Cost Comparison 2025

DohavsSydney

Qatar
Australia

Overall

💰

+38.5%

Doha is 38.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+45.5%

Housing is 45.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+38.5%

Restaurants 38.5% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+41.7%

Food shopping 41.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Doha, Qatar and Sydney, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Doha is more expensive than Sydney by approximately 38.5%. 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 Sydney by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in Doha's city center costs around QAR 7,000, while the same in Sydney is approximately A$3,000.

Dining out in Doha offers significant savings compared to Sydney. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs QAR 35 in Doha versus A$20 in Sydney.

Public transportation in Doha costs similarly, with monthly passes at QAR 200 compared to A$200 in Sydney.

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 Sydney, the same lifestyle would cost around A$804. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about QAR 6,566 monthly in Doha versus A$2,814 in Sydney. 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
Sydney, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
QAR 7,000
A$3,000
1BR Outside Center
QAR 4,500
A$2,200
3BR City Center
QAR 14,000
A$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
QAR 35
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
QAR 200
A$120
Cappuccino
QAR 20
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
QAR 50
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
QAR 6
A$2
Bread (500g)
QAR 4
A$3
Eggs (12)
QAR 10
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
QAR 40
A$12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
QAR 8
A$5
Monthly Pass
QAR 200
A$200
Taxi Start
QAR 10
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
QAR 2
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
QAR 300
A$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
QAR 350
A$80
Mobile Minute
QAR 1
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Sydney, 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 Sydney 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

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doha more expensive than Sydney?

Yes, Doha is approximately 38.5% more expensive than Sydney overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Sydney salary when living in Doha. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Sydney, you'd need about $69,231 in Doha for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Doha and Sydney?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 31%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Sydney, these figures are A$3,004 for singles and A$6,614 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Doha and Sydney 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 Sydney to maintain your lifestyle from Doha

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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