Kuwait is a country of choice for many people who want to enjoy tax free living in an interesting and dynamic country. Kuwait has the sixth largest oil reserve in the world and is the fifth richest country Arab country. Its property boom means there’s a wide variety of accommodation to choose from and there’s a good selection of international schools and tertiary colleges for the kids.
If you are considering moving to Kuwait, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Kuwait Facts:
- Population: 4,421,507 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language:Arabic is the official language of Kuwait. English is widely spoken in the country.
- GDP Per Capita:US$51,000 (2022 estimate)
- Quirky Facts: Kuwaitis have become a minority in their own nation. The total population of native Kuwaitis is around 1.45 million out of the total population of 4,421,507 and the rest of the population is made up of foreign nationals from nearly 120 countries around the world.
- Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (KD/KWD). As of 2022, KWD1 = £2.69, US$3.25, €3.12. $4.36 (CAD), $4.82 (AUD).
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Kuwait
Here are some sample Container Shipping Rates To Kuwait from other countries.
Also see: 10 Best International Moving Companies in Kuwait
2. Kuwait Housing Costs
Kuwait’s housing boom means there is plenty of choice on the accommodation front. Multinationals often provide their staff with apartments or housing as part of their contract. Newly built flats in Kuwait are spacious compared with the traditional older flats and apartments which are much smaller and darker.
Monthly Rental Prices in Kuwait
- 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre: KWD200.00 – KWD400.00
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre: KWD180.00 – KWD300.00
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: KWD400.00 – KWD750.00
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: KWD350.00 – KWD600.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in the city centre: KWD1,000.00 – KWD4,000.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city: KWD750.00 – KWD1,500.00
Source: Numbeo
Kuwait Housing Cost Comparison
Below is how rents in Kuwait compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 14.14% more expensive
United States is 72.88% more expensive
Canada is 25.44% more expensive
Australia is 29.27% more expensive
France is 8.05% cheaper
Spain is 21.58% cheaper
Italy is 25.55% more expensive
Germany is 4.59% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. If you don’t have accommodation provided for you by your company, sharing a room or flat is a good option to save on housing costs. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate: Iroommates, Housing-Just Landed, Expat, Expatriatesand Erasmusu.
- Different areas – different prices. Apartments and flats in the city centres are generally expensive in Kuwait. Mushrif is considered the most expensive city in the country. However, if you need to live in a city then Yarmouk, Surra, Alshamiya, Rawda, and Murgab are more affordable. Hawally, Bayan, Jabriya, Salmiya, and Salwa are some of the best areas chosen by foreign nationals.
3. Kuwait Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Kuwait is home to many nationalities and the food and cuisine in the hotels and restaurants reflects this. You’ll find everything from steak houses and burger joints to fine dining. There’s also a good selection of Kuwaiti restaurants that serve traditional dishes like Mutabbaq Samak, which is the national dish of Kuwait, which are well worth a visit.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: – KWD41.00 – KWD44.00
- Domestic beer: KWD0.50 – KWD2.00
- Coke/Pepsi: KWD0.10 – KWD0.30
- 1L of milk: KWD0.25 – KWD0.90
- Loaf of Bread: KWD0.15 – KWD0.60
- 12 Eggs: KWD0.38 – KWD0.90
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: KWD0.80 – KWD3.00
- 1kg Beef: KWD2.00 – KWD4.00
- 1kg Apples: KWD0.40 – KWD0.85
- 1kg White Rice: KWD0.40 – KWD0.85
Source: Numbeo
Below are how food prices and restaurants compare with other major countries in the world.
- UKrestaurants are 56% more expensive than and groceries are 44.60% more expensive than in Kuwait.
- United States restaurants are 21% more expensive than and groceries are 114.25% more expensive than in Kuwait.
- Canada restaurants are 20% more expensive than and groceries are 96.31% more expensive in Kuwait.
- Australia restaurants are75% more expensive than and groceries are 113.52% more expensive than in Kuwait.
