Cost Comparison 2025

DohavsDallas

Qatar
United States

Overall

💰

+10.8%

Doha is 10.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-9.1%

Housing is 9.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

+10.8%

Restaurants 10.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+30.0%

Food shopping 30.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Doha, Qatar and Dallas, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Doha is more expensive than Dallas by approximately 10.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Doha are higher than in Dallas by 10%. A one-bedroom apartment in Doha's city center costs around QAR 7,000, while the same in Dallas is approximately $1,600.

Dining out in Doha costs about the same compared to Dallas. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs QAR 35 in Doha versus $15 in Dallas.

Public transportation in Doha is more expensive, with monthly passes at QAR 200 compared to $96 in Dallas.

Grocery shopping in Doha is more affordable by approximately 23%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Doha can expect to spend approximately QAR 1,876 per month (excluding rent), while in Dallas, the same lifestyle would cost around $563. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about QAR 6,566 monthly in Doha versus $1,971 in Dallas. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Doha, Qatar
Dallas, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
QAR 7,000
$1,600
1BR Outside Center
QAR 4,500
$1,200
3BR City Center
QAR 14,000
$2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
QAR 35
$15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
QAR 200
$75
Cappuccino
QAR 20
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
QAR 50
$5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
QAR 6
$1
Bread (500g)
QAR 4
$3
Eggs (12)
QAR 10
$3
Cheese (1kg)
QAR 40
$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
QAR 8
$3
Monthly Pass
QAR 200
$96
Taxi Start
QAR 10
$3
Gasoline (1L)
QAR 2
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
QAR 300
$135
Internet (60 Mbps)
QAR 350
$60
Mobile Minute
QAR 1
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Dallas, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Dallas to Doha requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Dallas

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doha more expensive than Dallas?

Yes, Doha is approximately 10.8% more expensive than Dallas overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Doha compared to Dallas?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Dallas salary when living in Doha. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dallas, you'd need about $55,385 in Doha for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Doha and Dallas?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 23%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Dallas offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Dallas provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Doha if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dallas for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Doha vs Dallas?

In Doha, a single person needs approximately QAR 6,376 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about QAR 15,566. In Dallas, these figures are $1,763 for singles and $4,071 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Doha and Dallas in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Dallas to maintain your lifestyle from Doha

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers