Doha and Dubai are two of the Middle East’s most appealing cities for families and expats. Both offer high living standards, strong career prospects, and modern infrastructure. But if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find some real differences in how much you’ll spend in each city.
Doha tends to be gentler on the wallet for families. Rentals are lower, and everyday costs are more manageable. In contrast, Dubai offers higher pay and a very cosmopolitan vibe, but you’ll likely spend more on lifestyle, outings, and luxury.
Rent and utilities are among the biggest monthly costs you need to watch. And transportation? It adds up as well, especially if you’re commuting from further out.
This guide lays out what you might spend in Doha vs. Dubai so that you can clearly see which city fits your style, priorities, and budget.
Living expenses overview
Housing usually eats the biggest part of your budget. After that, you’ll likely spend on:
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Schooling
- Transportation
Housing in Doha tends to be cheaper. It suits families who don’t mind staying outside the city centre in exchange for more space. Dubai’s real estate comes at a premium, especially in hotspots like:
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
Although the salaries in Dubai are often higher, rents and childcare usually offset that benefit.
You’ll find that groceries are more affordable in Doha. Utility bills and routine daily expenses also tend to be lower, meaning families may be able to save more over time.
For a more detailed breakdown of the costs, make sure to check out our complete guide to living expenses in Qatar.
Detailed cost breakdown
Housing
Housing is generally the biggest monthly expense for expats.
Doha is cheaper across all kinds of accommodation. You’ll get more space for less. Expect to pay significantly more for apartments and villas in Dubai, especially in prime areas.
Rental comparison table
| Type | Doha (QAR) | Dubai (QAR) |
| One-bedroom, city centre | 5,938 | 8,592 |
| One-bedroom, outside city centre | 4,187 | 5,578 |
| Three-bedroom, city centre | 11,538 | 17,112 |
| Three-bedroom, outside city centre | 8,574 | 11,335 |
| Buying price per sq. m. (city centre) | 19,856 | 27,615 |
| Buying price per sq. m. (outside city centre) | 13,270 | 14,247 |
To sum up:
- A one‑bedroom in Dubai’s city centre costs 31% more than in Doha.
- Outside the centre, you’ll pay 25% more in Dubai.
- For three‑bedroom flats in city centres, expect 33% higher rents in Dubai.
- Outside centres, that gap drops to about 24%.
- In Dubai, buying property in city centre areas is 28% more expensive, compared to a 7% difference outside the centre.
One of the biggest decisions that can impact your expenses as an expat in a foreign country is whether you rent or buy or lease, so make sure to check out our guide to leasing vs buying an apartment in Qatar to help you make the right decision for you.
Utilities and internet
Basic utilities include electricity, water, garbage clearance, heating, and cooling.
In Dubai, utilities for an 85 sq. m. flat cost about 757 QAR a month, while in Doha, they are around 317 QAR. That’s a big difference!
Dubai’s monthly costs for mobile plans hover near 227 QAR; Doha, roughly 133 QAR. The internet cost is closer. It costs 357 QAR in Dubai and 317 QAR in Doha, so the difference isn’t huge.
Transportation
In Dubai:
- Public transport is efficient and well-organised.
- The Dubai Metro connects central areas smoothly.
- Ride-hailing apps are widely used.
- Roads are excellent, and private car usage is high.
In Doha:
- Infrastructure has improved rapidly in recent years.
- The Doha Metro is modern and connects key parts of the city.
- Public transport, including buses and taxis, is expanding.
Overall, both cities offer solid transportation networks. However, Dubai’s network is more comprehensive, making daily commutes easier.
Fuel is cheaper in Doha, which helps reduce overall transport costs.
On average:
- 1 litre of petrol costs 2.07 QAR in Doha and 2.71 QAR in Dubai.
- A monthly transport pass is 100 QAR in Doha and 317 QAR in Dubai.
- Taxi fares start higher in Dubai (11.88 QAR vs. 8 QAR in Doha), but Doha has steeper per-km (8 QAR vs. 2.48 QAR) and per-hour waiting fees (50 QAR vs. 30 QAR).
Food and groceries
Day‑to‑day groceries like rice, eggs, fruit, and vegetables tend to cost less in Doha. Here’s a side‑by‑side:
- White rice: 8.8 QAR in Dubai vs. 8 QAR in Doha
- Dozen eggs: 12.31 QAR in Dubai vs. 9.15 QAR in Doha
- Apples (1 kg): 8.42 QAR in Dubai vs. 8 QAR in Doha
- Onions (1 kg): 4.19 QAR in Dubai vs. 4.05 QAR in Doha
Eating out also follows this trend, with dining in Dubai being more expensive than in Doha:
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 292 QAR in Dubai vs. 200 QAR in Doha.
- Fast-food combo meal: 35 QAR in Dubai vs. 26 QAR in Doha.
