not be as modern or luxurious as the ones in newer buildings, but they're still comfortable and have all the basic amenities you need.On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale living experience, you might want to consider the newer parts of Salmiya, like Block 2 or Block 3. These areas have more luxurious apartments and villas, but the prices can be quite high – you could easily spend $2,500 to $3,500 a month on rent alone. If you're on a $5,000 a month budget, this might not leave you with much money for other expenses, so you'll have to weigh your priorities carefully.In terms of other living expenses, groceries and dining out can be quite affordable in Salmiya. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. Dining out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be – there are plenty of budget-friendly local restaurants, as well as more upscale international options.Transportation is another expense to consider. While public transportation is available, it's not as reliable or convenient as in some other countries. Many expats choose to rent or buy a car, which can add to your monthly expenses. However, if you're willing to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services, you can still get around without breaking the bank.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Salmiya on a $5,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make some compromises on housing and transportation. It's a great area with a lot to offer, and I've really enjoyed my time here," commented an expat living in Salmiya.

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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