Cost Comparison 2025

DohavsSingapore

Qatar
Singapore

Overall

💰

+46.2%

Doha is 46.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+63.6%

Housing is 63.6% higher

Dining

🍽️

+23.1%

Restaurants 23.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+41.7%

Food shopping 41.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Doha, Qatar and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Doha is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 46.2%. 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 lower than in Singapore by 39%. A one-bedroom apartment in Doha's city center costs around QAR 7,000, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

Dining out in Doha offers significant savings compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs QAR 35 in Doha versus SGD 15 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Doha is more expensive, with monthly passes at QAR 200 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

Grocery shopping in Doha is more affordable by approximately 29%. 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about QAR 6,566 monthly in Doha versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
QAR 7,000
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
QAR 4,500
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
QAR 14,000
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
QAR 35
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
QAR 200
SGD 100
Cappuccino
QAR 20
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
QAR 50
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
QAR 6
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
QAR 4
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
QAR 10
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
QAR 40
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
QAR 8
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
QAR 200
SGD 120
Taxi Start
QAR 10
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
QAR 2
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
QAR 300
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
QAR 350
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
QAR 1
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Singapore, 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 Singapore 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doha more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Doha is approximately 46.2% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.5x of your Singapore salary when living in Doha. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $73,077 in Doha for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Doha and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 39%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Doha and Singapore in 2025 shows significant 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 Singapore to maintain your lifestyle from Doha

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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