Cost Comparison 2025

SeattlevsDoha

United States
Qatar

Overall

💰

-27.8%

Seattle is 27.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-26.7%

Housing is 26.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-23.5%

Restaurants 23.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-29.4%

Food shopping 29.4% less

Comparing the cost of living between Seattle, United States and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Seattle is more affordable than Doha by approximately 27.8%. 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 Seattle are higher than in Doha by 36%. A one-bedroom apartment in Seattle's city center costs around $2,400, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Seattle is notably more expensive compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in Seattle versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Seattle is more affordable, with monthly passes at $99 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

Purchasing power in Seattle is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Doha.

Grocery shopping in Seattle is more expensive by approximately 42%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Seattle can expect to spend approximately $669 per month (excluding rent), while in Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,342 monthly in Seattle versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. 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
Seattle, United States
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,400
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,900
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
$4,500
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$100
QAR 200
Cappuccino
$6
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
$4
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
$4
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
$15
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
$99
QAR 200
Taxi Start
$5
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
$1
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
$70
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
$0
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Seattle, 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 Seattle 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

Seattle

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index115

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle more expensive than Doha?

No, Seattle is approximately 27.8% cheaper than Doha. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 78% of your Doha salary when living in Seattle. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $39,130 in Seattle for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Seattle and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 42%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Seattle, a single person needs approximately $2,569 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,542. In Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers