In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Qatar - any experiences?
I stayed in Doha for a week and found it fairly modern but not cheap. Shawarma plates were $5, but dinners in the Pearl cost $25+. The metro was fantastic at $0.50 a ride, but taxis were $10 each. Tips were 10%. My average daily spend was $65, though desert trips added $80 extra. For planning, I’d say $60-70 daily is safe for meals, metro/taxis, and tips. Qatar is polished and convenient, but costs are closer to Western Europe than to nearby Gulf countries.
Meals: $5-7 local, $15-20 restaurants. Transport: $0.50 metro, $7-10 taxis. Tips: 10%. Safe daily budget: $55-65. Add more for tours, as desert safaris are $60-80. Qatar isn’t as pricey as Dubai but still feels upscale. For a month, $1,800-2,000 is realistic for meals, rides, and tips.
I averaged $70 daily in Doha. Restaurant meals were $15-18, cafés $5-6, and taxis $8-10. Tips were 10%. At this budget, I could eat out daily, take taxis or metro comfortably, and enjoy extras like museum tickets or desert excursions. Nightlife is costly, with drinks $10-12 each, so those days went higher. $70 is a safe figure for meals, local transport, and tips.
Qatar is more expensive than its neighbors but still manageable. Local meals like shawarma are $3-4, while mid-range restaurant dinners are $15-20. Metro rides are $0.50, and taxis $6-10. Tips are 10%. On a budget, you can live on $40-45 daily by eating local and relying on the metro. Souq Waqif food stalls are good value, and Doha’s museums are often free or cheap. Long-term stays can be affordable if you avoid daily taxis.