- France restaurants are 75% more expensive and groceries are 91.96% more expensive than in Kuwait.
- Spain restaurants are 83% more expensive and groceries are 20.53% cheaper than in Kuwait.
- Italy restaurants are 01% more expensive and groceries are 53.36% more expensive than in Kuwait.
- Germanyrestaurants are 22% more expensive and groceries are 48.69% more expensive than in Kuwait.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Kuwait has many supermarket chains, independently owned grocery stores as well as local markets. Some of the popular supermarkets in Kuwait are Al Naseem Co-op Society, Al Rafaaiyan Bakala, Al Hakimi Supermarket, Ambassador Supermarketand Best Mart Central Market.
- Find Cheap Eats:That’s not so easy in Kuwait as dining out is expensive but have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Trip Advisor, Wanderlog, Trip 101, 248 AM, and Nile Guide.
4. Kuwait Alcohol Costs
Drinking in Kuwait is strictly prohibited under articles 206 A/B and D and the violation of this law leads to serious consequences.
5. Kuwait Transportation Fares
As a small country, Kuwait relies on road transport, metro rail and ferries for domestic travel, and airways for international travel. The road system is excellent with around 600+ buses. The KPTC (Kuwait Public Transport Company) operates bus transport services and the prices are flexible and affordable. People also rely on private cars and taxis to save time and travel conveniently in Kuwait.
Below are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (Local transport: KWD0.25 – KWD0.35
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): KWD10.00 – KWD20.00
- Taxi start (normal tariff): KWD0.75 – KWD2.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): KWD0.50 – KWD1.50
Source: Numbeo
How to save money on public transport
- KPTC provides up to 50% discount on tickets. Have a look at the KPTC website for details.
- Motorbikes and bicycles can be the best options to save money in Kuwait.
6. Cost of Internet in Kuwait
Kuwait has great internet and ranks 1st in Arab countries. Ooredoo, which is one of the best internet providers in the country, leads in the 5G internet network race, with speeds of up to 337.4 Mbps, followed by Zain and STC.
- YahClick TS2– KWD18.76/Mo for 2 Mbit/s
- Starlink SpaceX– $30.44/Mo for 200 Mbit/s
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Kuwait’s desert climate has four distinct seasons, with hot and dry summers and very short winters. The maximum summer temperature in the country can go up to 50C and, in the winter, the temperature can fall as low as 6C. July is the hottest month in Kuwait and January is the coldest and wettest. The annual rainfall in the country is between 75 mm to 150 mm, averaging 122 mm per annum.
Below are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: KWD6.00 – KWD25.00
- Summer Dress: KWD8.00 – KWD25.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): KWD20.00 – KWD40.00
- Business Shoes: KWD15.00 – KWD50.00
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mines): KWD26
- Deodorant: KWD1.875
- Shampoo: KWD1.000
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): KWD1.454
- Gym membership per month: KWD15.00 – KWD60.00
- Movie (cinema) ticket: KWD3.00 – KWD5.00
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Kuwait
Many people in Kuwait own and drive cars. However, buying a new car in Kuwait is expensive which is why most people, especially non-residents, choose to buy used cars.
A new car is automatically registered for three years, after which the registration has to be renewed annually. You can drive with your country’s driving licence on a visitor’s visa, but it has to be translated into Arabic. Once you receive your Civil ID card, you need to get a Kuwaiti licence. Some nationalities will have to take a driving test, others can just apply for a Kuwaiti licence without having to take a test. Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior website will give you more information on driving in Kuwait.
Below are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Kuwait:
- Volkswagen Golf:KWD5,000.00 – KWD8,500.00
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):KWD08 – KWD0.17
- Other fees (if any):The annual cost of running a car in Kuwait is KWD1,248.
Source: Numbeo, Kuwait Times, Kuwaiti Local.
