Cost of living 2018 in Kuwait

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Kuwait?

- Varies greatly with standards, location, and requirements.  My single friends pay anywhere from 400kd-600kd for apartments from one bedroom to three bedrooms.  My dog/cat-friendly villa with 4 bedrooms and three stories is 1000kd a month (others can go for as much as 1500kd).

How much does it cost to buy an apartment or a house in Kuwait?

- no can do, I'm afraid.

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?

- I have my own car.   Cost of ownership here is low and second-hand vehicles tend to be pretty cheap (actual cost will depend based on your standards/requirements).  Gas costs me less than $30 to fill up, and registration/insurance costs are negligible

- For those who rely on taxis:  From Mangaf I can get a taxi almost anywhere for 5kd (avenues, friday market, Salmiya, etc).  I think the busses are 100fil?


What is your monthly budget for groceries?

- For Me and my wife, raising two kids, we budget almost 50kd a week for groceries and we always have a little to spare.  I have a Hungarian friend who claims to spend almost 1000-euro on groceries a month for just him and his wife. He doesn't shop around, he doesn't barter, and he buys a LOT of fresh fruits and vegetables.

How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Kuwait?

- My company provides medical insurance.  Private sector medical visits are 5kd a pop.  The one time I did go to a government hospital, all I had to buy was a 5kd stamp.  Not sure if that's the norm or not.


How much does childcare cost on average per month?

- Varies greatly with standards/expectations:  My kids daycare is 825kd a session.  This session will run January through june.  I'm told that the babysitting average for a maid is 2kd per hour.  The last time I needed a babysitter I asked one of the nannies at school for help and paid her 3kd/hr.  She seemed happy with that

What is your child's schooling budget per month?

- Varies greatly with standards/expectations/grade level.  For kindergarten we paid almost 2000kd for the year.  Next year will be 3000kd.  yikes.

How much does it cost to fill up your cars fuel tank? 

- under 10kd even with a tip.  From full empty, I can fill my wife's car with gas for 8kd and change.  I usually tip 1kd to the guy who pumps it.  I budget 5kd a week for my car and I drive from Mangaf to the airport every day.

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?

-usually covered by the landlord.  If you have a gas stove you will need to refil your own container.  It costs me 1kd and usually lasts a month


How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?

- Phone is 5kd a month, internet for the house is 6kd.

I'm afraid I cant comment on the rest.  I don't have a gym membership, I drink drip coffee in the mornings, and I don't go to the movies very often.  Sorry.

Dear Pricilla,

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Kuwait
]2 Bedroom range for 300 KD to 450KD on normal new Flats.
on a better Flats with swimming Pools, Car Shades and Gymn.. from 600KD to 1000KD

How much does it cost to buy an apartment or a house in Kuwait?
We, expatriates are not allowed to buy apartments. Unless you are married to a Kuwaiti.

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?

For Public Bus range from 250 Fils for short distance  and 350 Fils for Longer like Fahaheel and Jahra. But for Special Transport Monthly from 20KD to 50KD Monthly.

How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
It depends your lifestyles.. if you always eat outside I guess 100KD to 200 KD.

What is your monthly budget for groceries?
It depends on your needs..100KD to 150KD

How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Kuwait?
I dont know I rarely go to Clinic or Hospitals.

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?
Only during we renew our annual Visa 18.. we need to pay 1st our Health Insurance 75KD.

How much does childcare cost on average per month?
My daughter 14 years old ..it cost 100KD

What is your child's schooling budget per month?
Tri Semester and School Bus..books,etc...450KD

How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
20KD to 30KD Large Chevrolet SUV Trailblazer..

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
50 KD

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
Total 90 KD.. my family

How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
We always cooked our foods at home.. we only go to restaurant every pay day..
Monthly salary.. 60KD

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
a cup was 500 Fils to 2 KD.

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
2 to 3 KD per person.

How much does a gym membership cost in Kuwait?
I never go to Gymn..

Hello. Cost of living in general, is pretty reasonable.  A taxi in Salmiya costs 1 KD.  From Salmiya to the Avenues Mall in Riggae cost about 2 to 2.5 KD.  If it's more then the driver is taking advantage of you. To get a nice apartment, you will have to pay over 300 KD a month minimum.

Hi hello,
Iam dr.Saravana Kumar specialist Dentist from India.  I have been offered Job in kuwait Moh with a monthly salary of 1220kd. The kuwait Moh will not pay for the first  4 months,as am planning to move along with my Wife (no kids) ,kindly let me know the cost of living as of year 2018. I know this is a off beaten topic, but still I would like To know the cost of living and how much can I save.
Thanks in advance.
Looking forward for your response.

Hello Pricilla

Here goes my experiences:

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Kuwait?
On my side, I am paying 340 KWD per month.

How much does it cost to buy an apartment or a house in Kuwait?
Expatriates are not allowed to buy an apartment or house in Kuwait. Not unless you are married with a local Kuwaiti.

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
Usually, buses fees are minimum 250 fils per ride, shorter range, longer range is 300-350 fils. As per my experience, since everyday I am taking bus to go work, I take 15KD bus pass to all route. that is good for 1 month already.

How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
I usually cook pasta or bread and rice. But it will always depends on your lifestyle. If you always eat out, it will cost you more than 100 KWD.

What is your monthly budget for groceries?
My monthly budget for grocery is 20-30 KWD. I sometimes buy fresh fishes and frozen chicken. Also, I always get the offers and promos which will cost me little cheaper than the regular price.

How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Kuwait?
If you visit the MOH / public clinics, it will cost you 2KWD per consultancy. for private hospitals, minimum 10KWD.

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?
I honestly dont pay monthly health insurance. I have my healthcard the moment i renewed my visa, but I dont know pay for it. I pay it only once. (not sure with the cost.)

How much does childcare cost on average per month?
No idea. I dont have a baby. I wish i have.

What is your child's schooling budget per month?
No idea. I dont have a baby. I wish i have.

How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
I dont own a car and I wish i do. but I overheard that it will not cost you a lot.

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
I am living in the building that is billed with electricity and water. at first, I paid 125 KWD to MEW, but it will be refundable once you leave your apartment. And the monthly payment for the Water and Electricity is only 3 - 4 KWD

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
My phone + net monthly subscription is KWD 30. Unlimited call and SMS and 500GB internet every month.

How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
I only eat biscuits and coffee in my office. I always purchase cookies and biscuits and keep in my office. Whenever i feel hungry, I am eating it.

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
I have my own coffee machine, I am only buying Starbucks brewed coffee that costs me 3KWD (free grinding) and/or I am buying turkish coffee to a local market that costs me 4.500 KWD for a kilo.

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
CInema tickets will cost you 2KWD during Mondays but regularly it will cost you 3.500 KWD

How much does a gym membership cost in Kuwait?
Gym registration fee will cost you a minimum of 15KWD to any gym. But if you will register to Platinum or Oxygen, it will cost you a lot.

Ciao bello!

Your offered salary is good...  Saving is depend upon you... Buy you can save atlist 750 kd from, 1150 kd....  If you stay with you family...

Hi hello there,
Iam a secondary and high school teacher.  I have been offered Job in kuwait with a monthly salary of 1020KD tax free. I will be staying alone, the school in mangaf kuwait kindly let me know the cost of living as of year 2018. I know this is a off beaten topic, but still I would like To know the cost of living and how much can I save.
Thanks in advance.

Dennis J
Looking forward for your response.