Cost of living in Al Shamal City (Madīnat ash Shamāl)

Al Shamal City, located in the northern region of Qatar, offers a unique lifestyle with its blend of traditional and modern influences. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it impacts daily life and financial planning.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Al Shamal City, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're considering a move or simply curious about the expenses, this overview will help you navigate the financial landscape of the city.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3 on average, with a range between $3 and $17.81.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $54.8, with prices ranging from $27.64 to $104.12.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4, with a range between $4 and $8.77.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.48 to $16.44, imported beer $6.85 to $13.7, cappuccino $2.74 to $8.22, and Coke/Pepsi $0.68 to $1.37.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.64 and $2.47 per liter, averaging $2.12.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.89 and $2.74, with an average price of $1.55.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.32 to $3.29, averaging $2.57.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.37 to $2.19 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $2.19 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.55 and $1.37 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.55 to $2.74 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.55 and $0.6 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.92, with a cost of $1.92 to $2.74 per km and $6.85 to $21.92 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $16,165.75 and $28,468.16, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $19,179.71 to $21,919.66.

Housing Costs

  • Average Monthly Rent - While specific rental prices are not provided, housing costs can vary significantly based on location and amenities.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter - Information on buying prices per square meter is not available, but costs can vary widely.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $54.8 and $172.62, averaging $97.09.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $68.5 to $109.6, with an average cost of $87.52.

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Qatar are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Qatar, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$54.80
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$10.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$10.96
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.88
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.35
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.12
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.55
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.57
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.50
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.47
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.29
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.70
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.37
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$6.58
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.22
Apples (1kg)
$1.95
Oranges (1kg)
$1.53
Potato (1kg)
$0.97
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.31
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.18
Tomato (1kg)
$1.41
Banana (1kg)
$1.60
Onion (1kg)
$1.27
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$10.87
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.56
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,919.66
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.19
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.33
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,147.41
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$97.09
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$87.52
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.74
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.33
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$63.21
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$57.42
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$98.77
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$94.73
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$7,691.25
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5.81%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$765.45
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$11,162.97
Al Shamal City (Madīnat ash Shamāl) Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Al Shamal City offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Qatar, especially in terms of dining and transportation.

Grocery prices are moderate, with essential items like milk, bread, and eggs being reasonably priced.

Transportation costs are low, particularly for fuel, making it economical for car owners.

Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Al Shamal City provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, transportation, and utility costs. While housing prices can vary, the overall expenses are manageable for most residents.

For those considering a move to Al Shamal City, understanding these costs can aid in budgeting and financial planning, ensuring a smooth transition to life in this vibrant Qatari city.