Ways to save money driving in Kuwait
- Car sharing or pooling is one of the best ways to save money driving in Kuwait. Try Car Pool Service, Ride Over, Careem, Kuwait OFW, Olaand Yala Go.
- Taxis can be a cheaper option, especially if you are parking all day. Try Uberand Ride Guru.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Kuwait? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Kuwait
There is no personal income tax in Kuwait. For more information refer to Tax Summaries.
Kuwait imposes a 15% of corporate tax on GCC companies with foreign ownership. Refer to Tax Summaries for details.
VAT is not yet implemented in Kuwait but it’s introduction is planned for 2023. Have look at VATCALC to learn more.
10. Flight Costs from Kuwait
If you do make the move to Kuwait, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2022:
- London: KWD61
- Paris: KWD68
- New York: KWD155
- Los Angeles: KWD181
- Toronto: 179
- Dubai: KWD32
- Sydney: KWD239
- Melbourne: KWD261
- Cape Town: KWD185
- Hong Kong: KWD172
Other Kuwait Relocation Tips
The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Kuwait. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Kuwait Alone
Moving abroad is stressful but moving alone can be exceptionally difficult. However, the Kuwaitis and the large expat population in Kuwait will make the transition relatively easy. Below are a few tips about settling in Kuwait.
- Meetups:Connect with various groups through Meetup to participate in a wide range of activities in Kuwait.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Kuwait, from theatrical productions to riding camels in the desert. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – My Holidays, I Explore, Yalla Kuwait, Events and Festivals in Kuwait and Pinterest.
12. Moving to Kuwait with a Family
Moving abroad with a family is exciting but comes with many challenges. However, Kuwait has a lot to attract families. There’s a wide variety of theme parks, water parks and amusement parks, plus the beach, the desert, museums, theatres and shopping malls.
- New parents (or parents-to-be):Connect your family with many groups like Expat Moms in Kuwait, Kuwait Moms, Mommy and Me, For Ladies, and Simi Mama Club for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents-to-be.
- Live in a family-friendly area:Salwa is a very popular area with British expats and has a couple of great international schools. Hawally is an upmarket area which was designed with the ethos of ‘live, work and play’ in mind and is home to many Arabs and Asians. Al Asimah Governorate is another upmarket areas with many prominent schools serving different nationalities – American, British, Indian and more.
- Find things to do with the kids:Kuwait has many things for children to do. Have a look at the following websites for ideas – Trip Advisor, Edarabia, Inspirock, Kuwait with kids and Triphobo.
13. Moving to Kuwait for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Kuwait has a highly sophisticated economy with an ever changing and developing job market. Almost all sectors in Kuwait have jobs available, including people in various fields of engineering and construction, IT, hospitality, teaching, banking, medicine and, of course, oil and gas.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: You can also check salary ranges for your particular profession on Glassdoor and Salary Explorer.
- How to find work: You need to have a job lined up before you move to Kuwait. The following sites are good place to start your job hunt com, Internations, Naukri Gulf, Jobs in Kuwait, Edarabia, and Gulf Talent. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Kuwait from Australia
There are around 1,000 Australians are working and living in Kuwait. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Kuwait, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:Australia is 434 times bigger than Kuwait. The population of Australia is 25,890,773 whereas the population of Kuwait is 4,421,507.
- Join expat groups:MeetUp, Internations and Facebook offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Kuwait.
15. Moving to Kuwait from Canada
Around 7,000 Canadians are currently living and working in Kuwait. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada is 560 times bigger than Kuwait. The population of Canada is 38,929,902 whereas the population of Kuwait is 4,421,507.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Canadians through Internations and MeetUp.
16. Moving to Kuwait from the United Kingdom
Around 8,000 people from the UK are living and working in Kuwait. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: The UK is 14 times bigger than Kuwait. The population of the UK is 68,730,050 whereas the population of Kuwait is 4,421,507.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Brits in Kuwait through Internations and MeetUp.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Kuwait you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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