Education
Education is another significant cost, especially for expat families. Both cities have a range of international schools. The monthly preschool cost is slightly higher in Doha (3,045 QAR) than in Dubai (2,994 QAR). But when you look at full‑year fees for international primary school, Dubai jumps ahead (54,219 QAR vs 41,568 QAR in Doha).
Leisure, entertainment, and clothing
- Gym memberships: 308 QAR per month in Dubai compared to 443 QAR in Doha.
- Tennis court rentals (weekends): 181 QAR in Dubai vs. 113 QAR in Doha.
- Cinema tickets: 54 QAR in Dubai vs. 45 QAR in Doha.
- Branded jeans: 296 QAR in Dubai vs. 230 QAR in Doha
- Mid-range running shoes: 472 QAR in Dubai vs. 375 QAR in Doha
Income and purchasing power
On average, monthly net salaries in Dubai are around 14,292 QAR, while in Doha, you can expect to earn nearly 11,322 QAR. While Dubai offers higher pay, everyday expenses are also higher.
Purchasing power is stronger in Doha, meaning your salary stretches further. To enjoy a similar lifestyle, you’d need:
- About 24,756 QAR per month in Dubai
- About 19,000 QAR per month in Doha
Comparing overall costs
Dubai is roughly 30.3% more expensive than Doha overall.
- Housing: Much higher in Dubai, especially in prime locations.
- Food and groceries: About 11% more costly in Dubai.
- Dining out: Expect to pay nearly 29% more in Dubai restaurants.
- Transportation: Fuel is cheaper in Doha, but Dubai wins on network coverage.
- Utilities: Basic utilities and mobile plans are costlier in Dubai.
- Leisure and clothing: Dubai provides more options at a higher price.
Factors influencing cost differences
- Luxury and branded products: Dubai has a high demand for designer and branded items, which pushes prices up. There are fewer luxury options in Doha, so everyday things cost less.
- Real estate: Dubai has many significant property developments, especially in popular areas that cost more. Doha’s housing market is smaller and less in demand, so prices are lower.
- Utilities and subsidies: In Doha, the government helps cover energy costs, which lowers electricity and water bills.
- Transport: Dubai has a big and well-run public transport system, which can be expensive. In Doha, fuel is cheaper, so transport costs are lower overall.
- Imported products: Dubai is very competitive, which sometimes makes imports cheaper. But in general, prices are still higher than in Doha. Doha imports fewer goods so some items may cost more.
- Tax and income: Neither city charges income tax. People earn more in Dubai, which helps cover higher costs. In Doha, salaries are lower, but so are living expenses.
- Lifestyle and leisure: People in Dubai spend more on fun and social activities. In Doha, most people live a quieter, family-based lifestyle and spend less.
- Investment and business opportunities: Dubai attracts professionals and investors from all over the world, raising prices. Doha’s slower growth keeps living costs stable.
If you are on a tight budget, or want to save on your accommodation while living in Doha, you really should check out these affordable apartments for rent in Doha that will give you the house you want for a fraction of the cost.
Cost of living Doha vs Dubai: more conducive for whom?
For families and expats
If you want to save on rent, utilities, and schooling, Doha is very attractive. You get more space and comfort for less.
For professionals
If job opportunities, networking, and fast growth matter, Dubai offers more. The price of that comes in your everyday expenses, though.
For those seeking stability
Doha is a better fit if you’re after stability and affordability. But if you want to invest in luxury real estate and enjoy a high-end lifestyle, Dubai might be the way to go.
For investors and business-minded individuals
Dubai remains a larger global hub with more sectors and investment options. Doha’s market is growing, but is still more focused on fewer areas.
For those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle
Dubai has the glitz, the buzz, the international mash‑up. Doha offers quiet luxury, a more family pace, and a slower rhythm.
Key takeaways
Both Doha and Dubai offer modern amenities, strong job markets, and a high quality of life. But Doha is generally more affordable. Rent, groceries, utilities, and schooling tend to cost less, making it ideal for families or anyone looking to save.
Conversely, Dubai has higher salaries and a more dynamic lifestyle, but it comes with a higher price tag. It’s better suited for professionals and those looking to advance their careers.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what matters most to you: saving money in Doha or enjoying more opportunities in Dubai.
FAQs
Is rent cheaper in Doha or Dubai?
Rent for both city-centre and suburban apartments is lower in Doha.
Are groceries and utilities more affordable in Doha?
On the whole, daily groceries and basic utilities are cheaper in Doha than in Dubai.
What about public transport costs across both cities?
Overall, public transport and fuel are cheaper in Doha. However, Dubai’s transportation network is far more extensive.
Is education more affordable in Doha?
Preschool is more affordable in Dubai, while international primary schools charge lower fees in Doha.
How do salaries compare?
Salaries are higher in Dubai than in Doha.
What about leisure and entertainment?
Casual entertainment is cheaper in Doha. However, in Dubai, you have more variety for international-standard experiences.
Which city is more budget-friendly?
Doha is lighter on the pocket for daily living. However, Dubai offers better career opportunities and salaries.
